I recently went to LongHorn Steakhouse for a birthday, and I’m so glad I did seeing as I got to try their amazing Brussels sprouts! Of course, I had to replicate it at home so I could enjoy it whenever I wanted, and thus this copycat LongHorn brussel sprouts recipe was created!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about a copycat LongHorn Brussels Sprouts recipe made in the air fryer – it’s restaurant flavor without leaving home! You get that irresistible caramelized crispiness on the outside and tender, nutty sweetness inside, just like the ones served at LongHorn Steakhouse.
Another reason to love this recipe is its flavor balance – smoky, sweet, savory, and just a touch of spice. The honey glaze and seasoning blend coat each sprout perfectly, giving you that addictive flavor that keeps everyone going back for seconds.
Crispy Brussels sprouts make an impressive side dish that pairs beautifully with almost any main, from steak and chicken to pork tenderloin or even a plant-based entrée!
This recipe feels fancy but couldn’t be easier. With just a handful of ingredients and your air fryer, you can recreate a steakhouse-worthy side dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Quick + Easy Recipes
straight to your inbox
Ingredients List
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1/4 cup butter (4 Tbsp; ½ stick)
- 1 tablespoon smoky Calabrian chili rub
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- I use salted butter but you can use unsalted as well and just adjust to taste (in combination with the sea salt) for the overall level
- LongHorn specifically uses Victoria Taylor Smoky Paprika Chipotle seasoning. It’s hard to find both in store and online for personal use, so I recommend Weber Bold smoky & sweet instead as it’s a pretty close alternative that’s easier to find (or anything in a similar vein – 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, and ÂĽ to ½ tsp red pepper or Calabrian chili pepper is a homemade option)
- Since this version is homemade, you can customize it to your liking! Try maple syrup as an alternative to honey, add red pepper flakes or chili powder for extra heat, or any other seasonings you like
Step By Step Instructions
- Melt half the butter in a large bowl (I microwave for about 30 seconds). Add the halved Brussels sprouts and half the seasonings and salt. Toss to evenly coat
- Add the seasoned sprouts to your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10 minutes. Stir, then cook an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the edges
- While the sprouts are cooking, melt the remaining butter in a small bowl. Add in the honey, sugar, and remaining half the seasonings, and stir until the sugar dissolves
- Toss the sprouts in the honey butter sauce (or warm the sauce slightly and serve on the side for dipping if preferred). Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Main Dishes
- Grilled or smoked steak – The sweet, spicy glaze pairs beautifully with charred, beefy flavors (just like LongHorn’s menu)!
- Roasted or air-fried chicken – The glaze adds a punch of flavor and moisture contrast to tender chicken. Try my Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken for a great compliment!
- Pork tenderloin or chops – Pork’s natural sweetness complements the honey-chili glaze perfectly
- Salmon or trout – The mild richness of fish balances the boldness of the Brussels sprouts
Other Side Dishes
- Garlic mashed potatoes – Creamy and mild, they balance the chili spice
- Parmesan risotto or mac and cheese – The richness contrasts nicely with the caramelized glaze
- Air fryer sweet potato fries – Adds a layer of sweetness and crispiness that ties into the honey glaze!
Drinks
- Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel – Both wines complement the sweet heat and umami flavors
- Amber ale or brown ale – Malt-forward beers mellow the spice without overpowering it
- Smoky old fashioned or bourbon mule – Bourbon’s caramel and oak notes mirror the glaze’s flavor profile
Desserts
- Maple pecan pie or brown butter blondies – Echo the caramelized flavors of the glaze. Try my Pecan Pie Bark for an easy make ahead option!
- Chocolate whiskey mousse – Rich and slightly bitter, it finishes the meal with balance. Alternatively, try a boozy version with one of my Chocolate Crown Royal Cocktails!
Recipe FAQs
Can You Use Frozen Brussels Sprouts?
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but for best texture, thaw and pat them completely dry with paper towels before air frying. This helps them crisp up rather than steam. Fresh Brussels sprouts will always yield the best caramelization.
What Is on LongHorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts?
