Once you've tried making these Crispy Smashed Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts you will never want to eat them any other way! Crispy on the outside and tender in the middle, with a cheesy savory coating, these sprouts are definitely NOT the ones you grew up with.
Christmas is synonymous with badly cooked sprouts, but it doesn't have to be that way! Cooked right, they are a delicious (and nutritious) green, that even picky eaters will like.
I've been on a mission to improve the reputation of sprouts, so if you want to try them in another scrummy way, definitely try this marinated brussel sprouts recipe. Of course, if you're looking for other awesome sides for Thanksgiving or Christmas, you definitely should check out my legendary crispy vegan roast potatoes.
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🥬Ingredients
- Brussel Sprouts- choose bouncy bright sprouts. They will usually need to have their slightly scruffy outer leaves trimmed off, as well as maybe trimming off some of the hard stalk.
- Olive oil- or any oil you prefer. - you don't need very much, just enough to spritz them to help them caramelize in the heat.
- Salt- I like a sprinkle of flakey sea salt.
- Garlic Granules/Powder- optional, but sprouts love a little bit of garlic. You could also use fresh garlic.
- Nutritional Yeast- Cheesy and nutty, nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative to parmesan cheese. It's high in protein and usually has B12 added. Alternatively you can use pre-made vegan parmesan or other cheese.
- White Pepper - or black pepper- for a bit of bite. (see below for other spiced up options to add!)
See recipe card for quantities.
👩🍳Instructions
Follow along here for how to make the tastiest Smashed Brussel Sprouts!
- First of all, trim any dodgy leaves off the outer of the sprouts and cut off the hard stem.
- Par boil the sprouts for a minute, until just softened.
1 Get a sturdy flat bottomed glass or mug and smash the brussel sprouts.
2. You want to make the sprouts quite flat and a bit broken. This ensures they get crispy and creates more area for the seasonings to stick to.
3. Toss the smashed sprouts in with the seasonings you have chosen.
4. Air fry (or bake) at 180C/356F for 10 minutes, shaking half way through to ensure even cooking
Hint: For extra crispy sprouts, simply cook for a few minutes a longer until you have the crunchiness you desire.
🌶️Substitutions & Variations
These Smashed Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts only have a few ingredients, but you can spice them up the way you like- here are some suggestions.
- Chilli flakes (Just add to the original recipe)
- Garam Masala and Lime Juice.
- Ginger, Garlic and Soy Sauce.
- Balsamic Vinegar, Maple Syrup and Garlic.
- Hoisin Sauce with garlic
- Sriracha or Hot Sauce and Maple Syrup, with Soy Sauce.
🔥Alternative Cooking
If you don't have an air fryer, you can oven roast the smashed sprouts instead. Line a baking sheet, then lay the sprouts out in a single layer, before baking in the oven at 180C/356F for 25-30 minutes or until crispy.
🔪Equipment
This sprouts recipe is designed to be made in an air fryer. I love my Ninja Foodie Grill and Air fryer, so can personally recommend that! Otherwise you can just use your oven. Either method will create great results.
🥫Storage
Eat the crispy brussel sprouts straight away for the best crispy outcome. If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridges for up to 3 days. They will reheat well as part of Bubble and Squeak for leftovers. Or you can reheat for a few minutes in the air fryer. (they will get crispier, but that's ok!)
I don't recommend freezing this recipe.
❗Top tip
The flatter you smash the sprouts, the more they have nooks and crannies to stick the savory seasonings to.
❓FAQ
For tender on the inside, but crispy on the outside sprouts it is best to par-boil them before air frying or roasting. Alternatively cut the sprouts in half so they cook evenly.
This might happen because the air fryer or pan is overcrowded. For an even and crispy texture, make sure there is plenty of space between the sprouts.
More Sides
Looking for some other awesome sides for Christmas or Thanksgiving?
More Festive Recipes
Here are some other yummy Christmas and Festive recipes to try!
📖 Recipe
Crispy Smashed Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
Equipment
Ingredients Note:
For accuracy, I measure all ingredients in metric as standard, then convert and test the recipe for American cup measurements etc.
(Heads up Aussie and UK readers- your measurements in cups are sometimes different, so please use metric or check you have the correct cup and spoon type!!)
Ingredients
- 450 g (1 lb) Brussel sprouts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules, (or use fresh if you like. )
- 4 tablespoon nutritional yeast (or vegan parmesan)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional but lovely)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to 180℃/356℉ OR your conventional oven at 200℃/390℉
- Cut off the stems of the sprouts and make a small cross with a knife across the bottom, just a few millimetres deep.
- Par-boil the sprouts for a few minutes in boiling water to allow them to soften a little. Drain.
- With a sturdy glass or mug, smash the sprouts until somewhat flattened.
- Toss the sprouts with the seasonings.
- Put the smashed sprouts into the air fryer basket and air fry for 10 minutes, tossing half way through.
- Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until the sprouts are roasted and have browned a bit around the edges.
- To serve, sprinkle with some additional lemon zest and vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast.
Notes
🌶️Substitutions & Variations
These sprouts only have a few ingredients, but you can spice them up the way you like- here are some suggestions.- Chilli flakes (Just add to the original recipe)
- Garam Masala and Lime Juice.
- Ginger, Garlic and Soy Sauce.
- Balsamic Vinegar, Maple Syrup and Garlic.
- Hoisin Sauce with garlic
- Sriracha or Hot Sauce and Maple Syrup, with Soy Sauce.
CHOcoviv says
LOOKS delicious!