Easy air fryer brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Drizzled with a balsamic reduction, salty feta and pomegranate arils, they made for a perfect gluten free side dish for a special occassion or a weeknight dinner.
Inspiration
Since moving to Canada, I have been learning to love brussels sprouts.
These small, cabbage-like vegetables are a rich source of various vitamins, such as vitamins C, K, and folate. They also contain a high amount of fiber and antioxidants, which helps prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. And finally, these vegetables are low in calories, making them an ideal food for weight loss.
But pan-frying brussel sprouts requires large amounts of olive oil, which negates their low caloric value. Roasting them, which seems to be the usual way of cooking brussels sprouts, leaves them chewy and a bit soggy. I needed a way that would leave me with a batch of perfectly crispy brussels sprouts, but still keep the whole thing low in fat.
Enter, the air fryer. With a short cooking time and minimal prep involved, the air fryer transforms fresh or frozen brussels sprouts into delectable little nuggets!
In my usual Middle Eastern fashion, I topped my brussels sprouts recipe with a balsamic and pomegranate molasses reduction, crumbled feta and sweet little pomegranate seeds . These toppings take this dish from a simple everyday veggie side dish to a showstopper worthy of a celebration!
Why I love making brussels sprouts in the air fryer
I absolutely love making brussels sprouts in the air fryer because they come out perfectly crispy and delicious every time. Air fryer brussels sprouts are:
- A healthier alternative to traditional fried brussels sprouts
- The cooking process is so quick and easy - All I have to do is toss the sprouts in a bit of oil and seasonings, and then pop them into the air fryer for a few minutes.
- Have a crispy exterior, with an inside that is moist and tender
- Delicious
- Simple enough for weeknight dinner (Omit the sauce and toppings to keep it extra simple!)
- Perfect for a celebration like Thanksgiving, Sukkot, Shavuot, Rosh Hashana or Christmas
Ingredients
Here's what you need for making air fryer brussel sprouts:
- Brussels Sprouts - you can use frozen or fresh sprouts for this recipe
- Feta - I just crumble a block of feta, but you can also use feta crumbles
- Balsamic vinegar
- Pomegranate molasses - you can use honey, regular molasses or date syrup instead.
- Fresh pomegranate (or pomegranate arils) - these add a nice crunch and contrasting citrusy flavor and zest to the dish
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil or nonstick spray
See recipe card for exact quantities.
EQUIPMENT
When to serve this brussel sprouts recipe?
This easy brussels sprouts recipe is an easy side dish that is perfect year round! But with its unique toppings and warm flavors, I love to serve it for Thanksgiving dinner. It is also a great veggie side dish for Christmas dinner alongside paprika chicken, and roasted potato wedges.
I make it in spring, just in time for Easter. Serve it with asparagus quiche and a fennel and mango salad.
It makes for a lovely dish to serve alongside the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, which is all about dairy products. I like to serve it with this baked feta pasta.
It also works for Rosh Hashana if you use honey instead of pomegranate molasses.
How to make air fryer brussels sprouts with feta and balsamic
Prep sprouts
To prepare brussels sprouts, rinse them with water and dry them with a paper towel. Cut off the bottom stems and halve each sprout. (You can also keep the sprouts whole - this will give you a chewier middle).
Spray sprouts with oil
Line the air fryer basket with an air fryer liner. Transfer brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket and coat them with nonstick spray or olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all are coated.
Air fry brussels sprouts
Next, bake brussels sprouts at 360 F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through until they are slightly browned (whole sprouts will need 12-15 minutes; if cooking from frozen, brussels sprouts will need 15-17 minutes).
Once done, remove fried sprouts from the air fryer and place in a bowl.
Serve sprouts with feta and balsamic
Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and pomegranate molasses. Stir well to coat. Sprinkle with feta and pomegranate seeds. Transfer to a clean serving dish or bowl and serve immediately.
Oven Method: Spread brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400 F for 20-25 minutes.
Tried and loved this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below! Your reviews mean a lot to me, so if you've got any questions, please let me know in a comment.
Storage & Make Ahead
Leftover air fried brussels sprouts will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days, though they will lose their crispness. Keep the sprouts separated from the toppings and sauce if you'd like to keep it from going soggy
I don't recommend freezing the prepared brussels sprouts.
