Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic

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 balsamic brussel sprouts air fryer 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

• Air fryer
• Air fryer liners

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.

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.

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.

For more veggie sides:

These balsamic brussels sprouts go very well with other veggie side dishes. I love to serve them with air fryer hash browns and some cast-iron salmon.

• Elote corn on the cob
• Sauteed Rainbow Chard
• Roasted lemon potatoes

For more air fryer recipes:

• Air fryer plantain chips
• Air fryer tofu
• Air fryer tostones
• Air fryer asparagus