Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Brussels sprouts: A nutritious vegetable known for its slightly bitter taste and crunchy texture when cooked properly.

Olive oil: A healthy fat that helps to crisp up the Brussels sprouts and adds a rich flavor.

Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the Brussels sprouts beautifully.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami-rich finish to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

To ensure your brussels sprouts achieve a perfectly crispy texture, make sure they are evenly coated with olive oil and spread out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than frying, which will prevent them from becoming as crispy as desired. Additionally, when you shake the basket halfway through cooking, it helps to redistribute the sprouts for even browning. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the parmesan cheese in the final minutes of cooking.

• Brussels sprouts - Substitute with broccoli florets: Broccoli has a similar texture and can be roasted to achieve a comparable flavor profile.

• Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a great alternative for air frying.

• Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a similar flavor without the need for mincing, though you may need to adjust the quantity for taste.

• Parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a good option for those avoiding dairy.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor profile, with a slightly different aroma.

• Allow the brussels sprouts to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Transfer the cooled brussels sprouts to an airtight container. If you have a vacuum sealer, even better! This will help maintain their crispiness.

• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to keep them longer, freezing is the way to go. Lay the brussels sprouts out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the brussels sprouts to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their delightful crispiness.

• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the brussels sprouts mushy and less appealing.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through. This method helps retain their crispy texture while ensuring they are evenly heated.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the brussels sprouts back in the air fryer basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method is perfect for maintaining their original crispiness and flavor.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Toss in the brussels sprouts and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly crispy. This method adds a touch of extra flavor from the pan-searing process.

• Microwave Method: Place the brussels sprouts in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking for warmth. While this method is the quickest, it may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.

• Air fryer: A kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food, perfect for achieving crispy brussels sprouts without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coating.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the olive oil, salt, and pepper to maintain the right balance of flavors.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the grated parmesan cheese, ensuring the correct amount is added for optimal taste.

• Knife: Necessary for trimming and halving the brussels sprouts and mincing the garlic cloves.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for safely preparing the brussels sprouts and garlic.

• Tongs: Useful for shaking the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning of the brussels sprouts.

Pre-prep ingredients: Trim and halve the brussels sprouts and mince the garlic in advance to save time on cooking day.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and cook in batches if needed. Store leftovers for a quick meal later.

Use pre-grated cheese: Opt for pre-grated parmesan cheese to cut down on prep time.

Quick clean-up: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to make cleaning faster.

Efficient shaking: Shake the basket over the sink to catch any stray pieces, saving time on floor clean-up.