Say hello to the crispiest air fryer smashed Brussels sprouts! They’re tender inside, extra crispy outside, cheesy, and bursting with balsamic garlic flavor. An easy side dish that you can also roast in the oven!
Brussels sprouts get a bad rap, but they’ve just been misunderstood. Most people have only tried the soggy, steamed kind—no wonder they think they hate them! The real magic happens when they’re crispy, golden, and packed with flavor. One bite, and you’ll see just how amazing they can be.
That’s what makes these air fryer Smashed Brussel Sprouts so special. They’re cheesy, garlicky, and bursting with balsamic goodness. Plus, they’re super easy to make—air fryer or oven, fresh or frozen, you’ve got options! Smashing them gives them an irresistible crunch that’ll turn anyone into a Brussels sprouts fan.
I’ve shared lots of Brussels sprouts recipes, like balsamic maple brussel sprouts to these honey sriracha brussel sprouts, but smashed Brussels are my favorite. Why? They’re the crispiest!
Why you'll love this recipe:
- So Crispy: The crispiest Brussels sprouts you'll ever taste, inside and out!
- Oven or Air Fryer: Choose your favorite cooking method for perfect results.
- Big Flavor: Packed with balsamic, garlic, honey, and parmesan goodness.
- Fresh or Frozen: Use what you have—this recipe works either way.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep time and beginner-friendly!
Ingredients
You only need six ingredients, plus salt and pepper, to make these crispy air fyer smashed Brussels sprouts. They’re healthy, easy, and so tasty! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Brussels Sprouts: I recommend using fresh Brussels sprouts for maximum crispiness, but frozen works too.
- Olive or Avocado Oil: Helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy flavor.
- Honey: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness (maple syrup works for a vegan option).
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings the best flavor, but garlic powder will do if that’s all you have.
- Salt & Pepper: For simple seasoning.
- Parmesan Cheese: I love a cheesy finish, but nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option.
Instructions
These crispy air fryer smashed Brussels sprouts are so easy and delicious. Once you have one, you won’t be able to stop! Here’s how to make them:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork.
Drain the Brussels sprouts and transfer them to ice water for a few minutes to cool.
Dry them really well—this is key for getting them extra crispy!
Use a small glass or measuring cup to smash each sprout gently. Drizzle the balsamic dressing on top, then flip the Brussels to make sure they’re coated evenly.
Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the preheated air fryer. If needed, do two batches for the full 2 pounds.
Air fry for 6-7 minutes, until crispy.
Flip, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and air fry for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until they’re as crispy as you like.
Oven Option: Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for 30 minutes.
Roast for 20 minutes until the bottoms are crispy and golden, then flip, add the cheese, and roast for the remaining time.
Top tips
- Skip the Parchment Paper: For the crispiest air fryer smashed Brussels sprouts, avoid using parchment paper. Instead, use foil or place them directly in the air fryer basket or on an oiled baking sheet.
- Dry the Brussels Sprouts Well: After boiling, make sure to dry the sprouts completely. This helps them get extra crispy during cooking.
- Flip for Crispiness: Whether you’re air frying or baking, flipping the sprouts halfway through ensures they cook evenly and get perfectly crispy.
Substations & Variations
- Make them Gluten-Free - This recipe is naturally gluten-free already
- Make them Dairy-Free & Vegan - Simply skip the parmesan cheese and swap it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free alternative.
- Balsamic Vinegar Substitute: Try balsamic salad dressing, balsamic reduction, or red wine vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. OR try hot honey Brussels sprouts.
- Herbs: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary over the sprouts after drizzling the dressing for extra flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds for an added crunch and extra flavor.
- Bacon: Add crispy bacon crumbles after roasting.
Equipment
Having the right equipment can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy smashed Brussels sprouts:
- Air Fryer (or oven is you want to roast them)
- Whisk + Tongs
- Pot + Bowl
- Cutting Board + Sharp Knife
- Glass or Measuring Cup
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
What to serve with brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a super versatile side that can complement so many dishes. Here are some ideas for what to pair them with:
- Grilled Chicken – Simple grilled chicken, like balsamic feta stuffed chicken, air fryer chicken thighs, and chicken penne alla vodka adds protein and flavor.
- Pasta – A light pasta dish, like garlic and olive oil spaghetti, or creamy pasta, like lemon caper pasta, works nicely with Brussels sprouts.
- Steak or Pork – Roasted or pan-seared steak or pork tenderloin pairs perfectly with Brussels sprouts for a hearty meal.
- Salmon - They’re amazing with this crispy everything bagel salmon,
- Vegetarian Options - Pair them with quinoa or rice bowls, stuffed mushrooms, or even this Greek Chickpea Soup.
Storage
Storing: These air fryer Smashed Brussel Sprouts are best enjoyed fresh and hot within 20 minutes of making. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheating: To enjoy again, reheat them in the air fryer or on a baking sheet at 350°F (180°C) for 5-8 minutes. Be sure to flip halfway through to ensure they heat evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your Brussels sprouts aren't getting crispy, there are a few things to check. First, make sure they’re completely dry after boiling. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Also, avoid overcrowding them in the air fryer or on the baking sheet, as this can prevent them from crisping up properly. Finally, flipping the sprouts halfway through cooking helps ensure they get crispy on both sides.
I recommend fresh Brussels for the best texture, but frozen Brussels will work, too. Just make sure to thaw and dry them completely. If you're using a steam bag, cook according to the package instructions and dry them well before smashing.
I found that boiling or steaming the Brussels before smashing and air-frying them is the best method. If you're short on time, you can microwave them. Just make sure they're fork-tender and smashable.
An ice bath stops them from cooking further and helps keep them from turning mushy. Super important to get that perfect texture!
Yes! Simply swap out the parmesan for nutritional yeast to keep it dairy-free but still cheesy and delicious.
Try these air fryer recipes next!
- Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
- Crispy Tater Tots
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Did you make this recipe?
Don't forget to leave a review and let me know how it turned out! And tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram with #healthfulblondie—I'd love to see and share your creations!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed
- 2 - 3 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 - 2 teaspoon honey
- 2 cloves minced garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ - 1 teaspoon salt, based on preference
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ⅓ - ½ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F or oven to 425°F.
- Fill a large bowl with ice water and set it to the side.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add Brussels sprouts and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork.
- While sprouts cook, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Drain Brussels sprouts, transfer to ice water for a few minutes to cool, then dry and place on a baking sheet. Make sure they are dry, or else they won’t get as crispy.
- Use a small glass or measuring cup to flatten sprouts.
- Drizzle the “dressing” on top and flip the brussels to make sure they are all coated.
- Air Fryer: Arrange sprouts in a single layer in the preheated air fryer. You may need to do two batches for the entire 2-pound batch. Air fry for 6 - 7 minutes until crispy. FLIP, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and air fry for an additional 5 - 6 minutes or until they reach your desired crispiness level.
- Oven: Use a baking sheet WITHOUT parchment paper. You can use foil if necessary. Roast in the oven for a total of 30 minutes. Roast for 20 minutes until the bottoms are crispy and golden brown. FLIP the Brussels, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and roast for another 10 - 15 minutes or until they reach your desired crispiness level.
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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