If you love crispy, flavorful veggies that add a pop of brightness to any meal, you are in for a treat with this Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe. This dish perfectly marries the natural earthiness of Brussels sprouts with a luscious honey glaze and tangy balsamic vinegar, all coming together in the magic of an air fryer to become irresistibly caramelized and tender. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely addicting—a wonderful way to transform a humble vegetable into a show-stopping side or snack that everyone will beg for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture that will make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds sing.
- Brussels Sprouts (1 lb): The star ingredient, providing a crisp, slightly nutty base that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps to coat the sprouts evenly, ensuring the perfect golden finish and preventing sticking.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the natural flavors and balances the sweetness and tanginess.
- Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle kick to brighten the overall flavor profile.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Offers a sticky sweetness that caramelizes to create a delectable glaze.
- Balsamic Vinegar (1 tbsp): Brings a rich tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the honey, creating a complex taste sensation.
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). This ensures it’s hot and ready to create that crispy, golden exterior on your Brussels sprouts right from the moment they hit the basket.
Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Trim and cut each Brussels sprout in half to maximize surface area for caramelization. Place them all in a large mixing bowl where you’ll soon add all the flavorful ingredients to coat them evenly.
Step 3: Toss with Olive Oil, Honey, and Balsamic Vinegar
Drizzle the olive oil, honey, and balsamic vinegar over the halved Brussels sprouts. Add the salt and pepper, then toss well to make sure every sprout is gloriously coated with this delicious mixture. This step is key for that balanced sweet and tangy flavor.
Step 4: Cook at a Reduced Temperature
Lower the heat of your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your basket is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking.
Step 5: Initial Cooking and Shake
Cook the Brussels sprouts for 6 minutes, then carefully remove the basket and give it a good shake. This helps flip the sprouts to brown all sides evenly and keeps the cooking consistent throughout.
Step 6: Continue Cooking with Another Shake
Return the basket for another 4 minutes of cooking. Once that time is up, shake the basket again to make sure the Brussels sprouts stay evenly crisped on every surface.
Step 7: Final Cook and Serve
Cook for the last 2 minutes to finish crisping and caramelizing. Then, transfer the Brussels sprouts to a plate and serve immediately while they’re at their best—crispy, tender, and bursting with that perfect honey balsamic glaze.
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and crunch, sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans over the top. A dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or some crumbled feta brings salty richness that complements the sweet-tart glaze beautifully. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add a bright, fresh burst to finish the dish.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or simply alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or wild rice to soak up every bit of glaze. It’s a versatile side that can steal the spotlight or play a supportive role in your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these Brussels sprouts atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, or toss them with cooked pasta and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an unexpected main dish. You can even fold them into a warm salad with toasted nuts and dried cranberries for a satisfying dish that’s just as good at room temperature.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a perfect quick snack or side to reheat during your busy week.
Freezing
While you can freeze these Brussels sprouts, they are best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze them, spread them out on a baking sheet first to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This reduces clumping and allows for easier reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy texture, reheat your Brussels sprouts in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3–4 minutes, shaking halfway through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe?
Fresh Brussels sprouts are ideal for the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen ones if pressed for time. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before tossing with the honey balsamic mixture to avoid sogginess.
Is honey necessary for this recipe?
Honey adds a natural sweetness that balances the tartness of the balsamic vinegar, creating that signature glaze. If you prefer, you could substitute maple syrup for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?
You want your Brussels sprouts to be tender inside with a crisp, caramelized exterior. The total cooking time of about 12 minutes with shaking at intervals helps achieve this texture perfectly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This dish is naturally vegan since it uses honey; for a fully vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar without changing any other steps.
What if my air fryer basket is very small?
Cooking in batches is the way to go. Crowding the basket leads to steaming instead of roasting, which prevents achieving that crispy, caramelized finish that makes this Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe so special.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably satisfying about turning simple Brussels sprouts into a caramelized, sweet, and tangy delight using your air fryer. This Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a perfect example of how a few ingredients and a little kitchen magic can transform a veggie into a crave-worthy dish. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite way to enjoy Brussels sprouts!
Print
Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are a quick and delicious side dish, perfectly caramelized with honey and tangy balsamic vinegar. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a flavorful and healthy snack or accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb Brussels Sprouts (453.59 g)
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (14.79 ml)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (1 g)
- 1/2 tsp Pepper (1 g)
- 2 tbsp Honey (32 g)
- 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar (14.70 ml)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
- Prepare Brussels sprouts: Cut the Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise and place them in a large mixing bowl, ready for seasoning.
- Toss with seasoning: Drizzle olive oil, honey, and balsamic vinegar over the halved Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat each sprout evenly with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange in air fryer: Reduce the air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Place the coated Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your basket is small, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- First cook cycle: Cook the Brussels sprouts for 6 minutes, then remove the basket and shake it to flip and redistribute the sprouts for even cooking.
- Second cook cycle: Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 4 minutes. Remove and shake again for uniform browning.
- Final cook cycle and serve: Cook for 2 more minutes to achieve perfect caramelization. Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a plate and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For even cooking, make sure to cut all Brussels sprouts into uniform halves.
- Shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures all sides crisp up nicely.
- Adjust honey quantity to taste if you prefer less sweetness.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the sprouts in batches to avoid overcrowding which can cause uneven cooking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture; leftovers may soften upon cooling.
