Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Honey and Spice – Better Than Takeout
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are crispy, caramelized, and irresistible. After making this side dish dozens of times, I discovered the secret to keeping them crispy every time. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cups and Easy Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights.
Why This Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Honey and Spice – Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy exterior with tender interior
- Sweet and spicy honey glaze
- Easy and quick side dish
- Healthier than fried or baked
What You'll Need for Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Honey and Spice – Better Than Takeout
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Brussels sprouts
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Optional: Sesame seeds
- Optional: Chopped green onions
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Brussels sprouts: Trim and halve any large sprouts.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Air Fryer — Crispy texture without oil → See on Amazon
- Food processor — Quickly cuts sprouts → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Honey and Spice – Better Than Takeout
- Prepare sprouts: Trim ends, remove any damaged leaves, and halve large sprouts.
- Cook sprouts: Toss sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Make glaze: Mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Glaze sprouts: Toss cooked sprouts in glaze, then air fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Honey and Spice – Better Than Takeout
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping. Cook in batches if needed.
- Pro tip: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Pro tip: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, but note that they may lose some crispiness.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Honey and Spice – Better Than Takeout
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days Make-ahead tip: Can be prepped ahead and cooked just before serving
Freezing Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Honey and Spice – Better Than Takeout
Not recommended
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a nut-free version, substitute tahini for sesame seeds.
- Best substitution: Substitute maple syrup for honey to make it vegan.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the glaze up to a day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If sprouts are still not crispy, try increasing the air fryer temperature to 400°F.
Want to level up this recipe?
Kitchen scale — Accurate measuring for consistent results → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Honey and Spice – Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare sprouts: Trim ends, remove any damaged leaves, and halve large sprouts.
- Cook sprouts: Toss sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Make glaze: Mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Glaze sprouts: Toss cooked sprouts in glaze, then air fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a nut-free version, substitute tahini for sesame seeds.
- Best substitution: Substitute maple syrup for honey to make it vegan.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the glaze up to a day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If sprouts are still not crispy, try increasing the air fryer temperature to 400°F.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Not recommended
- Oven reheat: Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes
- Make ahead: Can be prepped ahead and cooked just before serving
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 0.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Honey and Spice – Better Than Takeout FAQs
Overcrowding the air fryer basket or not shaking the basket halfway through cooking can cause sprouts to become mushy. Ensure even spacing and shake the basket halfway through cooking.
Yes, you can prep the sprouts and glaze ahead, but cook them just before serving for the best texture.
These crispy sprouts pair well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as a side to your favorite pasta dish. Try them with Easy Crock Pot Crack Chicken or Easy Sweet Soy Butter Korean Rice Cakes.
Yes, but they may take longer to cook and may not become as crispy. Thaw them first and pat dry before cooking.
Overcooking can cause Brussels sprouts to turn bitter. Keep an eye on them and cook until tender but still slightly firm.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Honey and Spice – Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
