Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan: Your New Favorite Side Dish

Are you ready to transform even the most skeptical Brussels sprouts eaters into enthusiastic fans? Forget soggy, bitter sprouts of the past. Prepare to discover the ultimate way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable: crispy, savory, and utterly irresistible. Our recipe for Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan delivers an incredible texture and flavor explosion that will make them a staple on your dinner table.

The magic of the air fryer, combined with a simple smashing technique, creates a delightful crunch on the outside while keeping the inside tender. Tossed with fragrant garlic powder and finished with a generous sprinkle of salty Parmesan cheese, these are not just Brussels sprouts; they’re a culinary revelation. Get ready for a healthy side dish that truly shines!

Why These Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts Will Be Your Go-To Side

There are countless reasons why this recipe for Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan stands out. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Unbelievably Crispy Texture: The combination of boiling, smashing, and air frying creates an unparalleled crispy exterior with a tender, flavorful interior. Unlike roasting, the air fryer circulates hot air more efficiently, resulting in a quicker and more consistent crunch.
• Quick & Easy Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cook time, this side dish comes together faster than many traditional oven methods. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a delicious addition to your meal without a lot of fuss.
• Flavor-Packed Goodness: Simple seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and black pepper enhance the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts, while the grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich finish that is simply addictive.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Crafting these perfectly crispy Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan requires just a few key ingredients. Quality matters, even for simple dishes!

• Brussels Sprouts: Start with fresh, firm Brussels sprouts. Look for bright green ones without yellowing or soft spots. Trimming the ends and removing any loose, outer leaves ensures a cleaner taste and better texture. Approximately 1.5 lbs will yield about 4 servings.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil not only helps the seasonings adhere but also contributes to that desirable golden-brown crispiness in the air fryer.
• Salt & Black Pepper: These foundational seasonings bring out the natural flavors. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Garlic Powder: This is our secret weapon for a robust, savory flavor that permeates every bite without the risk of burning fresh garlic in the air fryer.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and provides a sharp, salty finish. While pre-grated works, a block of Parmesan grated just before serving will offer superior flavor and texture. Don’t be shy with that extra sprinkle!

Mastering Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Achieving the perfect crispy Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan is straightforward when you follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Boil Your Brussels Sprouts
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your trimmed Brussels sprouts and boil for 5-7 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but still hold their shape. Alternatively, you can steam them for 7-10 minutes. The goal is to soften them enough for smashing.

Step 2: Dry Thoroughly – This is Crucial!
Drain the Brussels sprouts very well. Then, using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, pat them as dry as possible. Any excess moisture will steam instead of crisp in the air fryer, preventing that coveted crunch.

Step 3: Smash ‘Em Good
Place the boiled and dried Brussels sprouts on a sturdy surface, like a cutting board. Using the bottom of a sturdy glass, a potato masher, or even a fork, gently smash each sprout until it’s flattened but still intact. This increases the surface area for maximum crispiness.

Step 4: Season for Flavor
In a large mixing bowl, toss the smashed Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Ensure every piece is evenly coated for consistent flavor and browning.

Step 5: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is essential for immediate crisping and ensures even cooking.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the seasoned, smashed Brussels sprouts in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd! If necessary, cook in batches to allow for proper air circulation, which is key to achieving that golden-brown crispiness. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through, until they are beautifully golden and crispy.

Step 7: Toss with Parmesan & Serve
Once removed from the air fryer, immediately transfer the hot Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl and toss with the grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese, creating a delicious coating. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan

These Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts are incredibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, seasoned perfectly and topped with savory Parmesan cheese. A quick and easy side dish!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts ends trimmed, outer leaves removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Large pot
• Potato masher or fork
• Mixing bowl

Method

 

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed Brussels sprouts and boil for 5-7 minutes, or until fork-tender but still firm. Alternatively, steam them for 7-10 minutes.
2. Drain the Brussels sprouts thoroughly and pat them very dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispiness.
3. Place the boiled and dried Brussels sprouts on a clean cutting board or a sturdy surface. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each Brussels sprout until flattened but still holding together.
4. In a large bowl, toss the smashed Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
6. Arrange the smashed Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent them from getting crispy.
7. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove from the air fryer and immediately toss with the grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure the Brussels sprouts are very dry after boiling and before air frying.

Expert Tips & Variations for the Best Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Elevate your Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts with these helpful tips and creative variations:

Maximizing Crispiness: Your Golden Rules

• Dry, Dry, Dry: We can’t stress this enough! After boiling, ensure your Brussels sprouts are bone dry. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Air fryers work by circulating hot air. Overfilling the basket traps moisture and leads to steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if needed.
• Smash Evenly: Try to smash your sprouts to a relatively uniform thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and achieve the same level of crispness.
• Flip Halfway: Flipping the sprouts ensures both sides get direct contact with the hot air, leading to all-over crispiness.

Can I Make These Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts Ahead?

Yes, you can do some prep work in advance! You can boil and smash the Brussels sprouts a day or two before. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, proceed with tossing them in oil and seasonings, then air fry as directed. This makes weeknight meals even faster!

Flavor Variations to Experiment With

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a touch of heat.
• Tangy Twist: Drizzle with a balsamic glaze after air frying for a sweet and tangy contrast. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving also brightens the flavors.
• Herbaceous Notes: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme or rosemary along with the garlic powder.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a vegan version of Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts, omit the Parmesan and toss with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor.
• Maple Glaze: A light drizzle of maple syrup during the last few minutes of air frying can add a lovely caramelized sweetness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and bring back their crispiness, place them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy.

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Smashed Brussels Sprouts

These versatile Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan are much more than just a side dish. They can complement a wide array of meals:

• Classic Side: Pair them with roasted chicken, grilled steak, pan-seared salmon, or a hearty pork chop for a balanced and flavorful meal.
• Vegetarian Main: Combine them with a grain bowl, like quinoa or farro, and add some roasted chickpeas or a fried egg for a complete vegetarian meal. You could even serve them alongside our Taco Dense Bean Salad: Your New Favorite Healthy & Hearty Meal for a vibrant and satisfying spread.
• Appetizer: Serve them on their own with a creamy dipping sauce, like a garlic aioli or a sriracha mayo, for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Brunch Booster: Add them to a breakfast hash or serve alongside scrambled eggs for a savory brunch option.
• Complementary Dish: Looking for another fantastic vegetarian dish? These crispy sprouts would be an excellent accompaniment to our Bold Honey Sriracha Tofu Recipe for Crispy, Irresistible Heat, balancing the sweet and spicy notes beautifully.

Crispy Perfection Every Time: Try These Smashed Brussels Sprouts!

Say goodbye to boring vegetables and hello to your new favorite side dish! These Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan are a game-changer, offering an irresistible combination of crispy texture, savory flavor, and simple preparation. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight side or a show-stopping addition to your holiday spread, this recipe delivers every time.

Don’t just take our word for it—give these Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts a try and prepare to be amazed. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!