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Air fryer balsamic Brussels sprouts with crispy caramelized Brussels sprouts, glossy balsamic glaze, fresh rosemary, and lemon wedges, served as a flavorful vegetable side dish.
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Air Fryer Balsamic Brussel Sprouts - Crispy, Tangy, and Ready Fast

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (quarter if very large)
  • 1–1.5 tablespoons olive oil (enough to lightly coat)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional finishers: red pepper flakes, lemon zest, grated Parmesan, toasted almonds or walnuts, crispy bacon bits
  • Nonstick spray (if your basket tends to stick)

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer. Set to 380°F (193°C) and let it heat for 3 minutes. A hot basket helps instant crisping.
  • Prep the sprouts. Trim the stem ends and remove loose outer leaves. Halve them lengthwise; quarter extra-large ones so they cook evenly.
  • Toss with seasoning. In a bowl, combine sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Stir until every piece is lightly coated.
  • Add balsamic and sweetener. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and honey or maple. Toss again. The sprouts should look glossy but not drenched.
  • Load the basket. Lightly spray the basket if needed. Arrange sprouts cut side down in a single layer. A bit of overlap is fine, but avoid a packed pile.
  • Air fry, then shake. Cook 7 minutes. Shake the basket or use tongs to flip larger pieces for even browning.
  • Finish cooking. Air fry 4–6 more minutes, until edges are deeply browned and centers are just tender. Aim for caramelized, not burnt.
  • Taste and adjust. Sprinkle a pinch more salt, add red pepper flakes if you want heat, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
  • Optional toppings. Finish with grated Parmesan, toasted nuts, or crispy bacon for extra crunch and richness.