These crispy Ninja Foodi Brussel Sprouts are a game-changing side dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, these tender-crisp sprouts pack a powerful nutritional punch with 8g of protein and 6g of fiber per serving.
The air-crisping function of the Ninja Foodi transforms these humble veggies into irresistibly caramelized bites, while keeping the cooking process incredibly simple. Whether you’re a Brussels sprout skeptic or enthusiast, this foolproof method will become your new favorite way to prepare this nutritious vegetable.
Fresh & Crispy Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts
- Brussels Sprouts: 24 ounces fresh, trimmed and halved for even cooking
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, helps achieve golden-brown crispiness
- Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup shredded, adds savory depth
- Balsamic Vinegar: 2 tablespoons, creates tangy finish
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste, enhances overall flavor
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Preparation: Preheat your Ninja Foodi to 350°F/180°C for 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature
- Prep the Sprouts: Trim ends, remove outer leaves, and slice each sprout in half for uniform cooking
- Oil Coating: Toss halved sprouts with olive oil until evenly coated
- First Cook: Place in air fryer basket and cook at 350°F/180°C for initial 5 minutes
- Mid-Cook Stir: Give sprouts a good stir to ensure even browning
- Final Cook: Continue cooking for additional 5 minutes until golden and tender
- Finishing Touch: Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle parmesan, and drizzle balsamic vinegar for perfect finish
Cooking Techniques
Air frying gives these Brussels sprouts a wonderful crispy outside while keeping them tender inside. For extra crispiness, try not to overcrowd your air fryer basket – give those sprouts some room to breathe! A single layer works best, but if you need to cook more, just do them in batches. The perfect Brussels sprout should be golden brown on the outside and you should be able to easily pierce it with a fork.
Easy Variations
Love to mix things up? Try these simple twists on the basic recipe:
- Add crispy bacon bits and a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory combo
- Toss with minced garlic and red pepper flakes before cooking for a spicy kick
- Switch the parmesan for crispy panko breadcrumbs
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice instead of balsamic vinegar The possibilities are endless, so feel free to play with different seasonings!
Serving Suggestions
These crispy Brussels sprouts make an amazing side dish for almost any meal! They’re perfect next to roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. Want to turn them into a main dish? Add them to a grain bowl with quinoa and chickpeas, or toss them into a warm salad. If you’re serving them as a starter, put out some extra balsamic vinegar and parmesan on the side so everyone can add their own toppings.
Storage Tips
Keep your leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat them, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F – they’ll crisp right back up! Want to prep ahead? You can trim and cut the Brussels sprouts up to 2 days before cooking. Just keep them in a sealed bag in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Ninja Foodi Brussel Sprouts
Equipment
- Ninja Foodi Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 24 ounces brussel sprouts fresh
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F/180°C for 5 minutes.
- Trim the ends from the brussel sprouts, remove any damaged outer leaves, and slice each brussel sprout in half.
- Toss the brussel sprouts in olive oil.
- Place them in the air fryer basket, and cook in the Ninja Foodi on the Air Fry setting at 350°F/180°C for 5 minutes.
- Stir, then air fry for an additional 5 minutes, or until the brussel sprouts are slightly browned and tender.
- If desired, season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
