Description
Crispy, tender Brussels sprouts cooked in an air fryer and finished with a rich, sweet-and-tart balsamic glaze. This quick side dish is better than takeout and ready in about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved or quartered
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cold butter
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Rinse Brussels sprouts and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Trim woody stems and cut sprouts in half or quarters for uniform size.
- Place sprouts in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing with tongs halfway through, until tender and crispy.
- While sprouts cook, pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer vinegar for 5-7 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove saucepan from heat. Whisk in honey, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Whisk in cold butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze is glossy and smooth.
- Transfer hot sprouts to a serving bowl and drizzle with warm balsamic glaze. Toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately, optionally topped with bacon bits, Parmesan cheese, or fresh thyme.
Notes
Patting sprouts dry is crucial for crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. The glaze will thicken as it cools, so stop reducing when it is slightly thinner than desired. For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and use vegan butter or omit the butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 6
Keywords: air fryer brussels sprouts, balsamic glaze, crispy vegetables, healthy side dish, quick dinner, vegetarian recipe