Brussels sprouts: The star of our dish, these miniature cabbage-like vegetables offer a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that mellows and sweetens upon cooking. When air-fried correctly, they develop a wonderfully crispy exterior and a tender interior, making them incredibly satisfying. Look for small to medium-sized sprouts for quicker, more even cooking.

Olive oil: A healthy fat that plays a crucial role in achieving that coveted crispy texture. It also helps to distribute the seasonings evenly and contributes a subtle, fruity flavor that complements the sprouts and garlic. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its quality and taste.

Garlic: The aromatic backbone of this recipe. Freshly minced garlic infuses the Brussels sprouts with a pungent, savory depth that is truly irresistible. Its sharp notes balance the earthiness of the sprouts and enhance the cheesy finish.

Parmesan cheese: This hard, salty Italian cheese adds a rich, umami-packed finish to the dish. When sprinkled on at the end, it melts slightly, creating a delicious, savory crust that takes the Brussels sprouts from good to gourmet. Freshly grated Parmesan is key for the best flavor and melting consistency.

Salt: A fundamental seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of all the ingredients, bringing out the sweetness of the roasted Brussels sprouts and balancing the richness of the cheese and garlic. Use kosher or sea salt for a cleaner taste.

Black pepper: Provides a subtle hint of warmth and a touch of aromatic spice. Freshly ground black pepper offers a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground versions, adding a pleasant counterpoint to the other ingredients.

To ensure your Brussels sprouts achieve that highly desired perfectly crispy texture, a few key techniques are essential. First and foremost, proper preparation is vital: make sure your Brussels sprouts are trimmed, halved, and thoroughly dried. Any excess moisture will lead to steaming rather than frying, preventing them from browning and crisping up properly. Once dry, they must be evenly coated with olive oil. This oil layer is what facilitates the crispy exterior and helps the seasonings adhere.

Next, the arrangement in your air fryer basket is critical. Always spread the Brussels sprouts out in a single layer. Overcrowding the basket is the most common mistake when air frying, as it restricts hot air circulation, causing the sprouts to steam in their own moisture instead of crisping. If you have a larger batch, cook them in multiple batches to ensure adequate space. When you shake the basket halfway through cooking, it serves two purposes: it redistributes the sprouts, allowing all sides to be exposed to the hot air for even browning, and it helps prevent any sticking. For an extra burst of flavor and a touch of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Parmesan cheese in the final minutes of cooking; the residual heat will slightly toast them, releasing their aroma.

• Brussels sprouts – Substitute with Broccoli Florets: If Brussels sprouts aren’t your preference or simply unavailable, fresh broccoli florets make an excellent alternative. Broccoli has a similar sturdy texture and can be air-fried or roasted to achieve a comparable crispy-tender consistency and delicious flavor profile. Ensure florets are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.

• Olive oil – Substitute with Avocado Oil: For those seeking an alternative to olive oil, avocado oil is a superb choice. It boasts a very high smoke point, making it ideal for air frying without fear of burning or producing off-flavors. Its mild, neutral flavor also ensures it won’t overpower the other ingredients, allowing the garlic and Parmesan to shine.

• Garlic – Substitute with Garlic Powder: While fresh garlic provides the most potent and nuanced flavor, garlic powder is a convenient and effective substitute, especially if you’re short on time. Use approximately 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic, adjusting to your taste preferences. Remember, garlic powder is more concentrated.

• Parmesan cheese – Substitute with Nutritional Yeast: For a dairy-free or vegan option, nutritional yeast is a fantastic substitute for Parmesan cheese. It offers a distinct savory, cheesy, umami flavor that mimics the profile of Parmesan very well. Sprinkle it on generously during the last few minutes of cooking or just before serving for the best effect.

• Salt – Substitute with Soy Sauce: If you’re looking to add a different dimension of saltiness and umami, a light splash of low-sodium soy sauce can replace traditional salt. However, use it sparingly, perhaps a teaspoon, as its strong flavor can easily overpower the delicate taste of the Brussels sprouts. It works especially well for an Asian-inspired twist.

• Black pepper – Substitute with White Pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and peppery flavor profile to black pepper but with a slightly different, more subtle aroma and a less visually noticeable fleck. It’s a great option if you prefer a cleaner aesthetic or a slightly milder spice kick.

• Cool Completely: Before attempting to store or freeze your air-fried Brussels sprouts, it is crucial to allow them to cool down entirely to room temperature. Storing them while warm will create condensation inside the container, which inevitably leads to soggy sprouts and an undesirable texture.

• Airtight Container for Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer the Brussels sprouts to an airtight food storage container. A vacuum sealer is an excellent tool if you have one, as it will help to minimize air exposure and maintain their crispiness for longer. For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator.

• Refrigeration Lifespan: When stored properly in the refrigerator, these delicious air-fried Brussels sprouts should remain fresh and tasty for up to 3-4 days. While they may lose a bit of their initial crispness, reheating them correctly can largely restore it.

