I’ve always been a fan of Brussels sprouts, but I’ll admit, I used to think of them as the boring side dish that no one really touched. That all changed the first time I tossed them in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy Asian glaze, then let the air fryer work its magic. The result? Brussels sprouts that are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every bite. These aren’t the sprouts you remember from childhood—they’re an irresistible upgrade that everyone at the table will be fighting over.
What I love most about this recipe is how quick and versatile it is. In less than 20 minutes, I can have a restaurant-worthy side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or even a simple bowl of rice. Plus, since it’s made in the air fryer, I don’t have to deal with greasy frying pans or wait forever for the oven to do its job. Honestly, once you make these crispy Asian Brussels sprouts this way, you might never want to cook them any other way again.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Brussels Sprouts: These little green gems are the star of the dish. When air fried, they transform into crispy, caramelized bites with a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with Asian-inspired seasonings. Choose fresh, firm sprouts for the best results.
Soy Sauce: This brings that signature salty umami depth to the glaze. It balances the sweetness and gives the sprouts a savory backbone that makes them addictive. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce if you’d like to keep the saltiness in check.
Sesame Oil: Just a small drizzle of sesame oil goes a long way. It adds a toasty, nutty aroma that instantly elevates the flavor profile and ties everything together with that unmistakable Asian flair.
Honey: A touch of honey adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully in the air fryer. It’s what makes the sprouts slightly sticky and irresistible with every bite.
Rice Vinegar: This gives the glaze a subtle tang and brightness, cutting through the richness of the soy sauce and honey. It’s the ingredient that makes the sprouts taste light and balanced.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with bold, savory notes. As the sprouts cook, the garlic softens and adds layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more.
Red Pepper Flakes: These add just the right amount of heat. They’re not overpowering but provide a little kick that makes the sprouts more exciting and full of character.
Sesame Seeds: Sprinkled at the end, sesame seeds give a gentle crunch and a nutty finish that makes the dish feel complete. They also make the sprouts look gorgeous on the plate.
Green Onions: These add a burst of freshness and a pop of color at the very end. Their mild onion flavor rounds out the dish and adds a bright contrast to the glaze.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Asian Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Trim the ends off the sprouts, remove any yellow outer leaves, and cut them in half. This helps them cook evenly and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Step 2: Toss with Seasonings
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Add the Brussels sprouts and toss until they’re well coated with the glaze.
Step 3: Air Fry Until Crispy
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the sprouts in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Step 4: Finish with Toppings
Once cooked, transfer the sprouts to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with green onions for that fresh crunch and added color. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crisp.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—this ensures the sprouts get crispy instead of steaming.
- If your sprouts are larger, cut them into quarters for more even cooking.
- Adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
- For an extra boost of flavor, drizzle a little sriracha or chili oil over the top before serving.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to bring back their crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, but fresh works best for maximum crispiness. If using frozen, thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
Do I have to use honey?
You can swap honey for maple syrup or even brown sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can roast the sprouts in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I make these ahead of time?
They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the glaze in advance and toss the sprouts just before cooking.
What dishes go well with this recipe?
These sprouts pair beautifully with grilled meats, Asian-style salmon, or even a simple bowl of steamed rice for a light vegetarian meal.