While I typically use fresh Brussels sprouts for their superior texture and faster crisping, you can absolutely use frozen Brussels sprouts. The key is to make sure they are completely thawed and thoroughly patted dry before tossing them with oil and seasonings. Since frozen sprouts retain more moisture, you’ll likely need to increase the air frying time by 5-10 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness and tenderness.

These garlic parmesan air fryer Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide variety of main courses. They’d be a fantastic addition to this sausage skillet or complement the richness of this chicken bacon ranch pasta. For lighter options, serve them alongside baked chicken breast, grilled salmon, or even a simple steak. The options are truly endless, making them a go-to side dish for almost any meal!

Yes, absolutely! To make these crispy Brussels sprouts dairy-free or entirely vegan, simply swap out the Parmesan cheese for an equal amount of nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast provides a wonderful savory, cheesy flavor without any dairy, making it a perfect substitute.

The most common reason for soggy Brussels sprouts is excess moisture. Ensure your Brussels sprouts are completely dry after washing them and before tossing them in olive oil. Pat them thoroughly with paper towels. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; if there are too many sprouts, they will steam rather than crisp up. Cook in batches if necessary, and make sure your air fryer is preheated.

While this recipe is optimized for the air fryer’s rapid crisping capabilities, you can certainly roast them in the oven. To do so, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic as instructed. Spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, or until they are tender-crisp and nicely browned.

Any air fryer model will work, whether it’s a basket-style or oven-style. The key is to ensure you don’t overcrowd the basket or trays. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook in two batches to ensure proper air circulation and maximum crispiness. Basket-style air fryers are often preferred for easy shaking.

Absolutely! This recipe provides a fantastic base, but feel free to customize. Before air frying, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika, onion powder, a dash of red pepper flakes for heat, or even some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. After cooking, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning can add another layer of flavor.

Storing and Reheating Your Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Proper storage and reheating are crucial to maintain the delicious crispiness of your air fryer Brussels sprouts. Here’s how to ensure they remain tasty and retain their texture for future enjoyment:

Once cooled to room temperature, store any leftover garlic parmesan Brussels sprouts in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 4 days. While technically you can reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, this method will inevitably lead to soggy sprouts due to the steam created. To bring back that desired crispiness, I highly recommend reheating them using an appliance that applies dry heat:

• In the Oven: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp again.
• In the Air Fryer: For the best results, return the sprouts to your air fryer basket in a single layer. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are hot and have regained their crunch.

For an extra burst of flavor and freshness, sprinkle with a little more Parmesan cheese after reheating, and then serve immediately.

Can You Freeze Brussels Sprouts (Cooked or Uncooked)?

This air fryer balsamic Brussels sprouts recipe is surprisingly freezer-friendly, allowing you to enjoy this delicious vegetable even when fresh sprouts are out of season or when you need a quick meal prep solution. You can freeze Brussels sprouts both cooked and uncooked, though the preparation differs slightly for each method:

• Freezing Cooked Brussels Sprouts: If you have leftovers from this recipe, simply allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them into a freezer-safe glass bowl or a heavy-duty Ziploc freezer bag. Ensure as much air as possible is removed from the bag to prevent freezer burn. Cooked Brussels sprouts can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat them directly from frozen in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed and slightly crisped, or follow the oven reheating instructions mentioned above for best results.
• Freezing Uncooked Brussels Sprouts: For long-term storage of fresh Brussels sprouts, blanching them before freezing is highly recommended. Blanching helps preserve their color, texture, and nutritional value.
  1. Blanch: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Prepare an ice bath in a separate large bowl. Add the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts to the boiling water and blanch for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Chill: Immediately transfer the blanched sprouts to the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
  3. Dry: Once cooled, drain the sprouts thoroughly and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them completely dry; any remaining moisture can lead to ice crystals and poor texture.
  4. Freeze: Arrange the completely dry Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid. This step prevents them from clumping together. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe glass bowl or Ziploc bag for up to 6 months.

  To cook blanched and frozen Brussels sprouts, you can add them directly to your air fryer from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed (likely an increase of 5-10 minutes) until they are tender and crispy. You may need to defrost them slightly first to apply the oil and seasonings evenly.

Important Note: If you use pre-frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe, you cannot re-freeze them once they’ve been cooked. Always work with either fresh or previously uncooked-frozen sprouts for optimal results.

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