Air fryer frozen brussel sprouts are the ultimate no-fuss veggie side dish. Straight from the freezer to crispy perfection in under 25 minutes—no thawing, no boiling, no oven required. With just a light drizzle of olive oil and your favorite seasonings, these little green gems transform into golden bites that taste like they’ve been roasted for hours. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday meal or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers full flavor with minimal effort.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to make air fryer frozen brussel sprouts taste amazing every time—plus seasoning ideas, cooking time tips, and answers to popular questions like “Can I air fry frozen brussels sprouts?” and “How do I make them crispy?” For even more ideas, check out my Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Table of Contents
Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts: Crispy, Easy, and Ready in Under 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 24 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These air fryer frozen brussel sprouts are crispy, golden, and loaded with flavor. No thawing required—just quick, easy, and delicious every time.
Ingredients
1 lb frozen brussel sprouts
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F.
2. Add frozen brussel sprouts in a single layer.
3. Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
4. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, and parsley.
5. Toss cooked sprouts in the glaze.
6. Return to air fryer at 400°F for 6 more minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
Do not thaw the sprouts first.
Add bacon, garlic, or Parmesan to change it up.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F.
- Prep Time: 3 mins
- Cook Time: 21 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 116
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Why Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts Belong on Your Table
How a Forgotten Freezer Bag Became My Go-To Side Dish
Air fryer frozen brussel sprouts weren’t even on my radar until a few years ago. One weeknight, low on groceries and energy, I pulled out a half-used bag of sprouts and tossed them into the air fryer with olive oil and sea salt. I didn’t expect much. But 20 minutes later? I was shocked—crispy edges, tender centers, and a rich roasted flavor I’d only gotten from oven-baking (and even then, with way more oil).
It reminded me of my childhood in Vermont, when the oven was always humming and my mom would roast veggies for hours. But back then, sprouts took time. Now, I had a shortcut that didn’t skimp on flavor.
From that day on, air fryer frozen brussel sprouts became a freezer staple. Whether I’m adding a balsamic glaze, a touch of maple syrup, or tossing in some crispy bacon bits, the method never fails. And the best part? You can keep it simple or dress it up. Either way, you’re getting dinner on the table fast.
Looking for more comfort food sides with a twist? Try my Air Fryer Salmon
How to Cook Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts the Right Way
Making air fryer frozen brussel sprouts is not just convenient—it’s foolproof. These sprouts go from freezer to crispy perfection in about 20 minutes, no thawing needed. This method is ideal for busy nights or last-minute sides when you need something healthy and delicious fast. With just a few ingredients and your air fryer, you’ll turn frozen brussel sprouts into a crowd-pleasing side dish.
You’ll love how simple this process is. Whether you’re new to air frying or already obsessed, these air fryer frozen brussel sprouts are one of the most reliable recipes to keep on repeat. For more easy air fryer wins, check out our full Chicken Air Fryer
Ingredients for Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts
To make flavorful, crispy sprouts every time, you’ll need:
- 1 pound frozen brussel sprouts (don’t thaw)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional for garnish)
These pantry basics come together to create a sweet, tangy glaze that makes these air fryer frozen brussel sprouts truly irresistible. You can also switch things up by using garlic powder, smoked paprika, or grated Parmesan.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. This takes just 2–3 minutes but helps jump-start crisping.
- Add frozen brussel sprouts to the basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to get the best golden texture.
- Air fry for 15 minutes at 360°F. Shake the basket halfway through to make sure they cook evenly.
- While they’re cooking, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, and parsley in a small bowl.
- After 15 minutes, check that the sprouts are defrosted and fork-tender. They should be soft inside with slightly crisp edges.
- Toss the sprouts in the glaze, making sure they’re evenly coated with flavor.
- Return the glazed sprouts to the air fryer. Increase the heat to 400°F and cook for another 6 minutes. This final step crisps up the outer layers perfectly.
- Serve hot and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
These air fryer frozen brussel sprouts are great as-is, but you can also add your own spin. Want a smoky version? Toss in chopped cooked bacon before the last cook. Craving sweetness? Swap balsamic for maple syrup. For a holiday twist, sprinkle in roasted chestnuts.
Don’t forget to pair these with other quick sides like Dill Pickle Bites in Air Fryer
Seasoning and Serving Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts
Air fryer frozen brussel sprouts are anything but boring. Once you’ve mastered the basic method, it’s time to have fun with seasonings and serving styles. This veggie takes on flavor beautifully, whether you keep it simple with salt and pepper or dress it up with glazes, spices, or mix-ins.
