Sticky Hot Honey Air Fried Brussels Sprouts

We’re thrilled to share another fantastic air fryer recipe with you! While our air fryer chicken nuggets have certainly garnered immense popularity, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the incredible potential of the air fryer for cooking healthy and delicious vegetables. If you’re looking to expand your air fryer repertoire, we have a diverse collection of air fryer recipes, ranging from delightful breakfasts to indulgent desserts, that we’re confident you’ll adore. Honestly, the air fryer has become an indispensable kitchen appliance, truly a new best friend for quick and easy cooking!

For those who haven’t yet joined the air fryer revolution, fear not! Our extensive recipe index boasts over 1,000 recipes that can be prepared without this specific appliance, ensuring there’s always something delicious for everyone, regardless of your kitchen tools.

Don’t Have an Air Fryer Yet? Discover the Benefits!

If you’re still on the fence about getting an air fryer, let us tell you why it’s a game-changer. Air fryers circulate hot air to cook food, mimicking the results of deep frying with significantly less oil. This means you can enjoy wonderfully crispy textures and rich flavors, all while maintaining a healthier approach to your meals. There are many excellent models available on the market, which can make choosing one a bit overwhelming. Based on performance and user satisfaction, we highly recommend this Cosori air fryer for its efficiency and ease of use.

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Beyond air frying, Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile and can be prepared in countless delicious ways. We frequently enjoy easy grilled Brussels sprouts, which get a lovely char, and rich sautéed Brussels sprouts, perfect for a quick weeknight side. For a more elaborate touch, consider our roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and walnuts, offering a delightful blend of sweet and savory notes. Or, for cheese lovers, the aromatic roasted Brussels sprouts with Asiago, the smoky smoked paprika and shallot Brussels sprouts, or the indulgent Brussels sprouts with pancetta, and the utterly decadent creamy cheesy Brussels sprouts au gratin are all fantastic choices that highlight the diverse flavors this vegetable can embrace. Each method brings out a unique aspect of this cruciferous gem, proving its culinary adaptability.

If you’re in the mood for a refreshing take on Brussels sprouts, they also shine brightly in salads. Our shaved Brussels sprouts salad with grapes and Parmesan provides a crisp, vibrant experience, while the Brussels sprouts salad with green apples and cranberries offers a delightful sweet and tart crunch. These salads are perfect for lighter meals or as an impressive side dish.

However, if you own an air fryer and are eager to explore its potential for healthy, flavorful cooking, then these air-fried Brussels sprouts are an absolute must-try. The beauty of air frying lies in its ability to achieve an incredibly crispy exterior with minimal oil. While they would likely crisp up beautifully even without any oil, a small amount of olive oil not only aids in achieving that perfect golden-brown crust but also infuses a wonderfully rich flavor, making these sprouts truly irresistible. They strike the ideal balance between health and indulgence, delivering maximum flavor and texture with surprising ease.

Enhance the Flavor: Introducing the Optional Hot Honey Glaze

While these air-fried Brussels sprouts are undeniably fantastic on their own, boasting a natural sweetness and satisfying crunch, we’ve included an optional glaze that truly elevates them to another level of deliciousness. This hot honey glaze is a game-changer! Recently, I made a batch for lunch with my mom, and we found ourselves polishing off an entire pound of sprouts—we simply couldn’t stop eating them. The hot honey glaze provides a remarkable touch of sweetness, perfectly balanced with a subtle, delightful sizzle on the tongue. It adds a complex layer of flavor that complements the earthy notes of the Brussels sprouts beautifully. You’re truly going to adore this simple yet impactful addition, especially since it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just four common ingredients and no extra dishes to wash!

Key Ingredient Notes for Optimal Results

The success of any recipe often comes down to the quality of its ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selection and use:

• Brussels Sprouts: When selecting your sprouts, look for those that are firm, tightly packed, and vibrantly dark green. Avoid any with visible wormholes, yellowing leaves, or shriveled appearances, as these are signs of spoilage. Freshness is key to their flavor and texture. For detailed preparation steps, keep reading below.
• Olive Oil: We recommend using at least one tablespoon of good quality extra virgin olive oil. This not only helps the sprouts crisp up beautifully in the air fryer but also adds a rich, aromatic flavor. You can increase the amount slightly if you prefer a more pronounced oil flavor, but the air fryer’s efficiency means you need far less than traditional roasting methods.
• Salt and Pepper: For the best burst of flavor and appealing texture, opt for coarse salt, such as kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The larger crystals of kosher salt adhere well to the sprouts and provide a more impactful seasoning compared to fine salt. Seasoning to your personal taste is always encouraged!
• Honey: The star of our optional glaze, honey brings a natural sweetness and helps create a luscious, sticky coating. Our homemade butter “hot honey” sauce capitalizes on the growing popularity of hot honey, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved.
• Butter: A tablespoon of butter in the glaze adds a wonderful richness and depth of flavor, making everything taste a little bit better! It contributes to the glaze’s luxurious texture and enhances the overall deliciousness.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Just a touch of red wine vinegar is crucial for balance in the hot honey glaze. Its acidity cuts through any potential bitterness from the sprouts and perfectly complements the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the butter, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: To impart that signature “hot” element to our glaze, red pepper flakes are a must. They provide a pleasant, warming heat that tingles the tongue without being overpowering. You have complete control here—feel free to adjust the quantity to suit your preferred level of spiciness.

