If you want crispy brussels sprouts, cook them in the air fryer! These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Miso Glaze are an easy and flavor-forward side dish to serve for dinner, holidays, and more.
Quick and easy side dishes don’t need to skimp on flavor. Just look at these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Miso Glaze! The crunchy vegetables cook quickly in the air fryer before they’re tossed in a tangy and subtly sweet glaze.
You’ll never go back to oven-roasted brussels sprouts after cooking them in the air fryer. The heat evenly and quickly circulates around each sprout, making them extra crisp and crunchy without all of the excess oil. Each sprout is crisp and flaky on the outside and tender on the inside.
To finish, an easy 3-ingredient balsamic glaze adds tang, umami, and a touch of sweetness to every bite. And it’s all done in 20 minutes! One try and you’ll make this a staple vegan side dish for holidays, weeknight dinners, and dinner parties.
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Ingredients and substitutions
- Brussels sprouts - Small, fresh brussels sprouts are best. They only need a short cook time to achieve a tender center with crispy, slightly charred outer leaves.
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Balsamic vinegar - This is the main flavor agent in balsamic brussels sprouts. It’s tangy and vibrant, and pairs perfectly with the roasted sprouts. Try not to skip it!
- White miso - Shiro Miso is my brand of choice. I recommend using white miso rather than red or brown because it’s mild in flavor with a nice hint of umami.
- Maple syrup - The sweetness from real maple syrup rounds out the balsamic miso glaze and brings a nice balance.
How to clean and prepare brussels sprouts
When you’re out shopping, look for small, green brussels sprouts that have tightly packed leaves. They should feel firm to the touch with almost no wrinkled or damaged leaves.
To prepare them for cooking:
- Remove the loose outer leaves or those with brown or yellow blemishes.
- Chop off the woody ends with a paring knife.
- Cut each sprout in half. If you have larger brussels sprouts, cut them into quarters for even cooking.
That’s it!
How to make air fryer brussels sprouts
This vegan side dish won’t take you longer than 20 minutes to prepare:
Step 1: Prepare the sprouts. Toss the trimmed and halved brussels sprouts in a bowl with the oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Air fry. Transfer the brussels sprouts to the air fryer and cook until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Shake the basked once or twice to help them all cook evenly.
Step 3: Make the glaze. While you wait, make the balsamic miso glaze by whisking the balsamic vinegar, miso paste, and maple syrup together.
Step 4: Toss, serve, and enjoy. Transfer the crispy brussels sprouts to a serving bowl and pour the glaze on top. Toss to coat, season with more salt and pepper if needed, then serve! For full ingredients and instructions see the printable recipe card below.
Tips for success
- Do you prefer softer sprouts? Air fryer brussels sprouts are quite tender in the middle but if you want them to be softer, microwave them for 1 to 2 minutes before air frying.
- Make sure the sprouts are in an even layer in the air fryer basket. This way, the heat will circulate evenly around each one, helping them crisp and cook evenly.
- Shake the air fryer basket once or twice as they cook. This way, each side will feel the heat and crisp nicely.
- Cooking the brussels sprouts at a lower temperature of 375ºF or 380ºF will prevent them from burning.
Flavor variations
- Add dried fruit and nuts - Bring extra flavor and texture to this side dish by stirring dried cranberries or cherries and chopped pecans or walnuts in with the glazed brussels sprouts.
- If you can’t have nuts - Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top of the sprouts instead.
- For a savory finish - Toss the cooked sprouts in vegan garlic butter instead of the balsamic glaze and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Add vegan bacon - Crumble tempeh bacon or tofu bacon and stir it in with the glazed sprouts. The smokiness of the vegan bacon will pair nicely with the tangy glaze.
- Season with vegan cheese - A little vegan parmesan cheese on top of air fryer brussels sprouts is always delicious!
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use frozen brussels sprouts instead of fresh. Air fry them from frozen for a few minutes longer (18 to 20 minutes). Just know that frozen air fryer vegetables aren’t as crisp as fresh.
Brussels sprouts will achieve a crisp outside and tender middle when they’re cooked for 16 to 18 minutes in a 380ºF air fryer.
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, use the oven-roasted method instead. Season the sprouts as normal before laying them on a lined baking sheet. Roast in a 425ºF oven for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway. Toss with the glaze when they’re done and enjoy!
More air fryer recipes
Hungry for more easy side dishes?
- Vegan Wild Rice Stuffing
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Roasted Vegetables Medley
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Enjoy everyone! Happy Day! Please feel free to comment below and give this recipe a rating. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
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Print
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Miso Glaze
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 Servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
If you want crispy brussels sprouts, cook them in the air fryer! These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Miso Glaze are an easy and flavor-forward side dish to serve for dinner, holidays, and more.
Ingredients
- 1- lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Pinch of salt and black pepper
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3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
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1 and ½ tablespoons white miso
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2 teaspoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380° In a large bowl, toss the prepared brussels sprouts with the oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Add them to the air fryer and cook for 16-18 minutes or until crispy on the outside and cooked through and tender on the inside. Shake the basket once or twice during the cooking process.
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Meanwhile in a small bowl whisk together the balsamic vinegar, miso paste and maple syrup.
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Pour the cooked brussel sprouts into a serving bowl and toss with the glaze. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve and enjoy! See above post for photos, tips, suggestions and more
Notes
- To roast them: preheat the oven to 425°. Toss the brussel sprouts with oil, salt and pepper on a parchment lined baking sheet. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and tender, tossing half way through. Add to a serving bowl and toss with the glaze. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Store: leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days
- If you have larger brussels sprouts, cut them into quarters for even cooking. I always pick through and buy the smaller ones.
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 16 Minutes
- Category: Snacks & Sides
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American, Canadian, European
Rita
Did these in the oven
Verna Rindler
Awesome! 🙂
Pam
I tried this recipe ahead of time and I think it is perfect for all my holiday meals. Thank you!
Verna Rindler
So glad you enjoyed the Brussels sprouts! Thanks for your feedback 🙂