Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Jump to Recipe

Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are cooked in the air-fryer for a crispy exterior and deliciously tender interior. The caramelization on the outside provides a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to this cabbage relative.

Overhead view of brussels sprouts in a wood bowl.

Think you’re not a fan of Brussels sprouts? You need to try them in the air fryer or roasted in the oven. They become the perfect blend of crispy and tender—a far cry from the boiled, bland soggy ones you probably had as a kid.

The balsamic glaze is what takes these Air Fried Brussels Sprouts to the next level. It’s tangy with a bit of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the nuttiness of the Brussels sprouts. If you don’t feel like creating your own glaze, you could definitely purchase one from the market.

If you’re a Brussels sprouts fan, you will want to also check out Brussels Sprouts Coleslaw.

FAQs:

What do Brussels sprouts taste like?

The taste is similar to cabbage, and can be slightly bitter when eaten raw. When roasted, Brussels sprouts have a delicious nutty and sweet taste.

Is it Brussels sprouts or brussel sprouts?

Although the s at the end of Brussels often gets dropped, the proper spelling is Brussels sprouts. They are named after Brussels, Belgium where it is thought they were first cultivated.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Ingredients:

Ingredients for air fryer Brussles sprouts prepped and portioned on wood cutting board.

Brussels sprouts: Low in calories and high in vitamin K and fiber.
Avocado oil: Has a neutral flavor and higher smoke point than extra virgin olive oil.
Salt and pepper: Enhances the flavor of the Brussels sprouts.

For the glaze:

Minced garlic: Adds a savory flavor to balance the sweetness.
Balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar is made from unfermented grape juice. It has a distinctive bold flavor combining a slight sweetness with tart aftertaste.
Maple syrup: Contains healthy minerals and antioxidants, but should still be consumed in moderation.
Coconut aminos: Has a milder, sweeter taste than soy sauce. It is also much lower in sodium.

Ingredient Tip:

Buy a decent quality balsamic vinegar. The flavor is concentrated as it reduces, so if it doesn't taste great to start, it won't taste good reduced.

Brussels sprouts in a wood serving bowl on white towel.

How to Prepare Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts:

Preheat your air fryer to 375ºF.
To prep the Brussels sprouts, slice the stem end off, then cut in half. Discard any discolored outer leaves.
Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a large bowl; add the avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat well.
Pour into the air fryer basket, and arrange in a single layer with space between. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the level of desired tenderness is achieved.
While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, prepare the balsamic glaze. Pour a drizzle of avocado oil to a small sauce pan, and heat over medium heat. Add minced garlic, and cook about 1 minute.
Pour in the remaining ingredients, along with the pepper, and simmer until slightly reduced (about 10 minutes).
When the Brussels sprouts have finished cooking, place in the same bowl you tossed them in previously, and pour the glaze over the top. Toss lightly to coat all the Brussels sprouts.

Brussels sprouts tossed with avocado oil in a stainless steel bowl. — Toss the Brussels sprouts with avocado oil and salt and pepper.

Brussels sprouts in an air fryer basket. — Toss the Brussels sprouts with avocado oil and salt and pepper.

Recipe Tip:

The size of the Brussels sprouts and the model of your air fryer will both contribute to the cooking time. I start checking for doneness at 10-13 minutes, then keep checking every 5 minutes or so.

What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can still use this recipe to roast the Brussels sprouts in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to 400ºF, and spray a baking sheet. The prep, seasoning, and balsamic reduction will all be the same. Start checking for doneness at about 15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

Add cooked and chopped bacon to the balsamic glaze.
Sprinkle with parmesan or gorgonzola cheese after serving.
Top with crispy slivered almonds.

Air fryer Brussels sprouts in a wood bowl.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts:

Inspired Fresh Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. Thank you for supporting Inspired Fresh Life.

Ingredient Substitutions:

Avocado oil: Use any neutral flavored oil.
Balsamic vinegar: Use apple cider or red wine vinegar with an extra teaspoon of maple syrup.
Maple syrup: Honey or date nectar will also work.
Coconut aminos: Soy sauce will also work, but it will be saltier and less sweet.

Recipe Notes:

There are so many air fryers to choose from, but I love my Emeril Air Fryer. I use it almost daily because it has multiple cooking functions which allows you to use less energy than a traditional oven.
I prefer the flavor of coconut aminos over soy sauce. It’s a little sweeter and not as salty.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card and/or a review in the comments section at the bottom of the page. Are you following along on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook?

More Air Fryer Veggies to Love:

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes on a black platter garnished with parsley.

Air Fryer Twice-Baked Loaded Potatoes

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Explore all the Side Dish recipes from Inspired Fresh Life.

Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Brussels Sprouts:

1 pound Brussels sprouts
1 tablespoon avocado oil
½ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Glaze:

1 clove garlic, minced
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons coconut aminos
¼ teaspoon black pepper
optional: red pepper flakes

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 375ºF.
To prep the Brussels sprouts, slice the stem end off, then cut in half. Discard any discolored outer leaves.
Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a large bowl; add the avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat well.
Pour into the air fryer basket, and arrange in a single layer with space between. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the level of desired tenderness is achieved.
While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, prepare the balsamic glaze. Pour a drizzle of avocado oil to a small sauce pan, and heat over medium heat. Add minced garlic, and cook about 1 minute.
Pour in the remaining ingredients, along with the pepper, and simmer until slightly reduced (about 10 minutes).
When the Brussels sprouts have finished cooking, place in the same bowl you tossed them in previously, and pour the glaze over the top. Toss lightly to coat all the Brussels sprouts.