These air fryer smashed Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. With flavors of garlic and parmesan, they’re perfect as a snack or appetizer!
10-16Ounceswhole Brussels sprouts, fresh or frozen(washed and trimmed if fresh)
2Tbspolive oil
1Tspgarlic powder
½Tspsalt
½Tspblack pepper
2Tbspgrated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Pre-cook your Brussels sprouts. You may do this by microwaving on high for 5-7 minutes in a steamer bag, microwave steamer, or microwave safe dish with a lid and about ½ cup water added. Alternatively, boil in salted water on the stovetop for about 10 minutes. Allow the sprouts to cool for 5-10 minutes, then pat dry
10-16 Ounces whole Brussels sprouts, fresh or frozen
Smash the sprouts flat to about ¼” thickness using the bottom of a drinking glass or similar. Keep them as even as possible, and don’t over mash them so they break apart
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (or the closest setting your specific air fryer has)
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, seasonings, and parmesan cheese together and mix well
2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tsp garlic powder, ½ Tsp salt, ½ Tsp black pepper, 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Toss the smashed Brussels carefully in the mixture or brush it onto them evenly
Place the seasoned, smashed brussel sprouts into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer
Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes at 380°F, pausing halfway through to flip the sprouts over (use a fork or a pair of tongs), until the edges are brown and crispy
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
You may use fresh or frozen Brussels. I opt for the frozen so I can steam in the bag for convenience. Most frozen bags are 10-12 ounces. If you use fresh, it will be 16 ounces in a bag, but after trimming them you’ll end up with less. Adjust seasoning as needed depending on your specific quantity
You can substitute fresh garlic in place of the garlic powder, but I find it tends to get a little overly brown for my tastes in the air fryer. This is a personal preference, though
Other great seasoning options include: paprika, thyme, or red pepper flakes for a little heat!
Feel free to add finishing touches such as a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, cooked crumbled bacon, a squeeze of lemon juice, or some shredded parmesan!
Good dipping sauce options are: ranch dressing, garlic sauce, tahini, hummus, or garlic parmesan sauce!
The sprouts will release additional water as you smash them, which I recommend dabbing up. This will help them to get crispier after air frying!
If you don’t preheat your air fryer (I’m guilty of it sometimes too), cook for 7 minutes on the first side, then flip and do an additional 5. This will make up for the preheat time generally (but if you need to add 1-2 more minutes that’s fine)!
I made this recipe in my 8 qt Ninja Dual Zoneair fryer and was able to fit 18 sprouts in at a time. For smaller air fryers, you may need to cook in batches (overcrowding will result in them not being crispy)
Smashed brussel sprouts are best enjoyed fresh. However, you may store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days if needed. I do not recommend freezing, as they tend to fall apart
To reheat, air fry for 2-3 minutes at 400°F to re-crisp them
If you would like to prepare them in advance, cook, smash, and season the sprouts. Refrigerate for up to 48 hours and then just cook them in the air fryer before serving (so it only takes 10 minutes)
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only