Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan: Crispy, Cheesy, and Irresistible

Introduction: The Brussels Sprouts Renaissance

Brussels sprouts have long been one of the most misunderstood vegetables. For decades, they’ve suffered an undeserved reputation as bitter, soggy, and downright unappetizing. However, the culinary world has since rediscovered this cruciferous gem, giving it a major comeback—and no method of cooking has contributed more to this revival than the air fryer.

Why the air fryer? This popular kitchen appliance provides the perfect environment for transforming humble Brussels sprouts into golden-brown, crispy delights with tender centers. When paired with a generous helping of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil, Brussels sprouts take on a nutty, savory, and almost addictive quality. The result? A dish that can easily win over even the most dedicated veggie skeptics.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare the perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan. From selecting the best sprouts to getting that perfect crispy finish, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re preparing a healthy weeknight side dish or a crowd-pleasing holiday appetizer, this recipe is bound to impress.

Let’s dive into the magic behind this dish and explore why it deserves a permanent place in your air fryer rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Before we get to the nuts and bolts, here are a few reasons why this recipe is a favorite:

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
Healthy & Low-Carb: Packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Crispy & Cheesy: The air fryer delivers a perfect texture; Parmesan adds a rich umami flavor.
Versatile: A great side dish, snack, or even appetizer.
Minimal Ingredients: Only a handful of pantry staples required.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Basic Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Brussels sprouts	1 lb (450g)	Halved if large
Olive oil	2 tbsp	Can substitute avocado oil
Garlic powder	1 tsp	Or 2 cloves minced garlic
Salt	½ tsp	Adjust to taste
Black pepper	½ tsp	Freshly ground preferred
Parmesan cheese	½ cup (grated)	Use fresh Parmesan for better flavor
Lemon juice (optional)	1 tbsp	For a zesty finish
Red pepper flakes	¼ tsp	Optional – adds heat

Optional Add-Ins:

Balsamic glaze: For a sweet-savory twist
Crumbled bacon: Adds smokiness and crunch
Toasted pine nuts or almonds: A nutty contrast

How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan

Step 1: Preparing the Brussels Sprouts

Wash and trim: Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim off the stem ends and remove any discolored outer leaves.
Cut: Slice the sprouts in half lengthwise. If some are very small, leave them whole.
Dry thoroughly: Use a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to pat them completely dry. This step is crucial for crispiness.

💡 Tip: Wet sprouts steam instead of crisp. Don’t skip the drying step!

Step 2: Seasoning

Place the dried Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl.
Add olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Toss to coat evenly, ensuring each piece is well-seasoned.

Step 3: Air Frying

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Add the sprouts to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding. You may need to cook in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
After 10 minutes, check for crispiness. Add 2 more minutes if needed.

Step 4: Adding the Parmesan

Once the sprouts are golden and crispy, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over them directly in the basket.
Air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and forms a crust.
Remove and transfer to a serving bowl.

🧀 Pro Tip: Use finely grated Parmesan for a more even melt and better coating.

Step 5: Final Touches

Drizzle with lemon juice for brightness.
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for heat.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

These Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

As a Side Dish:

Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
Serve alongside pasta dishes like Alfredo or carbonara.

As an Appetizer:

Skewer them with toothpicks for party snacks.
Serve with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or sriracha mayo.

As a Main:

Combine with quinoa or couscous and roasted vegetables.
Toss into a warm salad with nuts, dried cranberries, and goat cheese.

Customization Ideas

Want to personalize this recipe? Here are some creative ideas:

1. Spicy Version

Add ½ tsp of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
Use chili oil instead of olive oil.

2. Bacon Lover’s Version

Toss in crispy bacon bits after air frying.
Add a dash of maple syrup for sweet & salty goodness.

3. Asian-Inspired

Use sesame oil, soy sauce, and finish with toasted sesame seeds.

4. Italian Twist

Add Italian seasoning and top with mozzarella for a cheesy twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 4 Servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	150
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	9g
Fiber	4g
Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	2g
Sodium	220mg

✅ Low-carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and vegetarian!

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers:

Allow to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Avoid the microwave—it softens the sprouts and loses the crunch.

Troubleshooting: Common Questions

Q: Why are my Brussels sprouts not crispy?

A: Make sure they are completely dry before seasoning and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.

Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

A: Yes, but thaw and dry them thoroughly. They tend to hold more water and require slightly more cook time.

Q: Can I make these dairy-free?

A: Absolutely! Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Conclusion: A Crowd-Pleasing Way to Eat Your Greens

Brussels sprouts have officially graduated from boring side dish to star of the plate, thanks to the incredible capabilities of the air fryer and a generous touch of Parmesan. This recipe takes just a few minutes of prep and turns an everyday veggie into something restaurant-worthy—crispy, cheesy, and absolutely addictive.

Whether you’re trying to get more greens into your diet, hosting a dinner party, or simply want a healthy snack, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan deliver on every front: flavor, texture, and nutrition.

The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef or spend hours in the kitchen to make them. With just a few ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can whip up this irresistible dish any night of the week.

So grab a bag of Brussels sprouts, fire up your air fryer, and experience this easy yet elegant recipe for yourself. We promise—it will convert even the most skeptical veggie eaters in your life.