LongHorn’s Brussels sprouts are known for their sweet, smoky glaze made with honey, butter, Calabrian chili rub, sea salt, and a touch of sugar. The sauce gives them that signature balance of sweet heat and charred flavor.
Can You Make The Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes, the honey butter Calabrian chili sauce can easily be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
When ready to use, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until smooth and pourable before tossing with your air-fried Brussels sprouts.
Tips For the Best LongHorn Brussel Sprouts
- If your Brussels sprouts aren’t crisping, it’s usually because they’re overcrowded in the air fryer basket or not dried completely before cooking (if they were frozen). Moisture from excess water causes them to steam instead of crisp, so make sure to pat them dry and give them space for air to circulate! Spread them out, spritz with a little olive oil, and give them a few more minutes of cooking to try and add crispiness if needed
- When air frying sprouts, there’s no need to blanch or roast first. The air fryer cooks them through while crisping the outer leaves perfectly. However, if you prefer extra tenderness inside, a quick 2-minute blanch can help before drying and air frying
- As pictured, this recipe was made in a Ninja air fryer and cooked for 15 minutes total. Other air fryers (and size of sprouts) can vary slightly, so adjust as needed for your setup and preferences
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation (which can make them soggy)
- Sauce Storage: If you’ve made the honey-chili butter sauce separately, store it in a small jar in the fridge for up to a week. Warm it slightly before drizzling over reheated sprouts
Reheating Tips
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 3–5 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping. This is the best method for restoring that signature crunch!
- Oven: Spread on a baking sheet and warm at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes if reheating a larger batch
- Microwave (Last Resort): While convenient, microwaving will soften the sprouts. Use 30-second bursts until warmed through
More Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Red Lobster Brussel Sprouts
- Balsamic Honey Glazed Brussel Sprouts
Final Thoughts
These copycat LongHorn brussel sprouts are a delicious side dish, perfect for fall or honestly for any occasion. They’re so easy to make thanks to your air fryer – roast brussel sprouts with crispy edges meet a sweet, smoky, and lightly spicy sauce for an amazing combination.
I love the fact that you don’t need to leave the house to enjoy this tasty veggie, and it’s way more customizable than the restaurant too. Pair with your other steakhouse favorites for date night, entertaining guests, or just a cozy evening with great food.
Looking for more great ways to get your veggies in? Check out all my tasty Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts recipes!
Copycat LongHorn Brussel Sprouts Recipe (Air Fryer)
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon)
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts (halved)
- ¼ cup butter (or 4 Tbsp; ½ stick; divided)
- 1 Tbsp smoky Calabrian chili rub (divided)
- Âľ tsp sea salt (or to taste; divided)
- â…“ cup honey
- Âľ tsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Melt half the butter in a large bowl (I microwave for about 30 seconds). Add the halved Brussels sprouts and half the seasonings and salt. Toss to evenly coat1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, ÂĽ cup butter, Âľ tsp sea salt, 1 Tbsp smoky Calabrian chili rub
- Add the seasoned sprouts to your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10 minutes. Stir, then cook an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the edges. Time can vary between air fryers, size of sprouts, and personal preference, so adjust as needed
- While the sprouts are cooking, melt the remaining butter in a small bowl. Add in the honey, sugar, and remaining half the seasonings, and stir until the sugar dissolvesÂĽ cup butter, Âľ tsp sea salt, â…“ cup honey, Âľ tsp granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp smoky Calabrian chili rub
- Toss the sprouts in the honey butter sauce (or warm the sauce slightly and serve on the side for dipping if preferred). Enjoy!
Notes
- I use salted butter but you can use unsalted as well and just adjust to taste (in combination with the sea salt) for the overall level
- LongHorn specifically uses Victoria Taylor Smoky Paprika Chipotle seasoning. It’s hard to find both in store and online for personal use, so I recommend Weber Bold smoky & sweet seasoning instead as it’s a pretty close alternative that’s easier to find, or make a homemade mix of 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, and ¼ to ½ tsp red pepper or Calabrian chili pepper
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any additions or swaps added, size of sprouts, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
