Easy Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Turn Brussels sprouts into a crispy, caramelized side with this air-fryer recipe. Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then air-fry until golden. Finish with a sweet balsamic glaze and toasted almonds for crunch.
If you're looking for a quick and delicious side dish to add to your Thanksgiving menu, look no further than this easy air-fryer Brussels sprouts recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a crispy, caramelized side on the table in under 20 minutes.
Brussels sprouts are a staple of fall and winter cooking, and for good reason. They're packed with nutrients, including vitamins C and K, and are incredibly versatile. Whether you roast them, sauté them, or - in this case - air-fry them, Brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Don't like balsamic glaze? Swap it out for a different sauce, like honey mustard or sriracha mayo. Want to add some extra crunch? Toss in some chopped bacon or toasted pecans. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor this recipe to fit your tastes and dietary needs.
So why should you make this easy air-fryer Brussels sprouts recipe for your next Thanksgiving gathering? For one, it's a crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy, caramelized sprouts and sweet, tangy balsamic glaze is sure to delight even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it's a healthy and nutritious option that won't weigh you down or leave you feeling guilty.
Finally, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious side dish on the table in under 20 minutes. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a great choice for anyone looking for a quick and easy Thanksgiving side.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (see notes)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they're evenly coated.
- Step 3: Load the Brussels sprouts into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each sprout for even cooking.
- Step 4: Cook the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should be crispy and caramelized on the outside, tender on the inside.
- Step 5: While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, prepare the balsamic glaze. If using store-bought glaze, follow the package instructions for heating it up. If making your own, combine 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly.
- Step 6: Once the Brussels sprouts are done cooking, toss them with the balsamic glaze, sliced almonds, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick Cooking Time
This recipe is perfect for busy Thanksgiving preparations, as it can be made in under 20 minutes.
🥦 Healthy and Nutritious
Brussels sprouts are a nutrient-dense food, packed with vitamins and antioxidants. This recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of greens.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
This recipe is perfect for large gatherings, as it's easy to scale up and serves 4-6 people.
🌟 Customizable
You can easily customize this recipe to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Try swapping out the balsamic glaze for a different sauce, or adding some extra crunch with chopped bacon or toasted pecans.
Recipe Card
Easy Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Quick and delicious Brussels sprouts recipe for Thanksgiving
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (see notes)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
✨ Make sure to pat the Brussels sprouts dry before cooking to help them crisp up.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they're evenly coated.
👀 Be gentle when tossing to avoid bruising the sprouts.
Step 3: Load the Brussels sprouts into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each sprout for even cooking.
📝 You may need to cook the Brussels sprouts in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 4: Cook the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should be crispy and caramelized on the outside, tender on the inside.
👍 Keep an eye on the Brussels sprouts during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
Step 5: While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, prepare the balsamic glaze. If using store-bought glaze, follow the package instructions for heating it up. If making your own, combine 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly.
💡 You can also make the balsamic glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Step 6: Once the Brussels sprouts are done cooking, toss them with the balsamic glaze, sliced almonds, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!
👫 Serve the Brussels sprouts alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes, such as roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
Ingredient Notes
Brussels Sprouts
Choose fresh, firm Brussels sprouts with no signs of wilting or browning.
Substitutions: You can also use frozen Brussels sprouts, thawed and patted dry.
Balsamic Glaze
You can find balsamic glaze at most grocery stores or make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar on the stovetop.
Substitutions: You can also use a mixture of balsamic vinegar and honey as a substitute for balsamic glaze.
Olive Oil
Choose a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
Substitutions: You can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil as a substitute for olive oil.
Salt and Pepper
Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
Substitutions: You can also use other seasonings, such as garlic powder or paprika, to add flavor to the Brussels sprouts.
Pro Tips
👨🍳 Cooking Tip
Make sure to pat the Brussels sprouts dry before cooking to help them crisp up.
👀 Visual Tip
Choose Brussels sprouts with tightly closed buds for the best flavor and texture.
💡 Meal Prep Tip
You can make the balsamic glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
📝 Storage Tip
Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Brussels Sprouts
Add some heat to your Brussels sprouts by tossing them with red pepper flakes or sriracha before cooking.
Bacon and Brussels Sprouts
Add some crispy bacon to your Brussels sprouts for a smoky, savory flavor.
Lemon and Garlic Brussels Sprouts
Brighten up your Brussels sprouts with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some minced garlic.
Roasted Vegetable Medley
Add some other roasted vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, to your Brussels sprouts for a colorful and nutritious side dish.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roasted turkey
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Try pairing this dish with a dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, for a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the Brussels sprouts.
Make-Ahead Instructions and Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
You can make the balsamic glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage
You can also freeze cooked Brussels sprouts for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat when needed.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat leftover Brussels sprouts in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Troubleshooting and Common Questions
Q: Why are my Brussels sprouts not crispy?
A: Make sure to pat the Brussels sprouts dry before cooking to help them crisp up. You can also try increasing the cooking time or temperature to get them crisper.
Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe. Simply thaw them first and pat them dry before cooking.
Q: How do I store leftover Brussels sprouts?
A: Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and reheat when needed.
Final Thoughts
This easy air-fryer Brussels sprouts recipe is a game-changer for any Thanksgiving gathering. With its crispy, caramelized exterior and tender interior, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's healthy, nutritious, and can be customized to fit your tastes and dietary needs.
So why not give this recipe a try and make it a part of your Thanksgiving tradition? Your guests will thank you, and you'll be grateful for the ease and deliciousness of this dish. Happy cooking!
