Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

These air fryer brussels sprouts come out perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and ready in just 20 minutes. A simple toss in balsamic vinegar and avocado oil is all it takes to make a low carb side dish your whole family will put on repeat.

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You guys, I know brussels sprouts have a reputation.

They’ve been the villain of the dinner table for decades, and honestly? That’s grandma’s boiled sprouts doing a lot of damage. (Why, Grandma? Why?)

When you roast them (or better yet, air fry them), something kind of magical happens. The edges get brown and crispy, the inside stays tender, and that slightly bitter edge mellows out into something almost sweet.

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to these air fryer Brussels sprouts and we’re talking next-level flavor. The balsamic caramelizes in the air fryer and gives every little sprout this tangy, slightly sweet coating that makes them seriously hard to stop eating.

No worries if you don’t have an air fryer yet…check out this keto Brussels sprouts recipe…basically the same thing but done in the oven!

3 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 20 minutes flat. Trim, toss, air fry. There’s no oven to preheat, no babysitting, and no mess. This is the kind of side dish that makes weeknight dinners feel manageable.

The crispy edges are everything. The air fryer does something an oven just can’t replicate in the same amount of time. Those browned, caramelized outer leaves? They’re the best part, and you get plenty of them.

Even the skeptics come back for seconds. If someone in your house claims to hate brussels sprouts, make these. The balsamic adds just enough sweetness to win people over, and the texture from the air fryer is just delightful.

Ingredients, Swaps, & Tips

Brussels Sprouts – Use fresh. The frozen kind aren’t going to give you the same flavor or texture. Frozen sprouts tend to release a lot of moisture, which works against the crisping process.

Balsamic Vinegar – This does contain sugar, so if you’re keto or just really want to keep the carbs low, skip it! I use a balsamic vinegar that has around 3-4 carbs per tablespoon and it’s getting divided between all the sprouts, so it fits my plan. Be sure to get vinegar and not glaze or you’re really going to be adding a lot of sugar.

Avocado Oil – I love avocado oil because it’s neutral flavored and has a high smoke point. You can swap this for olive oil if that’s what you have.

Add parmesan – This is my favorite way to serve these. Just a couple tablespoons of freshly grated parmesan sprinkled over the hot sprouts right when they come out of the basket. So good.

Try garlic – A little garlic powder in the mix before air frying brings a ton of flavor. Fresh garlic may burn if you go that route.

Step by Step:

Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and quarter them.

Toss the Brussels sprouts with the oil, vinegar, and salt.

Air fry the Brussels sprouts at 390 for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.

Test the Brussels sprouts. They should be tender and crisp. Add more time if needed.

Storage

Fridge: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They won’t be as crispy around the edges the next day, but they’re still delicious.

Reheating: Pop them back in the air fryer at 375 degrees for 3-4 minutes to bring some of that crispiness back. The microwave works in a pinch but they’ll be softer.

Freezer: I wouldn’t recommend freezing these. The texture doesn’t hold up well after thawing.

Make-ahead tip: You can trim and toss the sprouts in the oil and vinegar a few hours ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. Just air fry when you’re ready to eat.

More Easy Low Carb Side Dish Recipes:

• Roasted Turnips: Another air fryer favorite!
• Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash: Spaghetti squash is another low carb veggie that we love!
• Healthy Broccoli Rice Casserole: Like the classic, but somehow even better!
• Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: I hate to brag, but this one really is the best!