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Air Fryer Smashed Brussel Sprouts

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are a fantastic way to enjoy the crispy vegetables. They are so good I have to keep myself from eating them straight out of the basket. Here’s what you need to get started.

  • Brussels Sprouts: Start with half a pound of fresh Brussels sprouts. If you’re making a larger batch, cook them in batches or use the oven for the best results.

How to Choose Brussels Sprouts

Select fresh Brussels sprouts with a bright green color, firm texture, and no wilted leaves.

  • Oil: Lightly coat the Brussels sprouts with avocado oil cooking spray to keep them from sticking to the air fryer basket.
  • Spices: Enhance the flavor of the air fryer smashed Brussel sprouts by seasoning them with garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.

All you need to make this healthy air fryer smashed Brussel sprouts recipe is a microwave-safe dish and an air fryer with a large basket. You can use smaller air fryer models, but you may need to cook the Brussels sprouts in batches.

1. Trim the ends and remove any discolored or loose leaves. 

The end of a Brussels sprout cut off.

2. Cut larger sprouts in half for even cooking.

A Brussel sprout cut in half.

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (240°C). Then, transfer the prepared Brussels sprouts to a large microwave-safe dish. Add water and microwave for 4 minutes.

Brussels sprouts in a dish with water.

Step 2: Prepare the air fryer basket with avocado cooking spray and arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer. Use the same dish or a press to smash them down.

Smashing the Brussels sprouts with a bowl.

Step 3: Spray the tops with avocado oil and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 8 Minutes.

Brussels sprouts cooking in the air fryer.
Air fryer smashed Brussel sprouts on a plate.
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket. Arrange the Brussels sprouts into a single layer to ensure they have a crispy texture. I recommend working in batches if cooking more than half a pound.
Air fryer smashed Brussel sprouts on a plate.

Roasted, boiled, sautéed, raw, and air-fried, what’s not to love about Brussels sprouts? The vegetables are a great side dish for any meal. Pair them with beef ribs, cranberry jalapeno meatballs, pork chops, Sriracha salmon, or this juicy bison steak recipe.

Enjoy a simple Thanksgiving spread with tandoori turkey, Dutch oven mac and cheese, and tasty Brussels sprouts.

Serve the sprouts as a healthy snack or appetizer with chili aioli, cranberry jalapeno sauceancho aioli, or hollandaise for dipping. Or, drizzle honey lemon pepper sauce over the top for a sweeter finish.

  • Refrigerate: Store the leftover air fryer smashed Brussel sprouts in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm the leftovers in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (176°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Repurpose: Serve the Brussels sprouts as is or toss them with a fresh salad.

Should I boil the Brussel sprouts before air frying?

I steam the Brussels sprouts in the microwave until they’re tender enough to smash. Alternatively, bring salted water to a boil in a saucepan, add the sprouts, and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly tender. Pat them dry with a paper towel and smash them for the recipe.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Steam frozen Brussels sprouts in a microwave-safe dish, just as you would with fresh ones.

Can I make smashed Brussels sprouts in the oven?

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), then steam the Brussels sprouts in the microwave.

2. Toss the sprouts in a large bowl with avocado or olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Transfer to a sheet pan and smash each sprout with a press or the bottom of a glass.

3. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown with crispy edges.

More Air Fryer Vegetables:

Air fryer smashed Brussel sprouts on a plate.

Air Fryer Smashed Brussel Sprouts

Tressa Jamil
Crispy air fryer smashed Brussel sprouts are a perfect side! Pair them with savory entrees or eat them as a light snack or appetizer.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Equipment
Ingredients
  
  • ½ pound Brussels sprouts
  • ½ cup water
  • avocado cooking spray, as needed
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
 
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (240°C). Then, transfer the prepared Brussels sprouts to a large microwave-safe dish. Add water and microwave for 4 minutes.
  • Prepare the air fryer basket with avocado cooking spray and arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer. Use the same dish or a press to smash them down.
  • Spray the tops with avocado oil and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 8 Minutes.
Notes
Expert Tips: 
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket. Arrange the Brussels sprouts into a single layer to ensure they have a crispy texture. I recommend working in batches if cooking more than half a pound.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: 26 kcal | Carbohydrates: 6 g | Protein: 2 g | Sodium: 307 mg | Potassium: 228 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 1 g | Vitamin A: 429 IU | Vitamin C: 48 mg | Calcium: 26 mg | Iron: 1 mg
Did you make this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for you. Leave a comment and rating down below.
5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating