Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts
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This delicious recipe for Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts is the perfect side dish for any meal! Steamed, smashed and air fried – then sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, olive oil and garlic salt – this easy recipe for crispy Brussels sprouts only takes 15 minutes of cooking time!
What You Will ❤️ About Crispy Smashed Brussel Sprouts
- Simple Recipe! With only 5 ingredients this is my favorite way to take my favorite vegetable to the next level!
- Fun! Smashing vegetables is fun and gets a little aggression out!
- TikTok! You’ll be hip with the kids because they’ve probably seen this recipe on the Tok – which means it has to be good!
This recipe was made using the Paula Deen Air Fryer.
Smashed Brussels Sprouts Ingredients
Five simple ingredients will make this one of your favorite vegetable sides for a long time!
- Brussels Sprouts – I like to use fresh Brussels sprouts but you can use frozen – just steam per the directions on the package and follow the recipe from there
- Olive Oil – you could also drizzle with a little melted butter or avocado oil
- Garlic Salt – I love nothing more than garlic salt – but feel free to swap with your favorite seasonings!
- black pepper – if you’re using something like garlic salt – no need for extra salt – but a few cracks of fresh pepper are always good
- Parmesan cheese – I highly recommend using fresh Parmesan vs the store bought grated (don’t ever buy the stuff in the green jar!)
How to Make Smashed Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
This air fryer recipe is a healthy dinner side that makes the perfect Brussels sprouts. Here are the easy steps:
- Trim Brussels Sprouts by cutting off the ends and removing any loose leaves.
- Place trimmed Brussels sprouts in a microwave steamer (or bowl). Add ⅓ cup of water and microwave on high for 5 minutes
- This helps give you tender Brussels sprouts that are easier to smash
- Smash each of the Brussels sprouts with the bottom of a drinking glass or plate. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove any excess water from steaming.
- Line your air fryer tray with parchment paper
- Lay smashed Brussels sprouts on parchment paper on your air fryer tray or in the air fryer basket.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to make these in batches
- Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt, black pepper and Parmesan cheese
- Be sure to keep the sprouts in a single layer
- Air fry at 370º for 5 minutes – flip half way thru and sprinkle again with oil, garlic, pepper and cheese. Air fry an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve and drizzle with balsamic vinegar, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice!
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Tips, Tricks & FAQs
Yes definitely! I used my oven style air fryer because the flat pan had more space for more Brussels sprouts. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket – you might need to do two batches.
Yes. Use the same steps as listed above for steaming and smashing. Then place on a sheet pan and in the oven at 375º for 20 minutes. (The air fryer takes less time – but they both end up with the same delicious end!)
Store leftovers in an airtight container (I like these glass ones) in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can freeze up to three months. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes.
Brussels Sprouts Recipe Variations
- Spicy – add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce
- Dipping Sauce – serve with a side of maple syrup to dip the crispy smashed Brussels sprouts in
- Frozen Sprouts – frozen steam bag of brussels sprout are a great alternative to fresh! Follow package directions and then smash and air fry. They might be a little less firm than fresh – but will still have the crispy texture after air frying.
- Italian Seasoning – swap out the garlic salt with Italian seasoning – or go crazy with something like Curry Powder.
Best Air Fryer Accessories
Here’s my ultimate list of best air fryer accessories – whether you have a basket- or oven-style! I’ve also included a price guide as well as my favorite recipes for those accessories.
What to serve with Smashed Brussels Sprouts
More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipe Ideas
Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Trim Brussels Sprouts by cutting off the ends and removing any loose leaves.1 lb Brussels sprouts
- Place trimmed Brussels sprouts in a microwave steamer (or bowl). Add ⅓ cup of water and microwave on high for 5 minutes
- Smash each of the Brussels sprouts with the bottom of a drinking glass or plate. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove any excess water from steaming.
- Line your air fryer tray with parchment paper
- Lay smashed Brussels sprouts on parchment paper on your air fryer tray or in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to make these in batches
- Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt, black pepper and Parmesan cheese1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp garlic salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- Be sure to keep the sprouts in a single layer
- Air fry at 370º for 5 minutes – flip half way thru and sprinkle again with oil, garlic, pepper and cheese. Air fry an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve and drizzle with balsamic vinegar, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice!
