These Brussels sprouts? Yeah, they’re the kind that even the sprout-haters start stealing off your plate. They’re crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and loaded with Parmesan goodness. You can make them in the air fryer or roast them in the oven—either way, they’re going to be your new favorite side.
No boiling. No soggy sprouts. Just simple, golden-brown magic.
Editor’s Note
This post was updated for 2025 with clearer instructions, new FAQs, and air fryer tips to make your Brussels sprouts even crispier. If you’ve made this before, it still rocks—just with a few upgrades.
Jump to:
- Editor’s Note
- Why This Recipe Is Fantastic
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Kitchen Essentials and Items I Used:
- How to Cook Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer
- How to Roast Brussels Sprouts in the Oven
- Expert Tips for Crispy Brussels Sprouts
- Serving Suggestions
- Pairings and Related Recipes
- FAQ (Part 1)
- More Common Questions (Part 2)
- Storage and Reheating
- Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Let’s Stay Connected
- Parmesan Brussels Sprouts (Air Fryer or Oven)
Why This Recipe Is Fantastic
- Super crispy texture without deep frying
- Works in both air fryer and oven
- Great as a side or healthy snack
- Takes less than 20 minutes in the air fryer
- Perfect use for a bag of pre-washed sprouts
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 large Brussels sprouts, cut in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Kitchen Essentials and Items I Used:
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt.
Mac Knife MTH-80 Professional Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife, 8 Inch
QO Organic Thick Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Rachael Ray 47576 Nonstick Bakeware Set with Grips
Misto Brushed Aluminum Oil Sprayer
How to Cook Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer
Cut the root end off each Brussels sprout and slice in half lengthwise.
In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the Brussels sprouts and stir to coat well.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
Place sprouts in the air fryer basket and sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese. Set the timer for 8 minutes.
Halfway through cooking, shake the basket and sprinkle on the remaining cheese. Continue cooking until crispy and golden.
How to Roast Brussels Sprouts in the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Place the coated Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Roast for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and crispy. After 10 minutes, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and return to the oven. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get too dark.
Expert Tips for Crispy Brussels Sprouts
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or baking sheet—space = crispiness
- For extra flavor, squeeze a little lemon over them right before serving
- Want spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes before cooking
- Use freshly shredded Parmesan for the best melt and crisp
Serving Suggestions
These are a go-to side for almost any protein, but especially good with:
- Grilled meats (like steak or chicken)
- Pork chops or sausages
- A big bowl of mashed potatoes and gravy
They’re also great as a snack with a little dipping sauce on the side.
Pairings and Related Recipes
FAQ (Part 1)
About 8 minutes at 380°F for crispy results.
They may be too crowded in the basket. Air needs to circulate, so work in batches if needed.
Nope—unnecessary and can make them soggy. Just trim and dry them well.
Yes, preheating gives you more consistent results and a better crisp.
More Common Questions (Part 2)
Not recommended for this recipe. They release too much moisture and won’t crisp up well.
Yes—just make sure your Parmesan doesn’t have added starch or fillers.
They’re best fresh, but you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes.
Use real shredded Parmesan—not the powdery kind in the can.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: air fry at 350°F for 4–5 minutes or roast in the oven at 375°F until warmed through. Microwaving works, but you’ll lose the crisp.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fiber: 3g
Parmesan Brussels Sprouts (Air Fryer or Oven)
Ingredients
- 6 Large Brussel Sprouts Cut in Half
- 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 1/2 tsp. Pepper
- 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 2 Tbsp Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Cut Root End off of Brussel Sprouts
- Cut Brussel Sprouts in Half Lengthwise
- In a Bowl Mix Olive Oil, Vinegar, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder
- Add the Brussel Sprouts and Stir to Coat with Mixture
- Follow Desired Cooking Method Below
Cooking Roasted Brussel Sprouts in Air Fryer
- Preheat Air Fryer to 380 Degrees
- Add Brussel Sprouts to Air Fryer Basket
- Sprinkle Brussel Sprouts with Half Parmesan Cheese
- Set Timer for 8 Minutes
- Halfway Through Cooking Time Shake Basket and Cover with Remaining Cheese
- Continue Cooking
Cooking Roasted Brussel Sprouts in the Oven
- Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees
- Place Brussels in Single Layer on Baking Sheet
- Roast Brussel Sprouts 15 to 20 Minutes until Desired Doneness
- After 10 Minutes Sprinkle Brussels with Parmesan Cheese and Continue Cooking
- Check Frequently to Make Sure they do not get too dark
Matt Freund
These are really tasty
Michelle
Could these be done with frozen brussels sprouts?
Matt
It could be done but I do not recommend as the texture of frozen Brussel sprouts is totally different.
Di
Any chance you might have the Nutritional values available for this one please? I am doing Keto and these sprouts sound amazing. Thank you Matt.
Matt
Here you go. Hope that helps.
91.3 calories; protein 4g 8% DV; carbohydrates 8g 3% DV; fat 5.7g 9% DV; cholesterol 2.9mg 1% DV; sodium 264.7mg 11% DV
Dani
These are so delicious! I put the parmesan on after cooking (just personal preference). We couldn’t get enough of them and will definitely make them again!
Laura
These sprouts with Parmesan not only look appealing they taste absolutely lovely ! I am a massive lover of sprouts and it’s nice to have them cooked in a different way, will not be having them plain again. Thanks Matt for another lovely way to cook basic healthy foods 😊
Matt
Aww I am so glad you enjoy them. Thanks for the nice comment.
Matty.
Laura
Forgot to add on my last comment that these sprouts went perfectly with your Airfryed chicken ! Thank you 😊
Bernadette
I don’t eat dairy and substituted nutritional yeast. Loved this recipe!
Matt
So glad you enjoyed it…You should try my cauliflower steak recipe. Of course you can substitute the cheese, but just using the method. I’m sure you will really enjoy that too. Thanks for the nice comment.
Matty