Mastering Brussels Sprouts Preparation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing Brussels sprouts might seem a bit daunting if you’re new to it, but rest assured, it’s a straightforward and simple process. These “mini cabbages” are a joy to work with once you know the basics. Proper preparation ensures they cook evenly and taste their absolute best:

• Wash Thoroughly: Begin by washing the Brussels sprouts well under cold running water. It’s best to use a strainer or colander to ensure all surfaces are rinsed and any dirt or debris is removed.
• Trim the Stem: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the tough, woody stem end. You want to remove just enough so that the stem is flush with the edge of the sprout. This part is very fibrous and unpleasant to chew, so precise trimming is key.
• Remove Outer Leaves: Gently peel away any wilted, discolored, or damaged outer leaves. Don’t worry if a few healthy outer leaves also fall off—these often get incredibly crispy during air frying and can be the most delicious part! Collect them and cook them alongside the halves for an extra textural treat.
• Halve or Quarter for Even Cooking: For optimal cooking, cut each sprout in half lengthwise, from top to bottom. If you encounter particularly large sprouts, quartering them will help ensure they cook evenly with the smaller pieces. The main goal here is to achieve approximately uniform sizes across all your sprouts, promoting consistent crispiness and tenderness.
• Visual Learner? Watch a Video: If you’re someone who learns best by seeing, we highly recommend watching this helpful YouTube video. It clearly demonstrates each step of Brussels sprouts preparation, making it easy to follow along and master the technique.

The Simple Method: How to Air Fry Brussels Sprouts to Perfection

Air frying Brussels sprouts is incredibly simple and delivers consistently delicious results. Follow these steps for crispy, tender, and flavorful sprouts every time:

First, preheat your air fryer to 380ºF (193ºC). While preheating is generally recommended, don’t fret if you forget to start it right away. Air fryers are known for their rapid preheating capabilities, so the difference in cooking time or outcome will be minimal if you start them cold. The key is consistent heat once the food is inside.

Once your Brussels sprouts are thoroughly prepped according to the steps above (washed, trimmed, and halved/quartered), transfer them to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Drizzle them generously with the olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until each sprout is evenly coated. This ensures consistent flavor and crispiness across all your sprouts.

Next, carefully arrange the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket. It is crucial to ensure they are laid out in a single, even layer. Overcrowding the basket will steam the sprouts instead of crisping them, leading to a softer, less desirable texture. If you have a large batch, it’s always better to cook them in multiple batches to maintain optimal crispiness.

Air fry the sprouts for approximately eight to ten minutes. During this time, remember to shake the basket once or twice. This crucial step ensures that all sides of the Brussels sprouts get exposed to the circulating hot air, promoting even browning and maximum crispiness. Keep an eye on them, and if you prefer a darker, more intensely caramelized and crispy sprout, simply continue cooking for an additional minute or two until they reach your desired level of perfection.

While your Brussels sprouts are deliciously crisping up in the air fryer, you can efficiently prepare the optional hot honey glaze. Re-use the same mixing bowl you used for tossing the sprouts (minimal cleanup is always a win!). Add the honey, butter, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes to the bowl. Microwave on high for a short burst, just until the butter is fully melted and the honey has become wonderfully runny. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients into a smooth, glossy glaze.

Once the Brussels sprouts are finished cooking and are perfectly golden and crispy, immediately transfer them back into the bowl with the prepared glaze. Toss them gently but thoroughly, ensuring each individual sprout is beautifully coated with the sweet and spicy sauce. Serve them immediately to enjoy the ultimate combination of crispy texture and vibrant flavor. These air-fried Brussels sprouts make an excellent side dish for almost any meal, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself snacking on them like popcorn—they’re truly that addictive and delicious!

