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Everything changed when I started making Brussels sprouts in my air fryer. Gone are the days of mushy veggies that nobody wanted to eat. Now my kitchen fills with the aroma of golden crispy sprouts and my family actually fights over the last ones in the basket.
Not Your Usual Sprouts
My kids used to push Brussels sprouts around their plates until I discovered this method. The air fryer creates these incredibly crispy edges while keeping the insides tender and sweet. Even my veggie-skeptic husband now asks for seconds.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Sprouts: 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
- Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- Seasonings: Salt black pepper garlic powder
- Optional: Balsamic vinegar honey red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Sprouts
- Trim ends slice in half soak in cold water for 10 minutes then dry thoroughly.
- Season Well
- Toss with oil salt pepper and garlic powder in a large bowl.
- Load Your Fryer
- Place sprouts cut side down in basket avoid overcrowding.
- Cooking Time
- Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes shaking halfway through.
- Final Touch
- Add any extra seasonings while hot then serve right away.
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My Kitchen Wisdom
The secret to perfect sprouts is in the soaking. It pulls out any bitterness and helps them cook evenly. I always pat them super dry before adding oil otherwise they steam instead of crisp. Small batches are worth the extra time for maximum crunchiness.
Perfect Pairings
These sprouts shine alongside a juicy roasted chicken or grilled steak. Sometimes I drizzle them with honey and a splash of hot sauce for a sweet kick. My kids love dipping them in ranch and my husband crumbles bacon over his portion.
Save for Later
Leftover sprouts keep well in the fridge in a sealed container. A quick blast in the air fryer brings back their crunch. I often make extra to toss into salads for lunch the next day they add such a lovely crunch.
Mix It Up
My family never gets bored since we switch up the seasonings. A sprinkle of parmesan and Italian herbs works wonders. Sometimes we add crushed nuts for extra crunch or toss them with maple syrup for a sweet twist. Each batch becomes a new adventure.
Family Favorite
Who knew Brussels sprouts could bring such joy to our dinner table? From picky kids to skeptical adults everyone loves these crispy bites. They've completely changed how my family feels about vegetables and that makes this recipe pure gold in my book.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why soak Brussels sprouts in hot water?
- Soaking in hot water helps reduce bitterness and ensures even cooking. It also helps the sprouts become tender inside while getting crispy outside.
- → Can I skip cutting them in half?
- Cutting Brussels sprouts in half creates more surface area for browning. Whole sprouts take longer to cook and won't get as crispy on the outside.
- → How do I know when they're done?
- The Brussels sprouts should be golden brown on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork. The outer leaves will be crispy and dark golden.
- → Can I add other seasonings?
- Yes, you can add garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, or your favorite seasonings. Just toss them with the oil and spices before cooking.
- → Why are my Brussels sprouts not getting crispy?
- Make sure to dry the sprouts well after soaking and arrange them in a single layer. Overcrowding the basket prevents proper air circulation and crispiness.