Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts in Air Fryer – Easy Healthy Recipe
I still remember the moment I realized how much the air fryer could change my cooking routine. One busy fall evening, I got home late, starving and craving something warm, quick, and satisfying but also healthy. I spotted a bag of Brussels sprouts sitting quietly in the fridge, almost like they were waiting for their chance. With no energy for complicated recipes, I tossed them with honey, balsamic vinegar, a drizzle of olive oil, and placed them in the air fryer.
In just minutes, I had Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts in air fryer perfectly caramelized, crunchy outside, tender inside, and impossible not to devour. That night sparked my obsession with air fryer vegetable recipes, especially those that turn simple ingredients into bold, vibrant flavors.
Today, I’m sharing the exact method I refined over time, along with variations using Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Parmesan, Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer, and even Keto Brussel Sprout Recipes Air Fryer options. This guide will help you create the crunchiest, sweetest, tangiest Brussels sprouts with minimal effort and maximum results. If you’re searching for more vegetable ideas, check out this crispy recipe for air fryer Brussels sprouts
Table of Contents
Why These Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts in Air Fryer Work So Well
The magic behind Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts in air fryer starts with the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and heat circulation. The honey caramelizes beautifully, the balsamic adds richness, and the air fryer transforms even basic Brussels sprouts into crunchy perfection.
Air fryers work like tiny convection ovens, circulating hot air around every piece. This means you get that Crunchy Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer texture without deep frying. When tossed with just a little oil, they crisp evenly while staying tender inside. For extra inspiration and comparison, discover more vegetable-based air fryer ideas
Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (Air Fryer)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash, trim, and halve the Brussels sprouts. Pat dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness.
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss Brussels sprouts until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Spread Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and caramelized.
- Optionally, top with parmesan cheese, garlic, or chili flakes. Serve hot!
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Ingredients You Need
To make the best Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts in air fryer, you only need simple ingredients you likely already have:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil (great for Brussel Sprouts in Air Fryer With Olive Oil)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
- Optional add-ons: Parmesan cheese, garlic, chili flakes
This basic blend works perfectly, but if you love a bold cheesy twist, try adding parmesan to transform them into Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Parmesan. And if you lean toward savory richness, a garlic-herb mix easily turns them into Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer favorites.
How to Make Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts in Air Fryer
Here’s how to achieve the crispiest results every time.
1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts, then cut them in half so they cook evenly. Drying them well is important; moisture prevents crispiness.
2. Coat Them Well
In a bowl, mix olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss the sprouts until every piece is coated. This even coating helps create that signature Crunchy Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer texture.
3. Air Fry to Crisp Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer. Air fry for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway.
The honey will caramelize, the balsamic will deepen in flavor, and the air fryer will crisp the leaves beautifully.
4. Add Optional Finishes
Once cooked, you can customize the bowl however you like:
- Sprinkle parmesan for a Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer twist
- Add crushed red pepper for heat
- Drizzle extra balsamic reduction
If you like bold, sweet, smoky flavors, you’ll enjoy the tweaks used in recipes like Crispiest Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
Why This Recipe Is Keto Friendly (With Easy Modifications)
If you follow low-carb diets, these sprouts can easily fit under Keto Brussel Sprout Recipes Air Fryer:
- Replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup
- Skip balsamic or use a low-carb version
- Add crispy bacon
- Finish with parmesan for extra fat and flavor
This gives you a savory, satisfying keto side dish without sacrificing crunch or taste.
Flavor Variations to Try
Your Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts in air fryer are already flavorful, but you can elevate them even more:
1. Garlic Parmesan
A classic twist using garlic powder, fresh garlic, and parmesan cheese. Pairs beautifully with the caramelized notes of honey.
2. Spicy Honey Sriracha
Perfect for heat lovers—mix 1 tsp sriracha into your honey-balsamic blend.
3. Lemon Herb
Add 1 tsp lemon zest and dried thyme for a fresh, bright flavor.
4. Smoky BBQ
Swap balsamic for BBQ sauce and air fry longer for deeper caramelization.
Serving Ideas
You can serve Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts in air fryer as:
- A quick weeknight side
- A party appetizer
- A topping for salads
- A flavorful addition to bowls
- A crunchy partner to roasted chicken or salmon
If you want more ideas for pairing, learn more about complementary air fryer dishes like this honey garlic salmon
Air Fryer Tips for Maximum Crisp
To perfect your Crunchy Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer results, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket
Brussels sprouts need airflow to crisp. Cook in batches if needed. - Shake halfway
This ensures even browning. - Use enough oil
Even though it’s healthier than deep frying, a small amount of oil helps develop that fried texture similar to Fried Brussel Sprouts, but with fewer calories. - Adjust timing based on size
Larger sprouts may require an extra minute or two. - Use the air fryer oven setting if available
It mimics real oven roasting while keeping the crispiness. This method works well for many Air Fryer Oven Recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Your Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts in air fryer can be stored for 3–4 days in the fridge.
To reheat:
- Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes
- Avoid microwaving it softens the texture
For other reheating techniques, you can explore crispy guides such as this one: how to reheat steak in air fryer
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll keep coming back to this Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts in air fryer recipe because it’s:
- Quick
- Healthy
- Crispy
- Flavorful
- Kid-friendly
- Perfect for busy days
- Great for meal prep
It delivers restaurant-style crispiness with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that delivers rich, sweet, tangy, crunchy goodness every single time, Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts in air fryer is the answer. With endless ways to customize from Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Parmesan to low-carb Keto Brussel Sprout Recipes Air Fryer you’ll never get bored.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, hosting a gathering, or prepping meals for the week, this dish adds irresistible flavor to any plate. And with the power of air frying, you get crispiness without deep-frying, making it the perfect healthy go-to.
FAQ – Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts in Air Fryer
1. Why are my Brussels sprouts not getting crispy in the air fryer?
Your Brussels sprouts may not get crispy if they’re too wet or overcrowded. Pat them dry completely and cook in a single layer. Shaking the basket halfway also helps improve crispiness.
2. Can I make honey balsamic Brussels sprouts without oil?
Yes, but they won’t crisp as well. A small amount of olive oil helps caramelize the honey and balsamic and gives you that classic crunchy texture.
3. How long do Brussels sprouts take to cook in an air fryer?
Typically, 12–14 minutes at 390°F (200°C) is ideal. Smaller sprouts cook faster, while larger ones need an extra minute or two.
4. Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely. Simply replace the honey with sugar-free syrup and reduce or omit the balsamic vinegar. Add parmesan or bacon for extra flavor.
5. Can I reheat Brussels sprouts in the air fryer?
Yes. Reheat at 350°F for about 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving because it makes them soft.
6. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
You can, but the texture won’t be as crispy as fresh. For better results, thaw frozen Brussels sprouts first, dry them well, then air fry.
I’m obsessed with turning everyday ingredients into crispy, golden perfection one air fryer recipe at a time! From healthy weeknight dinners to indulgent snacks, my kitchen experiments are all about flavor and simplicity. Follow me on Pinterest and Facebook for more easy air fryer meals, quick desserts, and crowd-pleasing snacks that make cooking fun again. Learn more about me here.
