25-Minute Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey Drizzle

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my latest obsession – these Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey Drizzle! I’ve been testing Brussels sprout recipes for years (my poor family has eaten more sprouts than they’d care to admit), but this version? Absolute magic. The air fryer gives them this incredible crunch that oven roasting just can’t match, while the Parmesan forms this golden, savory crust that makes you want to eat them straight from the basket.

Here’s the kicker – that drizzle of hot honey. It’s that perfect sweet-spicy contrast that turns these from a simple side into something special enough for parties (though I won’t judge if you eat the whole batch yourself). What I love most is how ridiculously easy this is – we’re talking 25 minutes from fridge to table, with barely any cleanup. Whether you’re a Brussels sprouts skeptic or a longtime fan like me, this recipe’s going to change your veggie game.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey Drizzle

Trust me, once you try these Brussels sprouts, you’ll understand why they’ve become my go-to side dish for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings. Here’s what makes them so special:

• Crazy crispy texture – The air fryer works magic, giving each sprout that perfect golden crunch without the mess of deep frying
• Sweet heat perfection – That hot honey drizzle? Pure genius. It balances the savory Parmesan with just the right spicy-sweet kick
• Ready in under 25 minutes – No babysitting the oven – just toss, air fry, and you’re done
• Vegetarian-friendly – A crowd-pleaser that works for almost any diet (and converts sprout skeptics!)

Ingredients for Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey Drizzle

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I mean exactly what you’ll need to make these sprouts shine. After testing this recipe more times than I can count (my air fryer deserves a vacation), I’ve nailed down the perfect ratios. Here’s your shopping list:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts – trimmed and halved (look for bright green, firm ones – no mushy spots!)
• 2 tbsp olive oil – the good stuff that makes everything crisp up beautifully
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan – packed measure, and please use fresh-grated if you can (the pre-shredded stuff doesn’t melt as nicely)
• 1 tsp garlic powder – not garlic salt! We’re controlling the salt separately
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt – I prefer Diamond Crystal here – it seasons more evenly
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked adds the best flavor
• 2 tbsp hot honey – adjust to your spice tolerance (I’ll tell you my favorite brand in the tips section)

See? Simple ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role. That Parmesan forms this incredible crispy-cheesy crust in the air fryer, while the hot honey… oh, just wait till you taste that magic drizzle!

How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey Drizzle

Alright, let’s get cooking! I promise this is easier than it looks – the air fryer does most of the work for us. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have restaurant-worthy Brussels sprouts in no time.

Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

First things first – let’s get those sprouts ready. Trim off any dry ends (about 1/4 inch), then slice each one in half lengthwise. Here’s my secret: if you’ve got any really big ones, quarter them so everything cooks evenly. Now, this next part is crucial – pat them dry with paper towels! Any extra moisture is the enemy of crispiness. I usually let mine air dry for a few minutes while I gather the other ingredients.

Step 2: Season and Coat

Grab your biggest mixing bowl – we want plenty of room to toss. Throw in the dried sprouts, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Now get in there with your hands (clean ones, please!) and massage everything together until each sprout half is completely coated. You’ll see the Parmesan start clinging to the oiled surfaces – that’s exactly what we want! The mixture should look like little cheesy snowballs.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat that air fryer to 375°F – yes, it matters! When it’s ready, arrange your sprouts in a single layer in the basket. No piling! They need space to crisp up properly. Set your timer for 12 minutes. At the halfway mark (6 minutes), pull out the basket and give it a good shake – this ensures even browning. Keep cooking until the edges are deeply golden and crispy (usually 12-15 minutes total). Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 4: Finish with Hot Honey

Here comes the magic! Transfer your crispy sprouts to a serving plate while they’re piping hot. Drizzle that gorgeous hot honey all over – I like to do it in a zigzag pattern for maximum coverage. The heat from the sprouts will make the honey glossy and irresistible. Serve immediately while they’re at their crispiest – though good luck not eating them straight from the basket!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey Drizzle

After making these sprouts more times than I can count (seriously, my air fryer deserves a medal), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:

• Dry those sprouts like your crispiness depends on it – because it does! Pat them thoroughly after washing, or better yet, wash them earlier and let them air dry
• Fresh-grated Parmesan is non-negotiable – the pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that prevent that perfect golden crust
• Start checking at 12 minutes – air fryers vary, and nobody likes burnt sprouts (learned that the hard way)
• Spice control – mix 1/4 tsp cayenne into regular honey if you can’t find hot honey, or adjust to your heat tolerance

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Don’t sweat it if you’re missing an ingredient – I’ve tested plenty of swaps that still give you that signature crunch and flavor. Here are my favorite ways to tweak this recipe:

• Vegan? No problem! Use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan instead of dairy Parmesan – you’ll still get that savory umami kick
• Out of hot honey? Mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes (start with 1/4 tsp per tablespoon of honey)
• Prefer maple? Swap the honey for maple syrup and add a dash of chili powder for heat
• No air fryer? Roast at 425°F on a parchment-lined sheet pan for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway

The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is – make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey Drizzle

These sprouts are so good they could steal the spotlight at any meal! My absolute favorite way is serving them alongside juicy grilled chicken – the honey drizzle ties both dishes together beautifully. They’re also perfect tossed with al dente pasta for a quick vegetarian main, or piled high on a platter as a crowd-pleasing appetizer (just add toothpicks!).

Want to make them extra fancy? Finish with a shower of lemon zest for brightness or another sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving. I’ve even seen my husband sneak them cold from the fridge at midnight – not that I’m judging!

Storage and Reheating

If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, skip the microwave – it’ll make them soggy. Instead, toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. That blast of hot air works miracles, bringing back that irresistible crunch almost like they’re fresh. Just hold off on adding more hot honey until after reheating – trust me on this one!

Nutrition Information

Okay, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are just estimates based on my kitchen experiments. Your exact counts might vary depending on your Parmesan brand, how much honey you drizzle (no judgment if you go heavy!), and whether you sneak a few extra sprouts while cooking (we’ve all been there). Here’s the breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 10g (that’s the good olive oil and Parmesan working their magic)
• Carbohydrates: 18g (mostly from those sweet Brussels sprouts and honey)
• Protein: 6g (who knew veggies could pack this much protein?)

Now, here’s my nutritionist friend’s favorite part – each serving gives you 4g of fiber from those beautiful sprouts! Not too shabby for something that tastes this indulgent. Just keep in mind that if you’re watching sodium, you might want to go easy on the extra Parmesan sprinkle at the end.

Frequently Asked Questions

I get so many questions about these addictive little sprouts – let me answer the ones that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my DMs!).

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Oh honey, no. I learned this the hard way – frozen sprouts release way too much water and turn into a soggy mess. Fresh is the only way to go if you want that perfect crispy texture. If you’re really in a pinch, thaw frozen sprouts completely and pat them obsessively dry, but I promise fresh makes all the difference.

How do I make my own hot honey?
Easy peasy! Just mix 2 tablespoons of regular honey with 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more if you’re feeling brave). Let it sit for 5 minutes so the heat infuses. My secret? A tiny pinch of smoked paprika adds incredible depth – it’s my little trick that makes people ask “What is that amazing flavor?”

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! Spread your coated sprouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get quite as crispy as the air fryer version, but they’ll still be delicious. Just keep an eye on them – oven temps can vary wildly!

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out my Pinterest page!

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