How long to cook brussels sprouts in an air fryer

At-a-glance cooking parameters

Temperature

380 °F

193 °C

Total time

12 min

per single layer

Shake at

6 min

shake once

Internal temp

—

use visual cue

Halved Brussels sprouts roast at 380 °F (193 °C) for 12 minutes with one shake at the midpoint. The cut sides caramelise hard while the loose outer leaves crisp into chips — both are the prize.

Brussels Sprouts in popular air fryer brands

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How to tell it’s done

Outer leaves are deeply browned and crisp; centres are tender when pierced. Loose leaves in the basket will be near-black and crisp — those are the treat.

Step-by-step method

1. 1

   Prep

   Bring ingredients close to room temperature. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt before adding.

2. 2

   Season

   Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, balsamic glaze (after cooking).

3. 3

   Load

   Arrange 1 lb halved sprouts (about 4 cups) in a single layer for best convection airflow.

4. 4

   Cook

   Set the air fryer to 380 °F (193 °C) and cook for 12 minutes total, shaking once at 6 minutes.

5. 5

   Check & rest

   Check the visual doneness cue and serve immediately for best texture.

6. 6

   Store

   Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat at 400 °F for 3 minutes.

Watch out for

• !Halve sprouts cut-side down for the first half of the cook — this builds a deep brown sear on the flat face.
• !Trim only the very base of each sprout. Cutting too much off makes the leaves fall apart.

FAQ about brussels sprouts in an air fryer

What temperature should I cook brussels sprouts at in an air fryer?

Cook brussels sprouts at 380 °F (193 °C). The convection air at this temperature cooks the centre evenly while still browning the surface.

How long does brussels sprouts take in an air fryer?

Brussels sprouts takes 12 minutes total at 380 °F (193 °C). Shake the basket once at 6 minutes so both sides cook evenly.

Do you need to shake brussels sprouts in an air fryer?

Yes — shake the basket once at 6 minutes. Loose pieces (brussels sprouts) settle into the basket and the bottom layer stays pale unless you redistribute them halfway through.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for brussels sprouts?

Preheating is optional for brussels sprouts — most modern air fryers reach temperature in under 2 minutes and the food's total cook time already accounts for the ramp-up. If you do preheat, reduce the total time by 1–2 minutes and check earlier than usual.