Top Tips
- Frozen brussels sprouts will need about 5 minutes longer in the air fryer. They make come out a bit softer in texture than fresh sprouts.
- To thicken the balsamic glaze, you can combine the balsamic vinegar and pomegranate molasses in a saucepan and cook until reduced by half, about 15-20 minutes. This will result in a smoother, thicker sauce that can be served on the side.
- If you don't have an air fryer, to make these balsamic brussels sprouts with feta and pomegranate in the oven, spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400 F for 20-25 minutes.
Variations
- To make this dish into vegan air fryer brussels sprouts, omit the feta.
- Add toasted pumpkin seeds for a more fall-like touch.
- Substitute the pomegranate molasses for honey.
- Try seasoning the sprouts with different spices and herbs (like garlic powder, paprika and more) to create unique flavor combinations.
FAQ
Yes! Brussels sprouts contain high levels of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. They also rich in fiber and antioxidants, and have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can assist in managing various health conditions such as arthritis. Consuming brussels sprouts regularly can also help maintain digestive health and enhance mental clarity. In summary, adding brussels sprouts to your daily diet can be a tasty and healthy way to reap numerous health benefits.
Yes, you can! They may need 5 minutes more in the air fryer, and may be a little chewier when they come out.
Yes, there are many other ways to prepare brussels sprouts besides air frying. The typical approaches are simply boiling or roasting them. One popular method is to saute them with garlic and oil for a crispy texture and added flavor. Another option is to shave them thinly and use them in a salad, either raw or lightly sauteed for a different flavor profile. Some people even like to deep fry brussels sprouts for a crunchy and indulgent treat. Lastly, pickling brussels sprouts is a unique way to enjoy them as a snack or in a salad.
Yes! You can bake these sprouts at 400 F for 20-25 minutes. You can also pan fry them with olive oil for about 10 minutes.
For more veggie sides:
Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic Vinegar
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups Brussels Sprouts fresh or frozen
- 100 g feta
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ⅛ cup pomegranate molasses
- 1 pomegranate or ½ cup pomegranate arils
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil or nonstick spray
Instructions
- For the crispiest brussels sprouts, begin by washing them with water before drying them with a paper towel. Cut off the stems at the bottom and slice each sprout in half. Alternatively, keep the sprouts whole if you prefer a more chewy texture.
- Line an air fryer basket with an air fryer liner and then transfer the brussels sprouts. Spray sprouts with nonstick spray or olive oil, and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure every sprout is evenly coated.
- Bake at 360 F for around 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until lightly browned. Whole sprouts will take approximately 12-15 minutes to cook, while frozen brussels sprouts require 15-17 minutes (depending on the size).
- After baking, transfer the brussels sprouts to a bowl. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and pomegranate molasses over the top, stirring to ensure every sprout is coated. Finally, transfer to a clean serving dish, sprinkle with feta cheese and pomegranate seeds, and serve warm.
- To bake brussels sprouts in the oven, lay the brussels sprouts out on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
Shilpa says
Loved this as a side with our dinner. And this was the first time I used my air fryer to fry the Brussel sprouts and they were perfect.
Sarita says
Wow, I never would have thought of adding feta and pomegranate to Brussel sprouts, but this recipe really works! Adding it to our list of favourite holiday side dishes.
Susannah says
This is my new favorite way to eat brussels sprouts! The feta and pomegranate are such great additions.
Kris says
These were positively unique and delicious. The touch of pomegranate and feta really made it for me! Will make again!
Jennifer says
A friend made this recipe for me and turned me into a Brussels sprouts lover! These are so crazy good - I'll be making them often for my family!
Caroline says
Kesnia, What is the brand of your air fryer? I was given one, but it was a very inexpensive brand and does not work well at all, for example, Fries take more than double the time.
kseniaprints says
I have the CE Professional Edition one: https://proseries.one/categories/1/16. It's the 3.2L one but I think I'm ready for a bigger one! I also heard very good things about the Phillips air fryer but never tried it. I had an inexpensive one beforehand and things took longer to cook for sure!