Crispy Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts – ready in about 15 minutes in the air fryer for a flavorful, healthy side or snack.

If you own an air fryer, this is one of the quickest, tastiest ways to prepare Brussels sprouts. The circulating hot air produces perfectly crisp outer leaves while keeping the inside tender. A simple combination of olive oil, lemon, garlic and freshly grated Parmesan transforms ordinary sprouts into a restaurant-quality side in minutes. If you don’t have an air fryer, the oven method below gives excellent results too—though it takes a bit longer.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brussels sprouts – 1 lb. Rinse well, trim the stem ends and halve each sprout so they crisp evenly.
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons. Use good-quality cold-pressed olive oil for flavor and better browning.
- Lemon juice – 2 teaspoons. Adds brightness; optional lemon zest enhances the flavor further.
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is best, but 1 teaspoon garlic powder can substitute if needed.
- Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup grated, divided. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture.
- Salt and black pepper – to taste. Start with 1/2 teaspoon salt and adjust after cooking if needed.
How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Prepare the sprouts. Trim the ends and remove any loose outer leaves. Slice each sprout in half lengthwise so the cut side gets nicely caramelized and crisp.
- Toss with seasoning. In a medium bowl, combine the halved sprouts with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, the minced garlic, 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating helps achieve even crisping.
- Air fry in a single layer. Place the sprouts cut-side down in the fryer basket in a single layer so they crisp up rather than steam. Cook for 8 minutes, then shake the basket, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan over the sprouts and continue cooking 7–8 minutes more, or until the outer leaves are golden and the centers are tender.
- Finish and serve. Remove from the air fryer and taste; add more salt, pepper, lemon zest or extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture.
If you need to double the batch, cook in separate batches so the basket isn’t overcrowded. Crowding reduces crispness.

How to Bake in the Oven
If you don’t have an air fryer, roast the sprouts in the oven for similar results:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium bowl, toss the sprouts with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
- Arrange the sprouts cut-side down on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes, flip them, then roast 10 more minutes until the leaves are deeply golden and crisp.
- Transfer to a serving dish and season with additional Parmesan and salt to taste.
Perfect for Picky Eaters!
If you or someone at your table claims to dislike Brussels sprouts, try this preparation first—many people change their minds after tasting crispy, cheesy sprouts. This version keeps things low-carb and keto-friendly, but you can add a crunchy topping like breadcrumbs before cooking if you want a different texture.
Tip: Reheating in the air fryer crisps leftovers right back up. Set the fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 8–10 minutes until hot and crunchy again.
Prepping and Storage
Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or on a baking sheet in a hot oven to restore crispness. Avoid reheating in the microwave if you want to maintain the texture.
More Brussels Sprout Recipes
- Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Maple Glazed Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts
- Pomegranate Glazed Brussels Sprouts
- Fall Brussels Sprout Salad
- Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Brown Rice
Enjoy these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts! If you try the recipe, please leave a review or share a photo so others can see your version.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Crispy, garlicky Brussels sprouts finished with lemon and Parmesan. Ready in about 25 minutes total.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and halved lengthwise
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and 1/4 cup Parmesan until evenly coated.
- Arrange the sprouts cut-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes.
- Shake the basket, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan over the sprouts, then continue air frying for another 7–8 minutes until crisp and tender.
- Remove from the air fryer, season with additional salt, pepper or lemon zest if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition (approximate per 1 cup)
Serving: 1 cup | Calories: 155 kcal | Carbohydrates: 11.5 g | Protein: 7.8 g | Fat: 10 g | Saturated Fat: 2.8 g | Sodium: 472 mg | Fiber: 4.4 g | Sugar: 2.7 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.