Crispy, caramelized, and bursting with flavor, these Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are a quick and delicious side dish. Tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then finished with a sweet, tangy honey-balsamic glaze, they’re perfectly balanced, ready in minutes, and a must-try for fans of easy air fryer recipes and healthy sides!
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Not only are these honey balsamic Brussels sprouts incredibly flavorful, but they’re also versatile. Serve them as a holiday side dish, pair them with roasted chicken or air fryer salmon, or enjoy them on their own as a healthy snack.
The combination of crispy edges and the sweet, tangy glaze makes this a must-try dish, and the air fryer ensures easy prep and cleanup!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy To Make: The air fryer is seriously a game changer for making these Brussels sprouts! It's quick and easy and makes them perfectly crispy every time!
- Great Side Dish: These Brussels sprouts are sweet, crisp, and tender, making them a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with any main meal.
- Sweet Flavor: The honey and balsamic glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang, creating a flavor so irresistible it might even convert Brussels sprout skeptics into fans!
- Healthy and Light: Made with wholesome ingredients like olive oil, honey, and fresh Brussels sprouts, this dish is a nutritious addition to your table.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe with extra seasonings or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an added twist.
Ingredients
Gather the ingredients below to make these delicious air fryer Brussels sprouts!
- Brussels sprouts: Make sure to clean and halve your brussels sprouts before cooking. I'm not going to lie, sometimes I take the easy way out and buy brussels sprouts already chopped and cleaned to help save time!
- Olive oil: Helps ensure that the salt and pepper sticks to the Brussels sprouts and that they don't stick to the air fryer basket. The oil also helps them get nice and crispy!
- Salt and Pepper: Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also throw your favorite seasonings in there for additional flavor.
- Honey: The honey adds the perfect amount of sweetness to compliment the balsamic vinegar. You can also use maple syrup.
- Balsamic vinegar: Provides a rich and acidic contrast to the sweetness of the honey creating the perfect balance. I seriously love adding balsamic vinegar to just about any type of veggie. If you do too, try these balsamic carrots or balsamic asparagus!
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Balsamic Vinegar: Swap the standard balsamic for a flavored variety like fig or raspberry for a unique twist.
- Seasonings: Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes to the olive oil for extra flavor before air frying.
- Vegetables: Mix in halved baby carrots, red onions, or sweet potatoes to create a colorful veggie medley.
- Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese over the Brussels sprouts just before serving for added richness.
- Nuts or Seeds: Toss in toasted almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds for a nutty crunch that complements the glaze.
- Maple Syrup: Replace honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweet and earthy flavor.
How to Make Honey & Balsamic Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer
Once you've gathered your ingredients, preheat your air fryer to 400ºF and follow the simple steps below to make these delicious Brussels sprouts.
- Step 1: To prepare the brussels sprouts, you just want to wash them, cut off the ends of the sprouts, slice them in half and take off some of their outer leaves.
- Step 2: Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Transfer brussels sprouts to air fryer basket. Cook at 400º Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking time.
- Step 4: Toss brussels sprouts with honey and balsamic vinegar immediately before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Even Coating: Make sure the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a consistent cook and crisp texture.
- Shake the Basket: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure the Brussels sprouts cook evenly and crisp up on all sides.
- Don’t Overcrowd: For the best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to allow air circulation.
- Adjust for Size: If your Brussels sprouts are larger, you may need to cook them a little longer; check for desired crispness.
- Add Extra Toppings: For added flavor, top with grated Parmesan cheese, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze before serving.
- Serve Immediately: For the crispiest texture, serve the Brussels sprouts immediately after tossing them with the honey-balsamic glaze.
Recipe FAQs
It’s best to use fresh Brussels sprouts for optimal texture, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw them before cooking.
Not all air fryers need to be preheated, but it can often help. If you choose to do this, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes before cooking. It will help ensure that the Brussels sprouts start cooking immediately and get crispy on the outside.
Be sure to dry the Brussels sprouts thoroughly before adding the oil and seasoning. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation for maximum crispiness. Also, use a light hand with the oil to prevent sogginess.
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness or use a sugar-free alternative for a lighter version.
While these Brussels sprouts are best served fresh, you can prep them in advance and store them in the refrigerator, then reheat in the air fryer before serving.
These amazing Brussels sprouts seriously go well with just about any meal! Lately, I've been serving them alongside air fryer salmon or marinated pork chops for a flavorful, well-rounded meal!
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storage Instructions
Although best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes or reheat in the microwave if you don't mind them being a bit softer.
Freezing Instructions
It’s not recommended to freeze these cooked Brussels sprouts, as they may lose their texture and crispiness upon thawing.
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Air Fryer Honey and Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts (cleaned and halved)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Mix brussels sprouts in bowl with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Transfer brussels sprouts to air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400º Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking time.
- Toss brussels sprouts with honey and balsamic vinegar immediately before serving.
Notes
- Even Coating: Make sure the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a consistent cook and crisp texture.
- Shake the Basket: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure the Brussels sprouts cook evenly and crisp up on all sides.
- Don’t Overcrowd: For the best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to allow air circulation.
- Adjust for Size: If your Brussels sprouts are larger, you may need to cook them a little longer; check for desired crispness.
- Add Extra Toppings: For added flavor, top with grated Parmesan cheese, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze before serving.
- Serve Immediately: For the crispiest texture, serve the Brussels sprouts immediately after tossing them with the honey-balsamic glaze.
Emily
Hi! Can I use the steamable bags of brussel if I don't steam them first? Or do they have to be bought fresh?
Sara
Hi Emily! I think that would work fine!
Vicki
Perfect in the air fryer! I mixed the glaze with some Dijon mustard and tossed the roasted Brussels sprouts in it, and returned them to the air fryer for the last few minutes of cooking. Delicious!
Sara
Mmmm. . .I'm going to have to try the Dijon!
Anonymous
mine turned out rock hard and that was after 15 minutes of cooking in the air fryer on 400. I will start them in the microwave next time.
Sara
Each air fryer will vary but I'm surprised to hear yours weren't tender after 15 minutes at 400º. Did you remember to slice them?
Margie
I microwaved first as I cannot eat harder veggies.And yes, single layer, cut in half . instant vortex air fryer. 10 min still hard
Yan
Hi first time air fryer user here...if I have 2lbs of brussel sprouts do I double the time? Thank you!
Sara
You may need to do cook 1 lb. at a time depending on how big your basket is. You don't want the brussels sprouts to be stacked on top of each other. . .it would cause uneven cooking.
Dana
The Brussels sprouts sound wonderful, but how to cook them without owning
An air fryer.....please respond.
Sara
I included oven instructions within the post. Just put them in for about 20 minutes at 425º Fahrenheit and then toss with the honey and balsamic vinegar. You're going to love them!