Name: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts; 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (optional); 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar; Drizzle pomegranate molasses; 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup; 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

There’s something absolutely magical about the crispness and garlicky aroma that fills the kitchen when you make this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe. They get perfectly crispy without turning bitter, and the optional drizzles really elevate them to a next-level side dish everyone will ask for again.

A white bowl filled with one layer of roasted Brussels sprouts, each halved, showing a mix of green, golden brown, and charred dark brown colors with a slightly crispy texture. Some of the Brussels sprouts have a light sprinkle of white grated cheese on top. A silver spoon rests on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with part of a striped cloth visible at the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I always turn to this recipe when I want a quick, delicious side that feels fancy but comes together so easily. Air frying Brussels sprouts with garlic gives them that unbeatable crispiness and warm, savory flavor without the hassle of standing over a pan. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about loading them up with your favorite toppings!

Speedy and Simple: These Brussels sprouts cook in under 20 minutes, making them a perfect weeknight go-to.
Crispy Perfection: The air fryer crisping method gets you golden edges and tender centers every time.
Flavorful with Garlic: Thinly sliced garlic infuses the sprouts with a subtle punch that pairs beautifully with all toppings.
Customizable Toppings: Whether you’re into balsamic glaze, cheese, or something sweet, you can make the dish uniquely yours.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts, cut in half showing a yellow-green inside with crispy browned edges, and some outer leaves with dark char marks. The Brussels sprouts are sprinkled with grated light-colored cheese, adding a fine textured topping. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to maximize flavor and texture. Fresh Brussels sprouts roast beautifully when coated in just enough olive oil and seasoning to highlight their natural sweetness, with garlic adding that irresistible savory aroma.

Flat lay of fresh halved Brussels sprouts with some whole Brussels sprouts, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, whole uncracked garlic cloves and a few thinly sliced garlic pieces arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl with thick balsamic glaze, a small white ceramic bowl with pomegranate molasses, a small white ceramic bowl with pure maple syrup, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Brussels sprouts: Choose firm, bright green sprouts without brown spots for the best texture and flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness that helps the sprouts achieve that perfect crispy finish.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Basic seasoning that really enhances the natural flavors without overpowering.
Garlic cloves (thinly sliced): Optional but highly recommended—they roast quickly in the air fryer and give an amazing burst of flavor.
Balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar: A tangy, slightly sweet finish that complements the earthy sprouts brilliantly.
Pomegranate molasses: Adds a unique tart and syrupy sweetness if you want to get creative.
Pure maple syrup: A drizzle adds a gentle caramelized sweetness, balancing the savory notes.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts slightly over the hot sprouts lending a salty, nutty richness that’s optional but delightful.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love that this recipe is a blank canvas—you can make it as simple or as dressed up as you want. Over the years, I've mixed and matched different toppings and sometimes even swap garlic for shallots or toss in some chili flakes for heat. There’s no right or wrong way, so have fun!

Variation: Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a nice warmth; I usually add this when serving as a main side for dinner parties.
Dietary modification: Omit cheese if you want vegan-friendly, and try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Seasonal twist: Swap in roasted pecans or walnuts along with maple syrup for a lovely fall flair.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Brussels Sprouts Like a Pro

First things first—trim off the ends and peel away any brown or wilted outer leaves. Cut the sprouts in half from stem to tip so they cook evenly. If you’ve got some giants, quarter them. This little step guarantees a consistent texture throughout, so no one gets stuck with a raw center or crispy edges only. If you’re not in a rush, soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes can help soften the insides, but honestly, I usually skip this because I love that balance of firm and crispy.

Step 2: Coat & Preheat

Drain and pat your sprouts dry to avoid steaming during air frying. Toss them with two teaspoons of good olive oil, a sprinkle of kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a clean bowl. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F—mine takes around 3 minutes.

Step 3: Air Fry & Toss with Garlic

Cook the sprouts for 5 minutes, then slide out the basket and give it a good shake to move everything around—this helps all sides get that golden crisp. Pop them back in for another 5 minutes. At this point, they should be gorgeous and crunchy on the edges but still tender inside. Add in the sliced garlic, toss gently to coat, and air fry for another 2-4 minutes until the garlic is toasted and the sprouts have a deep, irresistible crisp. Keep a close eye—the garlic can go from perfect to burnt in no time!

Step 4: Top It and Serve

Once out of the fryer, transfer the sprouts to a serving bowl and drizzle any of your favorite toppings—balsamic glaze, a splash of pomegranate molasses, maple syrup, or freshly grated Parmesan. Mix gently, then serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

Top Tip

Making air fryer Brussels sprouts with garlic isn’t rocket science, but these little nuggets of wisdom made a huge difference when I first tackled this recipe.

Dry Well Before Air Frying: Pat your sprouts dry to ensure they crisp up instead of steaming in the basket.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give them room to breathe. It helps them brown evenly and gets more of that coveted crunch.
Add Garlic Late: Garlic burns fast—adding it halfway through cooking lets it become golden but not bitter.
Shake and Stir Often: Giving the basket a good shake every 5 minutes keeps everything crisp and evenly cooked.

How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe

air fryer brussels sprouts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of adding freshly grated Parmesan—it melts slightly on the hot sprouts and brings a salty, savory note I can’t resist. Sometimes I drizzle a little balsamic glaze or pomegranate molasses for a sweet-tart pop. A handful of toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh parsley also adds nice texture and color if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

These Brussels sprouts work beautifully alongside grilled chicken or pan-seared fish. I also love pairing them with quinoa or a warm grain salad for a cozy, balanced meal. On holidays, they’re the perfect companion to roasted turkey or ham.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these in shallow bowls sprinkled with colorful pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs—it looks festive and adds a jewel-like sparkle. You can also stack them on a pretty platter topped with Parmesan shards and a balsamic drizzle for easy family-style serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They keep their flavor well but can lose a bit of the crispiness, so I recommend reheating before serving.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze these sprouts because they tend to get mushy after thawing, which isn’t quite the texture you want. But if you have a big batch, freezing is possible if you don’t mind a softer texture later—just freeze in a sealed container and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through and somewhat crisp again. The air fryer also works great for reheating if you want to recapture that original crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I skip soaking the Brussels sprouts?

You absolutely can! Soaking helps soften the interiors but is optional. I usually skip soaking because I love that contrast between a firm inside and a crispy outside — it’s really a matter of personal preference.

What if I don’t have balsamic glaze or pomegranate molasses?

No worries! You can substitute with a simple drizzle of good-quality balsamic vinegar or even a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. The toppings are flexible to suit what you have on hand.

How long should I cook the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer?

The sprouts usually take about 12 to 14 minutes at 375°F. It's key to shake the basket halfway through to make sure they cook evenly and develop that crispy texture all around.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Totally! Just skip the Parmesan cheese or swap it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without animal products.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so fast, flexible, and delicious. It’s one of those dishes that impresses guests but doesn’t make me sweat when the clock is ticking. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own—it’s a tasty way to get those healthy greens on the table with flair and flavor!