Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Meet the crispy, golden side dish you’ll want to make again and again: Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts. This quick and easy recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into irresistibly savory bites—with garlicky edges, cheesy tops, and that fabulous crunch only an air fryer can deliver.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of kitchen staples to make the dreamiest Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts. Each ingredient brings something special—flavor, texture, or that signature cheesy finish—so don’t skip a thing!

• Brussels sprouts (1 lb): Halved and trimmed, these go from ordinary to crispy perfection in the air fryer.
• Olive oil (2 Tbsp): Coats each sprout for even browning and helps the seasonings stick.
• Lemon juice (2 tsp): Just a splash brings fresh brightness and balances the richness of the cheese.
• Garlic—minced (3 cloves): The hero ingredient for savory, aromatic goodness in every bite.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all those natural flavors and helps everything pop.
• Grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, divided): Some gets tossed in for umami depth, then more is sprinkled on for that crispy, golden finish.

Variations

One of the best things about these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts is how flexible the recipe is. Whether you love a little heat, need to keep things dairy-free, or just want a twist, try these fun variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix for sprouts with a little heat.
• Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving for a sweet and tangy finish that’s out of this world.
• Vegan Version: Swap the parmesan for your favorite dairy-free alternative and you’ll still get a fabulous cheesy crust.
• Herb Lovers: Toss in a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, or finish with fresh chopped parsley for extra green goodness.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

Trim the ends off your Brussels sprouts and slice each one in half. This lets them cook more quickly and gives you plenty of crisp, caramelized surfaces to soak up all the garlicky goodness later on.

Step 2: Toss with Flavor

In a big mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and half of the parmesan cheese. Mix well so every sprout gets coated with seasonings—this is where all that flavor begins to build.

Step 3: First Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Spread the sprouts evenly in the air fryer basket in a single layer for maximum crispiness. Cook for 8 minutes—don’t peek just yet, let the magic happen!

Step 4: Add More Parmesan & Finish Crisping

Open the basket and give everything a good shake. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over top, and air fry for another 7-8 minutes until the Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts are lusciously golden and fork-tender.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer hot sprouts to a serving dish, hit them with an extra pinch of salt or parmesan if you like, and get ready for the best Brussels sprouts moment of your life!

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, shower your warm sprouts with even more grated parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a hint of freshly cracked black pepper. If you love a citrusy punch, a quick squeeze of lemon just before serving brings everything to life.

Side Dishes

These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts are right at home alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, steak, or your favorite holiday roast. They also pair wonderfully with creamy pastas or grain bowls for a more casual meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these Brussels sprouts family-style in a big, rustic bowl—or pile them onto a platter as a colorful appetizer with toothpicks and a dip. For an elegant twist, spoon them onto crostini or toss them over a herby salad for added crunch and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, simply cool any remaining Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty and crisp for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep or snacking!

Freezing

While you can freeze these sprouts, the texture may soften when reheated. If you do want to freeze them, spread the cooled Brussels on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Reheating

Pop leftover Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts back into the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 350°F to revive their signature crispiness. You can also use the oven or a hot skillet, but microwaving may leave them a bit soft.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like seeing your friends and family reach for seconds of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts. This is the kind of dish that turns skeptics into veggie lovers and adds flair to any meal—give it a try and watch these golden bites disappear in minutes!

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