Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts: Quick and Crispy Side!

When I need a quick, simple, and low fuss side dish, I make air fryer frozen brussel sprouts! All you need is a handful of simple ingredients, though they’re super customizable with different flavors. Then, a quick trip through the air fryer makes them crispy, tender, and delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Thawing Needed. Cook the Brussels sprouts straight from frozen for an easy side dish!
• Quick And Easy. Minimal prep and a short cook time make these a perfect roasted vegetable for busy nights or a fast snack
• Crispy Edges. The air fryer helps frozen Brussels sprouts develop deliciously browned, crispy edges
• Tender Inside. High heat cooks the centers until tender while the outside gets nicely roasted
• Minimal Cleanup. Everything cooks in the air fryer basket, so there’s no need to dirty a skillet or baking sheet
• Easy To Customize. Add your favorite seasonings, sauces, or toppings to change up the flavor! They’re naturally gluten free and vegetarian friendly, so they work for a variety of dietary needs so long as you watch the toppings
• Great For Weeknights. Keep a bag in the freezer and you always have an easy vegetable side ready to go
• Budget-Friendly. Frozen Brussels sprouts are an inexpensive way to keep a convenient vegetable on hand
• Works With Any Meal. Serve them as a tasty side dish alongside chicken, steak, pork, seafood, or your favorite vegetarian main!

Ingredients List

• 12 ounce bag frozen Brussels sprouts
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper or lemon pepper (or to taste)

Flavor Variations

Once your frozen Brussels sprouts are crispy and tender, you can easily change up the flavor with different seasonings, sauces, and toppings. Here are some of my favorites!

• Garlic Parmesan: Toss with garlic powder and Parmesan, then finish with a little extra Parmesan and black pepper
• Balsamic Glazed: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and add a sprinkle of Parmesan for a sweet and tangy finish
• Honey Mustard: Toss with honey mustard sauce for a sweet, tangy coating that pairs especially well with roasted Brussels sprouts
• Buffalo: Toss with Buffalo sauce and finish with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Honey Sriracha: Combine honey with Sriracha for a sweet and spicy glaze. Add sesame seeds for extra crunch!
• Maple Bacon: Toss with maple syrup and cooked crumbled bacon, then add a little black pepper for a sweet and savory combination
• Lemon Pepper: Toss with lemon pepper seasoning and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor

Step By Step Instructions

1. Toss the frozen Brussels with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you’re using in a large bowl, until they’re evenly coated

2. Place into your air fryer basket in an even layer, then cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10 minutes. Shake the basket, then cook an extra 2-5 minutes, until desired level of browning and crispiness is reached

3. Top with fresh herbs, grated parmesan cheese, a drizzle of sauce, or a spritz of fresh lemon juice if desired (all optional). Enjoy!

Pairing Suggestions

Air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts make an easy vegetable side for all kinds of meals! Their crispy, roasted flavor works especially well with classic meats, potatoes, pasta, and simple sauces.

Chicken & Turkey

• Roast Chicken: A simple pairing that lets the crispy Brussels sprouts complement the savory chicken!
• Air Fryer Chicken Breast: An easy weeknight combination with both dishes ready quickly. Try my Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast for an easy option!
• Chicken Thighs: The rich, juicy meat pairs nicely with the roasted flavor of Brussels sprouts
• Turkey: Serve alongside roasted turkey for an easy Thanksgiving or weeknight dinner side. Any of my Air Fryer Turkey Recipes would be great choices!

Beef & Pork

• Steak: Crispy Brussels sprouts make an easy vegetable side for grilled or pan-seared steak. Check out my Air Fryer Steak Recipes for some classic options!
• Meatloaf: A classic comfort food pairing that’s hearty without being complicated
• Pork Chops: Roasted Brussels sprouts complement both grilled and pan-seared pork
• Ham: The salty, savory flavor of ham works especially well with Brussels sprouts. Try my hot honey glazed Small Ham!

Other Side Dishes

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes balance the crispy edges of the Brussels sprouts
• Roasted Potatoes: Make both vegetables in the air fryer for an easy roasted side combination
• Mac And Cheese: Creamy, cheesy pasta pairs well with the slightly crisp, roasted vegetables
• Dinner Rolls: A simple way to round out a classic meat-and-two-vegetables dinner!

Easy Weeknight Meals

• Spaghetti And Meatballs: Brussels sprouts add a vegetable side to this family-friendly favorite!
• Lasagna: Their roasted flavor provides a nice contrast to rich, cheesy lasagna
• Baked Chicken And Rice: An easy vegetable addition to a comforting casserole-style meal
• Sausage And Potatoes: A hearty combination that works especially well with crispy Brussels sprouts. Try my Kielbasa and Potatoes for a quick and easy meal!

Tips For the Best Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts

• The sprouts should be fully cooked after 10 minutes. The additional time is only to get them browned and crispy on the outside, so it can be adjusted to your personal preferences! They’ll be soft and tender inside regardless
• I have a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer and cooked my sprouts for an extra 3 minutes to get the level of browning pictured (note that I do not preheat). Other air fryers can vary slightly, so adjust as needed with additional cooking time for your particular model
• Don’t overcrowd your basket, or the sprouts won’t get crispy (they need that hot air circulation). If you have a smaller air fryer, cook in batches as needed

Storage and Reheating

Storage Tips

• Let them cool, then store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days
• I do not recommend refreezing them after they have been cooked once, as they will start to get too mushy

Reheating Tips

• Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until hot and crisp
• Oven: Spread on a baking sheet and heat at 400°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through
• Microwave: Microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. This is the quickest option, but the Brussels sprouts won’t be as crispy
• Avoid Overcrowding: Spread the sprouts in a single layer when reheating in the air fryer or oven for the best texture (hot air circulation helps to restore the crisp)!
• Use Leftovers In Other Dishes: Chop them into omelets, frittatas, pasta, grain bowls, or casseroles for an easy leftover upgrade and convenient meal prep option!

• Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts With Balsamic Honey Glaze
• Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Final Thoughts

These air fryer frozen brussel sprouts make for a delicious, perfect side dish anytime! They’re super convenient, since they cook directly from frozen, and pair with a variety of different proteins and other sides to make a meal any night.

Brussels are such a versatile veggie, and while the classic salt and pepper is all you need, you can absolutely customize them with different flavors like lemon herb, maple Dijon, buffalo, or Asian-inspired flavors to match the rest of the table.

I love how the air fryer delivers browned, crispy leaves outside, while keeping the centers melt in your mouth tender. For more easy recipes to prepare this classic veggie, check out all of my Air Fryer Brussel Sprout Recipes for additional inspiration!