Hey there, fellow home chef! If you’re on a mission to jazz up your dinner table with some mouthwatering greens, look no further. I’ve got the perfect recipe for you – crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Trust me, these little green wonders are a game-changer in the world of veggies.
How To Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
So, you’re wearing your chef’s hat today, and you’ve got that craving for something crispy, savory, and maybe even a little bit fancy? Well, darling, you’re in for a treat! These Brussels sprouts are so delightful that even the veggie skeptics at your dinner table won’t be able to resist.
First things first, let’s gather our ingredients. You’ll need a pound of those adorable Brussels sprouts, a couple of teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of kosher salt, a dash of black pepper, and if you’re feeling fancy, three cloves of garlic thinly sliced. Oh, but let me tell you, that garlic adds a touch of pizzazz to the dish!
Now, don’t forget the optional toppings because they’re like the cherry on top of your culinary masterpiece. Think about drizzling some balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar for that tangy kick. How about a delicate drizzle of pomegranate molasses for a hint of sweetness? If you’ve got a sweet tooth, two teaspoons of pure maple syrup should do the trick. And if you’re in the mood for some cheesy goodness, three tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese will make your taste buds dance.
Alright, let’s get down to business. Begin by giving those Brussels sprouts a little TLC. Trim off their ends and peel away any grumpy-looking outer leaves. Then, slice them in half from top to bottom. If any of them are playing the role of the Hulk, cut them into quarters to keep things fair and square. After all, we want them all to cook evenly.
Now, here’s a little secret move you can pull off if you want those sprouts to be extra tender on the inside. Place them in a roomy bowl and let them soak in some warm tap water for about ten minutes. It’s like giving them a mini spa day, but for veggies. However, if you’re more of a “crispy on the outside, tender on the inside” type of person, feel free to skip this step.
While your sprouts are soaking up the good vibes, let’s preheat that air fryer of yours to 375 degrees. It usually takes around three minutes, but check your manufacturer’s instructions to be sure.
Once those sprouts have had their soak or skipped it, give them a gentle pat-dry with a kitchen towel. No need to be too rough; we’re not trying to make them lose their cool. Now, grab that bowl you used earlier for the spa treatment (or just use a clean one if you skipped that step) and toss in your sprouts. Drizzle them with that luscious olive oil and sprinkle the salt and pepper like you’re a seasoning superstar. Give them a little toss to make sure they’re all coated evenly, and then they’re ready for their hot air fryer date.
Pop those beauties into the air fryer basket, close it up, and let the magic happen for the next five minutes. Time to give ’em a little shake, just like you’re saying hello to an old friend. After another five minutes, pull that basket out again. Your Brussels sprouts should be on their way to crispy town by now. If they need a little extra time, don’t worry. Let them hang out in the fryer for a minute or two longer.
Here comes the grand finale – add those garlic cloves for an extra punch of flavor. Toss them around like they’re at a fancy dinner party, making sure they get cozy with the sprouts. Cook for another 2 to 4 minutes, checking and shaking that basket regularly. You want those Brussels sprouts to be crispy and golden, with that irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Now, if you’ve decided to go all out with toppings, it’s showtime! Transfer your Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl (or give that mixing bowl another chance to shine), and go wild with your chosen toppings. The balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, maple syrup, or Parmesan cheese – it’s your call. Mix ’em in, and get ready to savor the flavor explosion.
