I have a confession. My first encounter with Brussels sprouts involved a microwave and a bag of frozen Brussel sprouts. Thankfully, they were drenched in buttery sweetness, which convinced me to give them another shot.
Growing up, Brussels sprouts had a bad reputation—overcooked, mushy, and forgettable. But that couldn’t be further from what they can be. Today, they show up crispy, caramelized, and full of flavor, like the versions served at restaurants such as Zaytinya.
I’ve been hooked ever since. These are a staple in our house, often served alongside roasted chicken or steak. For the best texture, give them space in the air fryer so they crisp instead of steam. And fair warning—they’re best straight out of the basket and may never make it to a plate.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Lemon & Thyme
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
These crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts are tossed with lemon, thyme, and a hint of maple for the perfect balance of savory and bright. A quick, easy side dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 cups Brussels sprouts, halved (about 2 pounds)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a medium-sized pan, combine Brussels sprouts and water. Season with salt, cover, and heat over medium for 10 minutes.
- Remove Brussels sprouts from the water and drain well.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, thyme, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with the Brussels sprouts until evenly coated.
- Air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