Achieving Your Preferred Texture: Options for Softer Brussels Sprouts

While many love the crisp, slightly charred texture of air-fried Brussels sprouts, some prefer a softer, more tender interior. If you fall into the latter category, there are a couple of simple methods you can employ to achieve your desired texture without compromising on flavor:

• Blanching for Tenderness: This method is ideal if you like your Brussels sprouts to be truly tender throughout while still achieving a nice crisp exterior from the air fryer. To blanch, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the trimmed and halved sprouts to the boiling water and let them cook for just 2 minutes. Immediately drain them using a colander, then pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial before air frying to ensure they crisp up rather than steam. Once blanched and dried, proceed with the air frying steps as directed, tossing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before placing them in the air fryer.
• Soaking for Steamed Interiors: Another technique, favored by some cooks, involves soaking the Brussels sprouts in plain cold water for 10 minutes or longer before cooking. The sprouts will absorb some of this water. When they are subsequently air-fried, this absorbed moisture will turn into steam within the sprout, helping to soften the insides significantly. After soaking, simply drain them, pat them dry, and proceed with seasoning and air frying as usual. This method allows the interiors to become more tender while the exteriors still get a chance to brown and crisp beautifully.

Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Optional Hot Honey Glaze

4.42 from 84 votes

By

Rachel Gurk

Prep Time:

10 minutes
mins

Cook Time:

8 minutes
mins

Total Time:

18 minutes
mins

Servings:

4
servings

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These air fryer Brussels sprouts cook to crispy, golden-brown perfection with minimal oil, all thanks to the incredible efficiency of the air fryer! Enhanced with an optional hot honey glaze, they become an unforgettable side dish.

Ingredients

• 1
  pound
  Brussels sprouts
• 1
  tablespoon
  
  olive oil
  
• ¼
  teaspoon
  
  kosher salt
  
  (or to taste)
• ¼
  teaspoon
  freshly ground black pepper

Optional Hot Honey Glaze

• 2
  tablespoons
  honey
• 1
  tablespoon
  butter
• 1
  teaspoon
  red wine vinegar
• ¼
  teaspoon
  
  red pepper flakes
  

Instructions

• To prepare the Brussels sprouts, rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Using a sharp knife, carefully trim off the tough bottom (stem) end and gently remove any brown, wilted, or overly tough outer leaves. Once cleaned, cut each sprout in half lengthwise from top to bottom. If the sprouts are particularly large, you may quarter them to ensure even cooking.
  1 pound Brussels sprouts
• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the prepared Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss vigorously until all the sprouts are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. This step ensures every piece will be flavorful and crisp beautifully.
  1 tablespoon olive oil,
  ¼ teaspoon kosher salt,
  ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Preheat your air fryer to 380ºF (193ºC). Once preheated, carefully add the seasoned Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread in a single, even layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Cook the Brussels sprouts for 8 to 10 minutes. During the cooking process, make sure to shake the basket once or twice to ensure they brown evenly on all sides and achieve that coveted crispy texture. Continue cooking until they reach your desired level of golden-brown crispiness.
• Optional Hot Honey Glaze: While the sprouts are air frying, prepare the glaze. In the same bowl you used for the sprouts, combine the honey, butter, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Microwave on high until the butter is completely melted and the honey is fluid. Stir well to combine. Once the Brussels sprouts are cooked, immediately transfer them back to this bowl and toss to coat thoroughly with the warm glaze. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
  2 tablespoons honey,
  1 tablespoon butter,
  1 teaspoon red wine vinegar,
  ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Notes

• Nutrition information is provided for the basic Brussels sprouts recipe and does not include the optional glaze or any additional toppings.
• Creative Additions & Toppings: To further elevate your air-fried Brussels sprouts, consider these delicious enhancements: upon removing them from the air fryer, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a savory kick. For a sweet and tangy finish, drizzle them with a rich balsamic glaze, exotic pomegranate molasses, or comforting maple syrup. For a truly indulgent treat, a spoonful of bacon jam adds incredible depth. Alternatively, toss them with homemade barbecue sauce, a vibrant honey mustard vinaigrette, or a simple garlic butter mixture.
• Oven Method for Roasting: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can easily roast Brussels sprouts in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the prepped sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Spread them in a single layer, cut side down, on a large roasting pan or baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, then stir them gently and continue to roast for an additional 10 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crisp to your liking.

Video Guide

Nutrition Facts

Serving:
4
oz.

,

Calories:
66
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
10
g

,

Protein:
4
g

,

Fat:
2
g

,

Saturated Fat:
1
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g

,

Sodium:
174
mg

,

Potassium:
441
mg

,

Fiber:
4
g

,

Sugar:
2
g

,

Vitamin A:
855
IU

,

Vitamin C:
96
mg

,

Calcium:
48
mg

,

Iron:
2
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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