• Freezing for Longer Storage: If you plan to keep them for an extended period, freezing is the optimal method. To prevent the Brussels sprouts from clumping together in a single frozen block, start by flash-freezing them. Lay the completely cooled sprouts out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Transfer to Freezer Bag/Container: Once the Brussels sprouts are frozen solid (this usually takes about 1-2 hours), transfer them from the baking sheet into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight freezer container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag or container with the date for easy tracking of freshness.

• Reheating Frozen Sprouts: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, there’s no need to thaw them. Reheat the frozen Brussels sprouts directly in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method will help to revive their delightful crispiness and warmth.

• Avoid Microwaving: While convenient, reheating Brussels sprouts in the microwave is generally not recommended. Microwaves tend to add moisture, which will make the Brussels sprouts mushy and significantly less appealing, detracting from their wonderful air-fried texture.

Even leftover Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts can be delicious, provided you reheat them correctly to preserve their texture. Here are the best methods:

• Oven Method for Optimal Crispness: Preheat your oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover Brussels sprouts evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer without overcrowding. While optional, you can lightly cover them with aluminum foil for the first few minutes to prevent excessive browning before crisping. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed through and have regained some of their crisp texture. This method is excellent for maintaining a good level of crispiness.

• Air Fryer Method for Quick Revival: This is arguably the best method for restoring the original crispiness and flavor. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the Brussels sprouts back into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for a short duration of 3-5 minutes, making sure to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This ensures even reheating and helps to crisp up all sides effectively.

• Stovetop Method for a Pan-Seared Finish: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount (about a teaspoon) of fresh olive oil or butter to the pan. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the Brussels sprouts. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and have developed a slightly crispy, pan-seared exterior. This method not only reheats but can also add a touch of extra flavor from the searing process.

• Microwave Method for Speed (Use with Caution): If speed is your absolute top priority and crispness is less of a concern, the microwave can be used. Place the Brussels sprouts in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent to allow steam to escape. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking for warmth and stirring once. Be aware that this method will soften the sprouts significantly and will not retain their crisp texture as well as the other methods.

• Air Fryer: This countertop kitchen appliance is absolutely central to the recipe, as it cooks food by circulating hot air, making it perfect for achieving incredibly crispy Brussels sprouts without the need for deep frying. It offers speed, efficiency, and healthier results.

• Mixing Bowl: A medium to large mixing bowl is essential for combining the Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. It ensures that all the sprouts are evenly coated with the seasonings, which is key for consistent flavor and crispiness.

• Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements are vital for balancing flavors. Measuring spoons are used to precisely measure out the olive oil, salt, and black pepper, ensuring the seasoning is just right and not overpowering.

• Measuring Cup: A measuring cup is specifically used for the grated Parmesan cheese. While a little flexibility is fine with cheese, accurate measurement helps in achieving the optimal cheesy flavor and the desired melting consistency.

• Sharp Knife: A good quality, sharp knife is necessary for the preparation steps. It’s used for trimming the ends of the Brussels sprouts, halving them for more even cooking, and mincing the garlic cloves finely to ensure maximum flavor distribution.

• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for all your chopping and mincing tasks, protecting your countertops and making ingredient preparation much easier and safer.

• Tongs: Heat-resistant tongs are incredibly useful for handling the Brussels sprouts. They allow you to safely shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crisping without direct contact with the hot appliance.

Pre-prep Ingredients Ahead of Time: One of the biggest time-savers is to complete your ingredient preparation in advance. Trim and halve your Brussels sprouts, and mince the garlic the day before or even a few days prior. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and they’ll be ready to go when you are, significantly cutting down on active cooking time.

Batch Cooking for Future Meals: If you have a larger air fryer or multiple air fryers, consider doubling or even tripling the recipe. Cook the Brussels sprouts in batches if needed, ensuring not to overcrowd the basket. Once cooked and cooled, store the leftovers for quick and easy side dishes throughout the week, saving you cooking time on subsequent meals.

Opt for Pre-Grated Parmesan Cheese: While freshly grated Parmesan offers superior flavor, if you’re in a rush, pre-grated Parmesan cheese can be a convenient shortcut. It eliminates the need for grating, helping you get the dish cooked and on the table faster.

Utilize Parchment Paper for Quick Clean-Up: To make the post-cooking clean-up a breeze, consider lining your air fryer basket with air fryer-safe parchment paper or a silicone liner. This catches any drips and food bits, making the basket much easier to wash, saving you valuable time and effort.

Efficient Shaking Technique: When shaking the air fryer basket to redistribute the sprouts, do it over the sink or a large bowl. This simple trick helps to catch any stray pieces of Brussels sprouts or seasoning that might fall out, preventing them from scattering onto your kitchen floor or countertop and saving you from extra clean-up.