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    Home » Christmas Sides

    Crispy Smashed Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

    Published: Nov 21, 2019 · Modified: Nov 10, 2023 by Louise-Claire Cayzer · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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.

    Air Fried smashed brussel sprouts on a plate ready to eat. this recipe

    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.

    Jump to:
    • 🥬Ingredients
    • 👩‍🍳Instructions
    • 🌶️Substitutions & Variations
    • 🔥Alternative Cooking
    • 🔪Equipment
    • 🥫Storage
    • ❗Top tip
    • ❓FAQ
    • More Sides
    • More Festive Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 🌶️Substitutions & Variations
    • 🔥Alternative Cooking
    • 💬 Comments

    🥬Ingredients

    Ingredients for air fryer smashed brussel sprouts laid out.
    • 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.
    Smashing sprouts with a glass.

    1 Get a sturdy flat bottomed glass or mug and smash the brussel sprouts.

    How the sprouts look when smashed.

    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.

    Seasoning the brussel sprouts before roasting.

    3. Toss the smashed sprouts in with the seasonings you have chosen.

    Air fryed crispy sprouts in the air fry basket.

    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

    Do I need to boil or parboil brussel sprouts before roasting?

    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.

    Why are my brussel sprouts not crispy?

    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?

    • Air Fryer Parsnip chips with a mayo dip.
      Air Fryer Parsnips (Fries, Chips or Roasted)
    • Swede Chips ready to eat.
      Spicy Swede Chips -Air fryer or Oven (Rutabaga Fries)
    • Green Beans with Japanese Sesame sauce (Goma Sauce)
      Japanese Green Beans with Gomae Sesame Sauce
    • Roasted carrots and parsnips in an oven proof serving dish, ready to eat.
      'Honey' Maple Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

    More Festive Recipes

    Here are some other yummy Christmas and Festive recipes to try!

    • A vegan cheese ball on a platter with a little bit taken out of it.
      Easy Vegan Cheese Balls
    • Vegan sausage roll canapes ready to eat.
      Vegan Sausage Rolls with Sage and Onion
    • Chocolate Croissan Wreath ready to eat.
      Vegan Chocolate Croissant Wreaths
    • A pan of chocolate banana brownies with a few taken out of the pan.
      Chocolate Banana Brownies

    If you love this recipe, please share this post with your friends on Pinterest or Facebook, or tag me on Insta! forget to also please comment and star ⭐this recipe too!

    Love & Vegan Yummies,

    Louise xx (P.S. Follow me on Insta and Tik Tok!)

    📖 Recipe

    Air fried smashed brussel sprouts ready to eat.

    Crispy Smashed Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

    Louise-Claire Cayzer
    These crispy smashed sprouts have been roasted in the air fryer until super crunchy but tender in the middle. Tossed with a cheesy garlic seasoning, these sprouts will convert even sprout haters!
    5 from 1 vote
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course christmas, christmas dinner, Side Dish
    Cuisine british, Christmas, Thanksgiving
    Servings 4
    Calories 110 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air fryer
    • Vegetable knife

    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.

    🔥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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 8gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 29mgPotassium: 598mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 848IUVitamin C: 96mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword brussel sprouts, christmas trimming, roast dinner, sprout, trimmings
    Tried this recipe and loved it? Follow and Mention @vegan_larder or comment and ⭐ below

    More Christmas Sides

    • Brussel sprouts in a bowl, ready to eat.
      Marinated Brussel Sprouts with Sticky Balsamic
    • Vegan onion and red wine gravy being poured over roast potatoes.
      Vegan Onion and Red Wine Gravy
    • Vegan Cauliflower Cheese
    • Vegan Sausages with sticky mustard glaze in a roasting dish.
      Mustard Glazed Christmas Cocktail Sausages

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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    1. CHOcoviv says

      November 21, 2019 at 4:11 pm

      5 stars
      LOOKS delicious!

      Reply

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    Hi! I'm Louise-Claire! I believe vegan and plant-based food should be easy to make, never scary and above all, absolutely delicious. Also, it's for everyone, not just for vegans!

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    I'm a photographer, recipe developer and gardener. You'll find me in the kitchen, in the studio or wandering the garden, picking delicious veggies to make recipes for you! So why not stay a while, check out some of my recipes and try one or two for yourself...Find out more on my About Me page.

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