Brussels Sprouts in Air Fryer: ever since Grandma Benedetta let me taste them au gratin, I’ve started to see them differently in the kitchen. This recipe, inspired by their particularly botanical nature, is designed without béchamel to achieve a light and crispy gratin that enhances the flavor of the sprouts without covering it.
I used fresh Brussels sprouts, which remain firmer and golden in the air fryer; if you choose frozen ones, keep in mind that they release more water and become a bit softer, so they require a few more minutes of cooking and need to be dried well before seasoning.
SEASONALITY of Brussels sprouts – from October to March.
RECIPES with Brussels sprouts:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 3 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Air frying
- Cuisine: Well-being
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
- Energy 124.15 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 9.22 (g) of which sugars 2.25 (g)
- Proteins 3.45 (g)
- Fat 9.36 (g) of which saturated 1.30 (g)of which unsaturated 7.70 (g)
- Fibers 3.97 (g)
- Sodium 219.13 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 70 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Brussels Sprouts in Air Fryer
- 9 oz Brussels sprouts (net weight about 7 oz)
- 1 tablespoon seed oil (better if sprayed)
- to taste fine salt
- to taste paprika (or nutmeg*)
* What spices go well with Brussels sprouts?
Garlic powder, cinnamon (very little, to warm the flavor without sweetening it), nutmeg, paprika, and black pepper are all spices that go well with Brussels sprouts without covering their taste. Among the dried herbs, oregano, rosemary, and thyme also work very well, to be used lightly to enhance them without overpowering them.
Tools
- Air Fryer
- Grill raised
- Baking Tin aluminum
- Oil Sprayer
COOKING: set the air fryer at 302°F for 7 minutes.
Brussels Sprouts in Air Fryer
Clean the Brussels sprouts by removing any damaged outer leaves.
Wash the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size.
Is it better to cut them or leave them whole?
If they are small, they can be left whole, but cutting them in half or quarters (for larger sprouts) allows for more uniform cooking and a more intense gratin on the surface.
Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in a baking pan suitable for the air fryer.
Season the Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of oil, preferably spraying it with a spray or brushing it gently with a pastry brush, then add salt and paprika or your preferred spices.
Should the air fryer be preheated?
I don’t do it, but preheating it for a few minutes helps to start the browning immediately and achieve crispier sprouts.
Place an elevated rack inside the air fryer.
Place the baking pan on the air fryer’s rack and close the lid without waiting for preheating.
Set the temperature to 302°F and cook for 7 minutes, then continue until crispy and golden Brussels sprouts are achieved, checking carefully to avoid burning or drying them out.
Arrange the Brussels sprouts on a baking tray in a single layer, season with a little oil, salt, and spices to taste. Bake in a ventilated oven at 338°F for 15-20 minutes, until golden and the desired doneness is reached.
Serve the Brussels sprouts hot and crispy. They can be enjoyed on a bed of hummus for a creamy and tasty appetizer or side dish, or simply on their own with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of lemon juice to enhance their natural flavor.
STORING Brussels Sprouts in Air Fryer
It’s best to enjoy them freshly made when they are crispiest. If there are leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes: they’ll become enjoyable again, although slightly less crispy.
Freezing, however, should be avoided as it would compromise their texture and flavor.
FAQ
Why are Brussels sprouts sometimes bitter?
It depends a lot on quality and freshness. Fresh ones, especially if in season, have a more delicate flavor. A good browning in the air fryer also helps to soften the natural bitterness.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, they can be used without problems. Just keep in mind that they release more water than fresh ones, so it’s better to cook them a few minutes longer and dry them well before seasoning to keep them more gratin and less soggy.
Do Brussels sprouts in the air fryer need to be blanched first?
If you use fresh Brussels sprouts, it’s not necessary: the air fryer cooks them perfectly, keeping them tender inside and crispy outside. With frozen ones, however, a brief pre-cooking or initial drying phase can help.
How to achieve a crispy gratin without béchamel?
The secret is to use a light, slightly moist breading and not to overload the Brussels sprouts with seasoning. The hot air will do the rest, creating a golden and fragrant crust.
