Get ready to transform the most notorious vegetable into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds! These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic are not your grandmother's mushy, bland side dish. Instead, we're talking about perfectly caramelized, crispy edges, a tangy balsamic glaze, and a flavor explosion that will make even the pickiest eaters fall in love with brussels sprouts. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality side dish that's not only incredibly delicious but also super easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the brussel sprouts thoroughly under cool running water, then pat them completely dry using paper towels to ensure crispy roasting.
- Trim the stem ends of the brussel sprouts and slice each sprout in half lengthwise, creating a flat surface that will help achieve maximum caramelization.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, whisking the ingredients until well incorporated.
- Add the halved brussel sprouts to the bowl and toss gently, ensuring each sprout is evenly coated with the seasoned oil mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for approximately 3-4 minutes to ensure proper heating.
- Arrange the brussel sprouts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Cook the brussel sprouts in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure uniform browning and crispiness.
- Check the brussel sprouts for desired doneness - they should be golden brown, crispy on the edges, and tender on the inside.
- Remove from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate, optionally drizzling additional balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
- Let the brussel sprouts rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and achieve optimal texture.
Tips
- Drying is crucial! Ensure your brussels sprouts are completely dry after washing to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - give those sprouts some space to get beautifully golden and crisp.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
- For extra flavor, experiment with adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or crispy bacon bits right before serving.
- If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the oil mixture for a spicy kick.
- Fresh brussels sprouts work best - avoid using frozen ones for this recipe.
- Adjust cooking time slightly based on the size of your brussels sprouts and your specific air fryer model.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
