Air fryer Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly tender in the center with crispy leaves around the outside. And they take just 15 minutes to cook!

I love cooking brussels sprouts in the air fryer. It is especially handy when I’m using the stovetop, oven, or grill to make the rest of the meal.

Brussels sprouts turn out beautifully when cooked in an air fryer. In just 15 minutes, they get tender in the middle with golden brown, crispy edges. They are totally addictive!

I use a GoWise 5.8-Quart Air Fryer. This is a favorite air fryer recipe.

How to make air fryer Brussels sprouts

1. Wash and drain the brussel sprouts. Trim off the stem end and any unsightly outer leaves.
2. Halve each sprout through the stem end. If your sprouts are particularly large, quarter them.
3. Place the cut brussels sprouts in a medium bowl and add the olive oil and salt. Toss to coat well.
4. Transfer the sprouts to the air fryer basket.
5. Cook at 370ºF for 15 minutes. Stop the air fryer every 5 minutes and shake the sprouts around so that they cook evenly.
6. Remove the cooked sprouts from the air fryer and serve immediately.

How to serve these air fried brussels sprouts?

These crispy brussels sprouts are delicious just as they are, but add your favorite dressing to make them even more delicious. Try them with a tart vinaigrette, like this Harissa Dressing.

A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a bit of both sweet and tart to counteract the slight bitterness of the sprouts.

The hearty sprouts are also nice with a creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing.

If you like a bit of smoky meatiness with your sprouts, add ¼ pound of diced pancetta or bacon along to the sprouts before cooking.

With or without pancetta or bacon, they are great drizzled with a bit of lemon juice and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.

This dish is a perfect side dish to any type of meat—whether seared, roasted, or grilled.

Are Brussels sprouts baby cabbages?

I love brussels sprouts, but a friend of mine once referred to them as “spiteful little cabbages.” They do look like tiny heads of cabbage and they’ve got a bit of a bitter bite, so it’s a fitting description.

But no, Brussels sprouts are in the same family as cabbages, along with broccoli, kale, cauliflower, turnips, and bok choy.

Unlike cabbages, Brussels sprouts grow on a stalk. One stalk produces many sprouts. A cabbage plant produces a single head of cabbage, similar to the way head lettuces grow.