Name: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts; 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (optional but delish!); 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar; Drizzle pomegranate molasses; 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup; 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

There's something about the crispy edges and garlicky aroma of this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Balsamic Glaze Recipe that makes it irresistible. It’s one of those easy side dishes you’ll want to make again and again, especially when you crave that perfect balance of tender inside and crunchy outside.

A white bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts that are golden brown and slightly charred on the edges, showing a mix of crispy dark green outer leaves and softer caramelized yellow-green inner layers. The Brussels sprouts are mostly halved, exposing their round, layered texture with a light grating of white cheese sprinkled on top. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a folded striped cloth napkin in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made Brussels sprouts tons of ways, but cooking them in the air fryer with garlic and a splash of balsamic glaze completely elevates their flavor — it’s quick, flavorful, and even people who usually don’t love Brussels sprouts ask for seconds!

Quick and Easy: You can have crispy, flavorful sprouts ready in about 20 minutes with minimal prep.
Perfect Texture: The air fryer crisps them up beautifully while keeping the insides tender.
Flexible Flavors: The garlic and balsamic glaze options let you tailor the taste to your mood or meal.
Healthy Yet Satisfying: It’s a guilt-free side packed with nutrients but full of bold flavor.

A white bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts halved and cooked until the edges are dark brown and crispy, showing a mix of bright green, golden yellow, and deep brown colors from caramelization, with a light sprinkle of shredded white cheese on top. The Brussels sprouts have a textured look with some charred parts and a slightly oily shine. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients that complement one another perfectly. The sprouts get that wonderful crisp from the olive oil and air fryer, while garlic adds punch. The optional balsamic glaze or maple syrup toppings add a touch of sweetness and tang that really brings out the best in these little gems.

Flat lay of fresh halved Brussels sprouts with a few whole cloves of garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of balsamic glaze, a small white ceramic bowl of pomegranate molasses, a small white ceramic bowl of pure maple syrup, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Brussels sprouts: Choose firm, bright green sprouts without black spots to ensure freshness and even cooking.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps crisp the sprouts and adds richness without overpowering the flavor.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced to infuse the sprouts with garlic goodness without burning too fast.
Balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar (optional): Adds a sweet and tangy finish that balances the savory sprouts beautifully.
Pomegranate molasses (optional): For those who like a fruitier, deeper-sweet touch.
Pure maple syrup (optional): A gentle sweetener that caramelizes nicely with the sprouts.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, cheesy layer that complements the crispy texture.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Balsamic Glaze Recipe is wonderfully adaptable. I love to play with the toppings depending on the season or what else I'm serving — sometimes it’s the balsamic glaze, other times I toss in a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat.

Variation: When I want a richer flavor, I mix in some crumbled bacon after air frying — the smoky saltiness pairs beautifully with the crispy sprouts.
For a vegan twist: Skip the Parmesan and try tossing in some toasted nuts or seeds for crunch.
Seasonal tweaks: Swap the optional maple syrup for a drizzle of apple cider vinegar in fall for a bright, tangy bite.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Brussels Sprouts

Start by trimming the tough ends and peeling off any damaged outer leaves. Cut the sprouts in half from the stem down; if some are really large, quarter those so they cook evenly. I like to keep all pieces roughly the same size—that way, no sprout ends up undercooked or overly crispy.

Step 2: (Optional) Soak for Tenderness

Here's a little trick I sometimes use: soak the sprouts in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them up a bit. This step is optional — I usually skip it because I like a slight firmness inside with crispy outsides. But if you're worried about crunchy centers, soaking helps.

Step 3: Season and Preheat

Drain and pat your Brussels sprouts dry — this is key for crispiness since moisture slows the air fryer’s magic. Toss the sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper, making sure each piece is well coated. Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (about 3 minutes for my model).

Step 4: Air Fry and Shake

Place the sprouts in the basket in a single layer for the best crisp. Cook for 5 minutes, then pull out the basket and give it a good shake — this keeps things cooking evenly and avoids burnt spots. Cook for another 5 minutes, then add in your sliced garlic cloves, tossing everything together so the garlic cooks gently without burning.

Step 5: Finish Cooking and Add Toppings

Cook an additional 2 to 4 minutes, shaking often to prevent garlic from sticking and to get everything deeply golden and crispy. Once done, transfer to a bowl and drizzle with balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, or maple syrup if you like a sweet-savory contrast. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese here is my absolute favorite final touch!

Top Tip

Having made this recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference in getting that perfectly crispy, garlicky finish.

Dry Thoroughly: Water is the enemy of crispiness here — pat your sprouts dry before cooking for that coveted crunch.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give each sprout some breathing room; it helps air circulate and crisps all sides evenly.
Add Garlic Late: Garlic burns quickly, so toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking for sweet, roasted flavor.
Shake, Shake, Shake: Frequent shaking helps the sprouts brown uniformly — don’t skip this step!

How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Brussels Sprouts with Garlic - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these sprouts with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few extra drops of balsamic glaze for a glossy finish. Toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh parsley also add a nice pop of texture and color when I want to impress guests.

Side Dishes

These Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, pan-seared salmon, or even alongside a hearty grain bowl. I often serve them with mashed potatoes or quinoa for a well-rounded, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I arrange the crispy sprouts on a beautiful platter sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and microgreens—adds great color and a festive feel. Drizzling the balsamic glaze artistically makes it look restaurant-worthy but without the fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 4 days. When I open the container, I like to give them a quick toss before reheating so they don’t clump together.

Freezing

While you can freeze these, I don’t recommend it because the texture changes noticeably — they tend to get mushy. If you must freeze, use an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers and keep them crispy, I spread the sprouts out on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The air fryer also works great for reheating—just a few minutes to bring back the crispiness without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to release more moisture and may not crisp up as nicely in the air fryer. I recommend using fresh Brussels sprouts for the best texture and flavor. If you do use frozen, make sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before air frying.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the air fryer?

Garlic burns quickly in high heat, so add the thinly sliced garlic cloves during the last few minutes of cooking. Tossing the garlic with the sprouts just before finishing helps mellow the garlic flavor and prevents burning.

Is the balsamic glaze necessary?

No, the balsamic glaze is optional but highly recommended. It adds a sweet tangy contrast that complements the savory, crispy Brussels sprouts and garlic beautifully. You can also substitute it with pure maple syrup or pomegranate molasses based on your taste preference.

Can I double the recipe?

You can double the recipe, but be careful not to overcrowd your air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure the Brussels sprouts get crispy all around. Overcrowding results in steaming rather than roasting.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Balsamic Glaze Recipe has become one of my go-to sides for weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings alike. It’s simple enough to whip up in minutes but feels special with every crispy bite and garlicky, tangy kick. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s a small recipe that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction.