Air Fryer Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts: 20-Minute Crispy Bliss

Name: Air Fryer Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts: 20-Minute Crispy Bliss
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp hot sauce; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Author: Canned Many

Published: February 3, 2026

Air Fryer Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Edges

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Let me tell you about the first time I fell head-over-heels for air fryer hot honey Brussels sprouts. It was one of those “why didn’t I try this sooner?” moments that changed my veggie game forever. I’d always roasted my sprouts in the oven, but then my neighbor (bless her!) brought over a batch she’d made in her air fryer – crispy on the outside, tender inside, with this sticky-spicy glaze that made me go back for thirds.

What makes these air fryer hot honey Brussels sprouts so special? That magical combo of caramelized crispy edges (we’re talking serious crunch!) and the sweet-heat of the glaze that clings to every nook and cranny. The air fryer works its magic in half the time of oven roasting, and you won’t believe how restaurant-quality they turn out. My kids – who used to turn up their noses at Brussels sprouts – now beg me to make these weekly. That’s when you know you’ve got a winner!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts

Listen, I know Brussels sprouts can be divisive, but this recipe? It’s a total game-changer. Here’s why you’re going to be obsessed:

That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives you those crispy, caramelized edges we all crave without the soggy middle
Ready in 20 minutes flat: From fridge to table faster than you can say “takeout”
Sweet heat magic: The hot honey glaze is addictive – just enough kick to keep things interesting
No babysitting required: Unlike oven roasting, you don’t have to constantly check and stir
Veggie win: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds (trust me on this one!)

Once you try this method, you’ll never go back to boring boiled sprouts again. Pinky promise.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts

Let’s gather our simple but mighty ingredients – this is where the magic starts! You’ll need:

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (make those stems flat!)
2 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff for maximum crispiness)
1/2 tsp salt (I use kosher for better distribution)
1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you’ve got it)
2 tbsp honey (local is my favorite for flavor)
1 tbsp hot sauce (I’ll tell you my favorites below)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional but oh-so-good)

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

Here’s where you can make this recipe truly yours! No honey? Maple syrup works beautifully – just reduce by 1 tsp since it’s thinner. For hot sauce, I’m partial to Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha, but use what makes your tastebuds happy.

Vegetarian friends: check your hot sauce labels! Some contain sneaky fish sauce. The red pepper flakes? Totally optional but add them if you like that extra tingle on your tongue. And if you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil makes a great sub with its high smoke point.

How to Make Air Fryer Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts

Okay, let’s get cooking! Here’s exactly how I make these addictive sprouts – follow these steps and you’ll be golden:

Preheat that air fryer! Set it to 375°F (190°C) – this gives us that perfect crispy start (don’t skip this step, I learned the hard way!).
Toss your sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Get ’em nice and coated – every nook should glisten!
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This is CRUCIAL for even crispiness – set a timer so you don’t forget!
While they cook, mix honey and hot sauce in a small bowl. Taste and adjust – want more heat? Add another dash!
The magic moment: As soon as those sprouts come out piping hot, toss them with the honey mixture. The heat helps the glaze cling beautifully.
Serve immediately! These are best piping hot when the glaze is sticky and the edges are at their crispiest.

Pro tip: I always make extra glaze because someone (usually me) ends up drizzling more on their plate!

Tips for Crispy Edges

Want those perfect crispy edges every time? Here’s my secret: trim those sprouts stems FLAT – it helps them cook evenly. And whatever you do, don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket! Give them space to crisp up properly. I cook mine in batches if needed – it’s worth the wait for that perfect crunch.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts

Oh, the possibilities! These sprouts play so well with others. My go-to? Serve them alongside crispy air fryer chicken thighs – the sweet heat plays perfectly with juicy poultry. Vegetarian night? Toss them with some pan-seared tofu and call it dinner. For parties, I always put out a bowl of cool Greek yogurt dip (just stir in lemon zest and garlic) to balance the spice. They disappear every time!

Storage & Reheating

Let’s be real – these air fryer hot honey Brussels sprouts are best fresh, but if you must store them (we’ve all been there!), here’s how: Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back that glorious crispiness. The glaze will get stickier, but oh-so-delicious!

Nutrition Information

Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating with these addictive sprouts (per serving): About 120 calories, 7g good fats from that olive oil, and a solid 4g fiber to keep you full. The 8g sugar comes mostly from the honey – but hey, it’s veggies with benefits! Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers might vary based on ingredient brands and how much glaze you lick off the spoon (no judgment here!).

FAQs About Air Fryer Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? Oh honey, no! Frozen sprouts just won’t get that same magical crispiness we’re after. They release too much water while cooking. Fresh is definitely best for this recipe – trust me, I’ve tried both ways!

How can I reduce the spice level? Easy fix! Start with half the hot sauce, taste, then add more if you want. The honey naturally balances the heat, but you can always add an extra drizzle to tame it. My kids prefer it with just a teaspoon of mild hot sauce.

Can I bake these instead of using the air fryer? You sure can – just spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get quite as crispy, but still delicious! The glaze makes everything better.

Share Your Results

I’d love to see your air fryer masterpieces! Snap a pic of those crispy sprouts and tag me @CrispySproutQueen – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen wins. Leave a star rating if this recipe rocked your world like it does mine!