Seasoning Ideas for Every Occasion
The beauty of air fryer frozen brussel sprouts is how versatile they are. Here are some of my favorite ways to mix things up:
- Balsamic Honey Glaze
The classic combo. Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Add dried parsley or thyme if desired. This blend creates a sweet and tangy finish with crisp caramelized edges. - Maple Garlic Butter
Use melted butter, a bit of maple syrup, and minced garlic for a cozy, slightly sweet side. Add crushed red pepper for a little kick. - Bacon and Parmesan
Cook chopped bacon separately, then add it to the sprouts for the last 6 minutes of air frying. Top with freshly grated Parmesan when serving. It’s rich, salty, and perfect for family dinners. - Smoky Paprika and Lime
Add a smoky depth with paprika and a squeeze of lime juice after cooking. A dash of cumin works great, too. - Holiday Special: Chestnut Crumble
Add chopped roasted chestnuts during the last few minutes. It’s festive, nutty, and adds a soft crunch that pairs well with your holiday roast.
Each of these options gives your air fryer frozen brussel sprouts new life. You can even divide your air fryer basket if you have a dual-zone model and try two styles at once.
Serving Suggestions and Leftover Tips
Air fryer frozen brussel sprouts are incredibly flexible at the table. You can serve them:
- Alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken
- With mashed potatoes and gravy for a comforting meal
- In a warm grain bowl with quinoa, tahini dressing, and roasted nuts
- On top of a salad with goat cheese and cranberries
They also work well as a standalone snack or appetizer. Need a dipping sauce? Try ranch, spicy aioli, or even a drizzle of tahini.
Got leftovers? No problem. Store cooled sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes. They’ll regain their crispness without getting soggy.
Pro tip: Don’t microwave leftovers—this ruins the texture. The air fryer keeps them crispy, just like when they were first made.
FAQs About Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts
Can I air fry frozen brussels sprouts?
Yes, absolutely! Air fryer frozen brussel sprouts cook beautifully straight from the freezer. There’s no need to thaw them first. Just toss them in a little oil and seasoning, air fry at 360°F for about 15 minutes, then crisp them up at 400°F for another 5–6 minutes. You’ll get crispy edges and tender centers every time.
This method locks in moisture without steaming and gives the sprouts a golden roasted flavor you’d never expect from frozen vegetables.
How long do you cook brussel sprouts in the air fryer?
To cook air fryer frozen brussel sprouts, you’ll want to:
Cook at 360°F for 15 minutes (to thaw and tenderize)
Then at 400°F for 6 minutes (to crisp the edges)
That’s a total of about 21 minutes, depending on the size of your sprouts and how crispy you like them. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. If your air fryer runs hot or has a smaller basket, check a minute early.
How long to cook brussels sprouts from frozen?
Frozen brussels sprouts take about 20–25 minutes total in the air fryer. If you skip the glaze or want extra crispy sprouts, you can go a little longer. Start with 360°F for 15 minutes, then boost to 400°F for a final crisp. This two-temperature method works better than cooking at one consistent heat.
Don’t forget: overcrowding leads to steaming. Always spread your air fryer frozen brussel sprouts in a single layer for the best texture.
Can you use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?
Yes! In fact, frozen brussel sprouts are perfect for the air fryer. While fresh sprouts are great for oven-roasting, frozen sprouts cook faster and more evenly in an air fryer thanks to their retained moisture. They’re also a budget-friendly option you can always keep on hand.
Just make sure you season them after the first cook cycle to help the glaze stick better. Whether you’re roasting, crisping, or glazing, frozen sprouts deliver rich flavor and zero prep time.
Conclusion: Why Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts Are Worth Making Weekly
If you’ve ever struggled to make brussel sprouts crispy and flavorful, this is your solution. Air fryer frozen brussel sprouts are fast, simple, and taste better than most roasted recipes. You don’t need to thaw, boil, or roast—just toss them in your air fryer, glaze them, and enjoy a golden, flavorful side dish in under 25 minutes.
Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight dinner or adding a vegetable to your holiday table, this method gives you consistent results with minimal effort. Once you try it, frozen sprouts will become a freezer essential in your kitchen, just like they are in mine.
For more check this Air Fry Every Vegetable
