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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan 1

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan

Crispy, caramelized, and cheesy Brussels sprouts that might just change your mind about this vegetable. These air fryer Brussels sprouts with Parmesan are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a savory Parmesan coating that elevates these humble vegetables to gourmet status.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 165 kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil for a higher smoke point
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat lovers
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
  • fresh lemon zest from half a lemon

Instructions
 

  • Trim the woody ends off each Brussels sprout and remove any discolored outer leaves. Slice each sprout in half lengthwise through the stem. For extra crispiness, you can peel off individual leaves from about ¼ of your sprouts – these will become extra-crispy "chips" when air fried.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes. Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in your air fryer basket, cut-side down for maximum caramelization. Don't overcrowd – work in batches if necessary.
  • Cook the Brussels sprouts for 8 minutes at 375°F, then shake the basket to redistribute them. Continue cooking for another 4-7 minutes until they're deeply golden brown with crispy edges.
  • When the Brussels sprouts are nearly done, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over them and return to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly crisp.
  • Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh lemon zest and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2 minutes of cooking time.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-packaged versions and offers superior flavor.
Let the seasoned sprouts sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to penetrate the vegetables.
Brussels sprouts that are uniform in size will cook more evenly. If you have a mix of sizes, cut larger ones into quarters to match the smaller halves.

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 7gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 520mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin C: 124mg
Keyword Brussels Sprouts, Air Fryer, Parmesan, Vegetables, Healthy Sides, Crispy Vegetables
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