Go Back
Air fryer hot honey Brussels sprouts with crispy caramelized Brussels sprouts coated in a glossy hot honey glaze, topped with red pepper flakes and fresh cilantro, served as a sweet and spicy vegetable side dish.
Print Recipe

Air Fryer Hot Honey Brussel Sprouts - Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds Brussels sprouts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 to 1.5 tablespoons hot honey (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • To finish: flaky sea salt and a squeeze of lemon (optional)

Instructions

  • Prep the sprouts. Trim the stem ends and remove any yellowed leaves. Cut small sprouts in half and larger ones into quarters so they cook evenly.
  • Preheat the air fryer. Set it to 390–400°F (200°C) for 3–4 minutes. A hot basket helps the edges crisp right away.
  • Season. In a bowl, toss sprouts with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), a good pinch of salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Make sure the seasoning coats every piece.
  • Air fry, round one. Arrange in a single layer in the basket. A little overlap is fine, but avoid piling. Cook 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring halfway.
  • Make the hot honey glaze. In a small bowl, whisk hot honey, Dijon, and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Taste and adjust: add more honey for sweet, more vinegar for tang, or a pinch of salt for balance.
  • Glaze and finish. After the first 8–10 minutes, transfer sprouts back to the bowl and toss with about two-thirds of the glaze. Return to the air fryer and cook 2–4 more minutes until deeply browned and crisp at the edges.
  • Final touches. Move to a serving plate, drizzle with the remaining glaze, and finish with flaky salt, extra hot honey, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon if you like.
  • Serve hot. They’re best right away while still crackly and caramelized.