Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Glaze and Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
Add-ins
- ½ cup pecan halves or pieces
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the glaze and coat the Brussels sprouts: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, avocado or olive oil, smoked paprika, fine sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Add the halved Brussels sprouts and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the glaze.
- Arrange Brussels sprouts in air fryer: Using kitchen tongs, arrange the coated Brussels sprouts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. If necessary, air fry in batches. Keep any leftover maple mixture for later use.
- Air fry first phase: Air fry the Brussels sprouts at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. This initial cooking will start to crisp the sprouts while infusing them with the glaze.
- Add garlic and pecans: After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and add the chopped garlic and pecan halves or pieces evenly over the sprouts. Drizzle the reserved maple mixture on top to enhance flavor.
- Finish air frying: Continue air frying for an additional 5 minutes, until the garlic is golden and fragrant and the Brussels sprouts have reached desired crispiness.
- Serve: Remove the Brussels sprouts from the air fryer and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt for extra texture and optional fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect crispy texture.
Notes
- Trim and halve Brussels sprouts evenly for consistent cooking.
- Use avocado or olive oil for a healthy fat option and better crispiness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity or omit for less heat.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure sprouts crisp well; cook in batches if necessary.
- Serve immediately to maintain crisp texture; leftover sprouts can be reheated but may lose some crispness.
- Optional garnish of fresh parsley adds a fresh herbal note.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian