Frozen Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer Recipe

I love making frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer because they turn out so much better than you would expect. They go from icy to caramelized and delicious in minutes, no oven needed. No one will guess these started from frozen!

You will love this recipe because it cooks straight from frozen, takes less than 20 minutes, and delivers restaurant level caramelization with almost no prep. Air frying brussel sprouts is one of our favorite healthy side dishes to serve with a lean protein and healthy starch.

Things to Know Before Making Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts

• Cooked Brussel sprouts are still bitter unless you cook them to a crispy, charred state. Our recipe takes them to that level so they'll be perfect every time!
• A light coating of oil helps them crisp without drying out.
• Keep the sprouts in a single layer for even cooking.
• Add parmesan or balsamic glaze at the end for a flavor boost.

And if you're looking for even more air fried veggies, you'll want to try our Frozen Asparagus in Air Fryer and Air Fryer Frozen Corn on the Cob Recipe.

Ingredients Overview

Full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

• Frozen Brussels sprouts: Roast well from frozen and get tender in the center.
• Olive oil
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Equipment: Any air fryer model will work whether you have a basket style air fryer or an oven style, we have a Cosori air fryer.

How to Cook Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes. Starting hot helps the sprouts begin to brown faster.

Step 2: Combine frozen Brussels sprouts with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Stir until evenly coated.

Step 3: Spread the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space around each one for even crisping.

Step 4: Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip. Continue cooking for 7 to 8 minutes until browned and crispy on the edges.

Step 5: Serve warm with lemon wedges or parmesan if desired. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

• Add parmesan cheese during the last minute of cooking.
• Mix in precooked bacon for a smoky finish.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
• Add mushrooms, onions, or small diced butternut squash for variety.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts

These sprouts pair well with easy protein mains like air fryer pork tenderloin, air fryer chicken thighs, or turkey meatballs. They also work beautifully with salmon, steak, or any low carb weeknight dinner. Serve them with a healthy starch like potatoes, quinoa, or sweet potatoes. Or you can skip the grains and serve a healthy low carb dinner.

Storage and Freezing

Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed. Freeze cooked sprouts for up to 3 months. You can reheat them again from frozen until cooked through to your liking.

FAQs

How do I make frozen Brussels sprouts crispy in the air fryer?

Cook them long enough to brown, keep them in a single layer, and add 1 to 2 extra minutes if you want more caramelization. We love ours crispy so we cook them a little longer than many other recipes that cook them "just through"--which means they'll still be bitter.

Can I make these with parmesan cheese?

Yes. Add parmesan during the final 1-2 minutes of cooking so they melts without burning.

How do I cook frozen Brussels sprouts in a Ninja air fryer?

Use the same temperature and time as our recipe here. Ninja models may cook slightly faster, so begin checking at the 15 minute mark.

Do I need to thaw Brussels sprouts before air frying?

No. Cooking from frozen helps them stay tender and develop caramelized edges. These seriously make the best dinner side dish.

More Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables

• Air Fryer Frozen Okra
• How to Air Fry Frozen Veggies
• Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans
• Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

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