Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Garlic, Balsamic and Soy

Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Garlic, Balsamic and Soy

3 to 4
Brussels sprouts are quite possibly the best vegetable you can make in an air fryer; the leaves turn brittle and delightfully crunchy. Here they are paired with slivers of garlic, which turn into pungent golden chips as they fry. Then the whole thing is dressed with a mix of balsamic vinegar that’s been simmered until thickened, then seasoned with lime juice for freshness and soy sauce for complexity. Serve this as a side dish, or as snack with drinks; just make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound brussels sprouts
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 garlic cloves

    thinly sliced

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

    plus more for serving

  • 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce

Directions

  1. 1

    Trim the brussels sprouts and cut in halves through the stems. (Cut larger ones in quarters.) Heat air fryer to 400 degrees, if preheating is necessary.

  2. 2

    Place brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket; drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil and the salt. Fry for 15 minutes, shaking basket or stirring the sprouts halfway through.

  3. 3

    Sprinkle sprouts with garlic. Continue to fry until the garlic is golden brown, another 2 to 4 minutes.

  4. 4

    Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar to a simmer. Continue to simmer until thickened and starting to look syrupy, adjusting heat as necessary to prevent burning, 2 to 3 minutes. (Keep a close eye on it; it will go from reduced to burned very quickly.) Remove from heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons oil, the lime juice and the soy sauce.

  5. 5

    Transfer brussels sprouts to a serving platter and drizzle with balsamic dressing. Squeeze more lime juice on top to taste.

Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Garlic, Balsamic and Soy

Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Garlic, Balsamic and Soy

5.0(3.3k)20 min3 to 4

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About this Recipe

Tired of soggy, bland vegetables? Get ready to discover why Brussels sprouts are quite possibly the best vegetable you can make in an air fryer. This recipe for Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Garlic, Balsamic and Soy transforms humble sprouts into an irresistibly crispy and flavorful side dish that will convert even the staunchest skeptics.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines by leveraging the air fryer's unique ability to create incredible texture. The high heat circulates, turning the outer leaves of the Brussels sprouts incredibly brittle and delightfully crunchy while the centers remain tender. Adding thinly sliced garlic yields pungent, golden chips, and the finishing touch is a perfectly balanced dressing: balsamic vinegar simmered until thickened, then brightened with lime juice and deepened with savory soy sauce.

What to Expect

Prepare for a symphony of textures and tastes. Each bite offers that satisfying snap from the caramelized outer leaves, a tender interior, and the subtle, pungent kick of garlic chips. The reduced balsamic dressing coats everything beautifully, delivering a complex blend of sweet, tangy, and umami notes that make these sprouts utterly addictive. They are a vibrant addition to any meal, whether served as an impressive side dish or a surprisingly sophisticated snack. The total prep and cook time is just 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for busy evenings.

Customization & Variations

While fantastic as written, feel free to adapt this recipe to your pantry or preference. If you don't have fresh lime, a splash of fresh lemon juice can offer a similar bright tang. For a gluten-free option, ensure your soy sauce is tamari or use coconut aminos. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you could reduce the amount or use finely minced garlic instead of slices.

Serving & Context

Serve these Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Garlic, Balsamic and Soy warm, either as a vibrant, crunchy side dish alongside your favorite main course or as an incredibly addictive snack for game night. Just be ready with plenty of napkins!

Frequently Asked Questions