Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta, and Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe

Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta, and Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe

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Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta, and Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe
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Brussels sprouts are crops that can actually thrive in cool winter climates. They can even survive light frost conditions. This is great for those who live in northern climates. Brussels sprouts will be in the produce aisle late fall into early spring. They travel and store quite well for a long time.

These little green orbs look just like tiny heads of cabbage. They are in the same family of cruciferous vegetables. These tightly wound little gems are powerhouses of nutrition.

Brussel sprouts are very low in calories with no cholesterol and no trans-fats. Surprisingly, these sprouts have a pretty good amount of protein and they are a significant source of dietary fiber. They are also an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate. Impressive too are the amounts of iron, manganese, and phosphorus. We should be eating a lot of Brussels sprouts in winter for better health.

Cooking Brussels Sprouts

While I do occasionally have a shaved Brussels sprouts salad or slaw, I find that the roughage and fiber can be a bit much for my digestion. I definitely prefer this vegetable cooked. I Have steamed, sautéed, roasted, grilled, and even smoked them.

I enjoy the flavor and texture of roasted or grilled Brussels sprouts. However, sometimes I will have to microwave sprouts for a few minutes prior to roasting or grilling so that they become cooked through to the center without the leaves burning.

I have discovered that cooking Brussels sprouts in my air fryer eliminates the step of microwaving and the results are similar in texture and flavor to roasted or grilled. The key to success with the air fryer is to cut the sprouts into quarters or bite size pieces and cook them at around 350°F. I also dress them in a little extra virgin olive oil.

What you are looking for is a fork tender interior with crispy outer leaves. These only take minutes to prepare, so it is a good idea to keep an eye on them and remember to shake the bucket to rotate them. Brussels sprouts can go from tasty and tender to bitter and burnt quickly, so don’t go too far from the kitchen.

The recipes here are for 8 ounces of fresh Brussels sprouts that will easily feed 2 people. That’s 1/2 a bag. Most recipes you will see call for 16 ounces. I found that this was too many for my 4 quart air fryer. I prefer them in a single layer for even cooking. If you do go with a full pound of sprouts, cook for a few minutes longer and rotate a few times. Or, cook them in 2 batches and keep the first batch in a warm oven.

Easy, Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Paleo, and Keto)

Crispy brussels sprouts in an air fryer

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces of fresh Brussels sprouts
  • 1 TBS extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Total time:20 minPrep time:5 min – Cook time:15 min – Serves:2 people
Author:

Directions:

1. Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water and drain in a colander or on paper towels.

2. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.

3. Pat the Brussels sprouts dry. Slice the stem ends off and cut them into quarters or bite size pieces. Place the Brussels sprouts in a bowl and coat with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Place the Brussels sprouts in the basket or crisper plate of the air fryer. Set the timer for 12 minutes. At 5 minutes, shake the bucket to rotate them. At 8 minutes, check the sprouts with a fork for tenderness. The center should be cooked through and the outer leaves should be darkened and crisp. Continue to cook for 2 to 4 minutes longer, if necessary, being mindful not to burn the sprouts.

5. Season with more salt and pepper, if desired. Serve immediately as a snack or a side dish.

Variations: Air fried Brussels sprouts can be tossed with other ingredients prior to serving. Try some of these suggestions.

  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Toasted, seasoned breadcrumbs
  • Crunchy bacon bites
  • Teriyaki sauce and sesame seeds
  • Toasted hazelnuts
  • Buffalo sauce and crumbled blue cheese
  • Cooked onion strands

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta and Balsamic (Gluten-free and Paleo)

Brussels sprouts with pancetta in an air fryer

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces of fresh Brussels sprouts
  • 3 ounces pancetta, diced
  • 2-1/2 tsps extra virgin olive oil
  • 1-1/2 tsps balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Total time: 22 minPrep time: 7 min – Cook time: 15 min – Serves: 2 people

Directions:

1. Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water and drain in a colander or on paper towels. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

2. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.

3. Pat the Brussels sprouts dry. Slice the stem ends off and cut them into quarters or bite size pieces. Place the Brussels sprouts in a bowl. If you didn’t purchase a package of pre-diced pancetta, cut your slab into small cubes, approximately 3/8 inch. Place the pancetta in the bowl with the sprouts. Pour the oil mixture over everything and toss to coat evenly.

4. Place the Brussels sprouts and pancetta in the basket or crisper plate of the air fryer. Set the timer for 12 minutes. At 5 minutes, shake the bucket to rotate everything. At 8 minutes, check the sprouts with a fork for tenderness. The center should be cooked through and the outer leaves should be darkened and crisp. Continue to cook for 2 to 4 minutes longer, if necessary, being mindful not to burn the sprouts.

5. Season with more salt, pepper, and a small drizzle of balsamic, if desired. Serve immediately as a side vegetable or make a salad (see next recipe).

Air Fried Brussels Sprouts Salad (Gluten-free)

Ingredients:

  • Air fried Brussels sprouts with pancetta (above recipe)
  • 6 grape tomatoes
  • 2 TBS extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsps balsamic vinegar
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 ounces feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup toasted raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Total time: 25 minPrep time: 10 min – Cook time: 15 min – Serves: 2 people

Directions:

1. Prepare the Brussels sprouts as described in the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta and Balsamic recipe above. Set these aside in a serving bowl to cool off.

2. Cut the grape tomatoes in half. Add these to the cooled sprouts. Pour the olive oil and vinegar over the salad. Toss gently to coat. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.

3. Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad. Note: Don’t toss so that the feta doesn’t discolor from the balsamic. Top the entire salad with the toasted pumpkin seeds.

4. Serve the salad as an accompaniment to an air fried protein, such as Cornish Game Hen or Rib Eye Steaks.



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