Air fryer smashed Brussels sprouts

Air fryer smashed Brussels sprouts

20 min
Discover a delightful twist on a classic vegetable with our air fryer smashed Brussels sprouts recipe. Crispy, tender, and full of flavour, these Brussels sprouts make a mouthwatering dish that is simple to prepare and impossible to resist. With the magic of the air fryer, you will achieve the perfect balance of a golden-brown exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth interior.
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Instructions

  • Rinse Brussels sprouts and remove the outer leaves.
  • Steam or parboil Brussels sprouts until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Drain well.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.
  • Toss the steamed Brussels sprouts with butter or oil, garlic powder, paprika, coarse salt, and pepper.
  • Place the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  • Gently press down on each Brussels sprout using a fork or your hand to smash them.
  • Cook in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheese over the smashed Brussels sprouts and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with flaky salt before serving.
Enjoy!
Tip

For the ultimate crunch, dig into your air fryer Brussels sprouts as soon as they are ready. The crispy outside and tender inside are at their peak right out of the fryer. If they sit for too long, the crispy exterior might lose some of its crunchiness.

Questions about smashed Brussels sprouts in an air fryer

These crispy and flavourful smashed Brussels sprouts made in an air fryer are both an easy and versatile side dish, perfect for any occasion. Keep reading to learn more.

Can you make smashed Brussels sprouts in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make delicious crispy smashed Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. You get the best result by steaming them for about five minutes before cooking them in the air fryer with butter or oil and seasonings. Grated cheese and flaky salt on top complete the serving.
How do you get crispy smashed Brussels sprouts in an air fryer?
To get crispy smashed Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, make sure the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with oil or butter. You can use a cooking brush or toss them in a bowl to ensure even distribution. Try to find Brussels sprouts that are similar in size and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This can help achieve even cooking and ensure that they crisp up uniformly.
What do you serve with smashed Brussels sprouts?
Smashed Brussels sprouts are versatile and flavourful, pairing well with a variety of mains and sides. For main courses, consider serving smashed Brussels sprouts alongside grilled chicken, roasted turkey, steak, pork chops, or seafood such as salmon or shrimp. Their unique texture and taste provide a delightful contrast to the main protein. You can also combine smashed Brussels sprouts with grains like quinoa, rice, or couscous to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. If you want to include more vegetables, they also shine in salads, providing a crunchy element to leafy greens or grain-based salads.
How long are smashed Brussels sprouts good for?
If you have leftover smashed Brussels sprouts, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a sealed container or bag. Frozen sprouts can last 1 to 2 months in the freezer. Keep in mind that their texture might change slightly after thawing and reheating. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore some of their crispiness. Reheating them in a microwave may make them softer.

Ingredients

Brussels sprouts
400 g
Butter or oil
25 g
Cheddar and maasdammer cheese, grated
50 g
Garlic powder
2 tsp
Paprika, e.g., smoked or spicy
2 tsp
Coarse salt
1 tsp
Freshly ground pepper
Flaky salt

Cheesy, crispy air fryer smashed Brussels sprouts

After experiencing these cheesy, crispy air fryer smashed Brussels sprouts, the memory of regular cooked ones might fade fast. These sprouts strike the perfect balance of tender and crispy, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. As they sizzle in the air fryer, their outer layers undergo a delightful transformation, resulting in a satisfying crunch. Taking it up a notch, a generous addition of melted cheese adds a creamy richness to every bite. The result? A symphony of textures and flavours that is hard to resist. Whether gracing your table as a standout side dish or serving as a satisfying snack, these cheesy, crispy smashed Brussels sprouts are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Want to experiment with more air fryer recipes? We have a variety of delicious vegetable recipes to choose from, such as air fryer beans), air fryer broccoli), and air fryer cauliflower.

Quick and easy side dish with tasty cheese and flavourful greens

This side dish is not only quick and effortless, but it also boasts vibrant flavours and delicious textures. In mere minutes, you can create a dish that captures the essence of gourmet. The heat of the air fryer works wonders, unlocking those tasty nutty and subtly sweet flavours of the sprouts. The tender greens, elevated with flavourful paprika and garlic, are complemented by rich, melted cheese, resulting in a delightful play of textures and flavours. Whether you are short on time or seeking a side that strikes the perfect balance between convenience and sophistication, this quick and easy recipe promises to deliver a satisfying outcome.

Experiment with bacon or other toppings 

Feel like getting a bit adventurous? How about adding bacon or other toppings to your smashed Brussels sprouts? The smokiness of bacon can add a new dimension to the crispy sprouts. If you are feeling fancy, grate some Parmesan cheese over them or toss with toasted nuts to mix things up in the texture department. And if you are really feeling daring, a drizzle of balsamic glaze could be the game-changer you never knew you needed.