15-Minute Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Edges

Oh, you’re going to love these air fryer maple Dijon Brussels sprouts – trust me, they’re the kind of side dish that steals the show! I’ve been obsessed with getting that perfect crispy edge on my sprouts, and after way too many trials (and a few burnt casualties), this sweet-tangy combo is my absolute winner. The air fryer works magic here, turning those little green gems into caramelized bites of heaven in just 15 minutes. My kids even gobble these up, and that’s saying something! The maple Dijon glaze? It’s that perfect balance of sticky-sweet and punchy that makes you keep sneaking bites straight from the basket.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts

Okay, let me count the ways these Brussels sprouts will become your new obsession:

• That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives you those crispy, caramelized edges we all crave – no soggy sprouts here!
• Sweet meets tangy: Maple syrup and Dijon create this addictive glaze that’ll have you licking your fingers.
• Faster than takeout: From fridge to table in 20 minutes flat – even on busy weeknights.
• Minimal mess: Just one bowl and the air fryer basket means you’re done before the sink fills up.
• Sneaky healthy: All that flavor with way less oil than traditional roasting. (But don’t tell the kids.)

Ingredients for Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts

Here’s what you’ll need to make these addictive little sprouts – trust me, every ingredient plays a key role:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (look for similar-sized ones so they cook evenly)
• 2 tbsp olive oil – the good stuff that makes them crisp up golden
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (the grainy kind adds awesome texture if you’ve got it)
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup – none of that pancake syrup stuff, okay?
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder – our sneaky flavor booster
• 1/2 tsp salt – makes all the flavors pop
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked if you’re feeling fancy

See? Simple stuff you probably already have – that’s what I love about this recipe!

How to Make Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts

Alright, let’s get cooking! I promise this is so easy you’ll memorize the steps after one try. Just follow along and you’ll have crispy, glazed Brussels sprouts in no time.

Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

First things first – grab that big bowl and toss your halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands (my favorite part!) and really coat every nook and cranny. Now here’s the key: arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. I know it’s tempting to pile them high, but resist! Crowding means steam instead of crispiness, and we want those edges golden and crunchy.

Step 2: Air Fry for Crispy Edges

Pop that basket into your preheated 375°F air fryer and set the timer for 10 minutes. At the 5-minute mark, give the basket a good shake – I like to use tongs to flip any stubborn sprouts that didn’t move. You’ll start smelling that amazing roasted veggie aroma around now. When the timer dings, check for doneness – they should be starting to get those beautiful brown spots.

Step 3: Add the Maple Dijon Glaze

While the sprouts are cooking, whisk together your Dijon and maple syrup in a small bowl. When the initial cook time’s up, pull out the basket and brush that glorious glaze all over your sprouts. Be generous! Then pop them back in for just 3-5 more minutes – this is when the magic happens. The glaze caramelizes into this sticky, sweet-tangy coating that’ll make you weak in the knees. Pro tip: stand by the air fryer for the last minute – that glaze can go from perfect to burnt real quick!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

After burning more sprouts than I’d like to admit, I’ve learned a few tricks to guarantee crispy success every time:

• Give them space! Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness – if needed, cook in batches. Your patience will be rewarded with those perfect caramelized edges.
• Know your air fryer: Smaller models might need 1-2 minutes less, while larger ones could require more time. Peek often during the last few minutes.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes with the glaze adds a nice kick, or try smoked paprika for depth.
• Fresh is best: While frozen sprouts work in a pinch, fresh ones give you that ideal tender-inside, crispy-outside texture.
• Watch the glaze: It burns fast! I set my timer for 3 minutes, then check every 30 seconds until done.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts

These little flavor bombs go with practically everything! I love them alongside roasted chicken – the maple glaze plays so nicely with crispy skin. They’re also fantastic with holiday ham or pork chops. For meatless nights, toss them with quinoa and goat cheese for a salad that’ll make you forget you’re eating healthy. Pro tip: double the batch because they disappear fast at potlucks!

Storage and Reheating

Okay, confession time – I rarely have leftovers because we gobble these up! But if you manage to save some, here’s how to keep that crispy magic alive: store cooled sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave (soggy alert!) and pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. They’ll come out nearly as crisp as fresh!

Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts FAQs

I get asked these questions all the time – here are the answers straight from my kitchen experiments:

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, but fresh is better! Frozen sprouts will work in a pinch – just thaw and pat them super dry first. You might need an extra 2-3 minutes of cooking time since they release more moisture.

How can I make these spicier?
Ooh, I love this one! Add 1/4 tsp cayenne or red pepper flakes to the glaze. For serious heat lovers, a dash of sriracha in the maple-Dijon mix is divine.

Why are my sprouts not getting crispy?
Three likely culprits: overcrowded basket (give them space!), not shaking halfway (those edges need to rotate), or using too much oil (just 2 tbsp is perfect).

Can I make this without an air fryer?
Absolutely! Roast at 425°F on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get quite as crispy, but still delicious.

Is pancake syrup okay instead of maple?
Please don’t! Real maple syrup has deeper flavor and better consistency. That fake stuff makes the glaze too sweet and runny.

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates – your exact counts might vary based on ingredient brands and sizes. But here’s the scoop per serving (about 1/4 of the recipe):

• 120 calories – not bad for such a flavorful side!
• 7g fat (mostly the good kind from olive oil)
• 12g carbs (4g from fiber – those sprouts are working for you)
• 3g protein – who knew veggies could pack a punch?
• 300mg sodium – easy to reduce if you’re watching salt

Honestly? I don’t count when I’m eating these – they’re too good to worry about numbers!

Ready to Make These Crispy Brussels Sprouts?

Now that you’ve got all my secrets, I can’t wait for you to try these maple Dijon Brussels sprouts! If you do, drop me a note – I’d love to hear how they turned out in your kitchen. Happy air frying!

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