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    Home » VEGETABLES » Brussels Sprouts

    Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce

    Modified: Oct 7, 2024 by Susan Pridmore · This post may contain affiliate links · 34 Comments

    Crispy Brussels sprouts in a wooden bowl with a ramekin of Buffalo-Ranch dipping sauce with text overlay.

    Welcome to your next healthy addiction. Brussels sprouts are roasted in the air fryer to get them crispy and full of flavor with a touch of garlic and salt. The Buffalo - Ranch Dipping Sauce is PERFECT with them. And check out my tips for getting them crispy!

    All you need are 4 ingredients and 20 minutes, for both prepping and air frying.

    Jump to Recipe
    Wooden appetizer bowl filled with crispy Brussels sprouts.

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    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
    • 📆 Freaky Friday
    • 🥂 Take Two Tapas
    • 🧅 Ingredients + Notes
    • 🔪 Recommended Equipment
    • 📝 Instructions Overview with Tips
    • 🔥 Tips to Get the Brussels Sprouts Crispy
    • 🌱 Tips For Tender Brussels Sprouts
    • 💡 Possible Variations
    • 🥬 Make it Vegan
    • 🤷‍♀️ FAQ
    • 📇 More Brussels Sprout Dishes You Might Like
    • 👩‍🍳 What Did Everyone Else Make??
    • Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

    Fall gatherings are ramping up with game day and Octoberfest parties. Thoughts turn to appetizers. Easy appetizers, like crispy roasted chickpeas and roasted red pepper aioli made in a blender.

    And these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are an appetizer (or side dish) that everyone will seriously love. Either serve them with the Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce included in the Recipe Card at the end of this post, or make this amazing Curry Yogurt Sauce. Or make both!

    Vegetable air fryer recipes make such quick work of roasting veggies, and brings a perfect crispy texture that's hard to get by a simple oven roasting. A great example of that is this recipe for Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes, which would be great with this Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce too.

    ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

    • You only need 4 ingredients to make both the Brussels sprouts AND the dipping sauce. OK, 6 ingredients if you include the olive oil and salt.
    • These Brussels sprouts will air fry in 15 minutes.
    • This dish can be a side dish or an appetizer for either a game day or dinner party.
    • Brussels sprouts are super healthy.
    • It's a great way to get your kids to eat Brussels sprouts
    • Warm appetizers in fall and winter are instant hits!
    • They're simply delicious.

    📆 Freaky Friday

    What, you may wonder, is Freaky Friday??

    For starters, it's how I found this fabulous recipe that I guarantee you will love.

    It's a group of food bloggers who are secretly assigned one another’s blogs to make a recipe from. Then we all reveal who we had and what we made on the same Friday. And that's TODAY!

    Many thanks to Michaela from An Affair from the Heart who created and hosts this blog hop. At the bottom of this post, you'll see a list of all of the other recipes our group cooked up - that's what makes it a blog hop :-).

    This fabulous recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts comes from Jennifer at the Take Two Tapas blog.

    Whole Brussels sprouts on a wooden table.

    🥂 Take Two Tapas

    Jennifer has been in the kitchen since she was old enough to hold a spoon. She's a self-trained cook who hates to do the dishes. (I hear ya, girlfriend!) And her recipes have been published in Parade, Cosmopolitan magazine, and Buzz Feed.

    Take Two Tapas focuses primarily on small plates and cocktails. These small plates can be for dinner, party food, finger foods, dips and spreads, desserts or snacks. I've followed her blog for years now, and it's loaded with so many delicious recipes.

    Although her blog is not vegetarian, many of her dishes are vegetarian-friendly or can easily be made vegetarian! I've got her Air Fryer Sweet Potato Latkes on my list to make next, along with these Halloween Popcorn Balls and this Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate.

    🧅 Ingredients + Notes

    • Brussels sprouts
    • Garlic - either garlic cloves or garlic paste in a tube.
    • Extra virgin olive oil
    • Celery salt or Kosher salt
    • Ranch Dressing - for vegans, use Hidden Valley Plant-Powered Ranch Dressing (it's delicious!)
    • Buffalo Hot Sauce - A medium-hot buffalo sauce is hot enough for me, but I know many love Franks Hot Buffalo Wings Sauce.

    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products and foods I use in my kitchen. This means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. To view my entire storefront of recommended kitchen tools and equipment, check out my shop on Amazon.

    🔪 Recommended Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • Chef's knife
    • Cutting board
    • Mixing bowl
    • Whisk
    • Tongs

    Process shots of washing and quartering Brussels sprouts, in the air fryer basket, and the dipping sauce.

    📝 Instructions Overview with Tips

    Detailed instructions for this Brussels sprouts recipe are in the recipe card below, but here's an overview!

    Step 1

    Prep the Brussels sprouts and garlic. Using a sharp chef's knife, slice the sprouts in half.

    If you're not using purchased garlic paste, peel the garlic cloves, and finely mince.

    Step 2

    Toss everything together. Toss the sprouts with the garlic, olive oil and salt in a medium-large bowl.

    Step 3

    Air Fry. Pile the sprouts into the air fryer basket and air fry for 15 minutes. Don't crowd them too much. Be sure to toss them in the basket every 5 minutes. This allows hot air to circulate around them evenly so that they crisp.

    Step 4

    Make the dipping sauce. Stir together equal parts of Ranch Dressing and Buffalo Hot Sauce.

    Step 5

    Serve. These are best served warm, as they lose their crispiness once they're cooled.

    🔥 Tips to Get the Brussels Sprouts Crispy

    • Use an air fryer. An air fryer circulates hot air all around any food in the air fryer basket, which promotes a crispy skin.
    • Don't pile the Brussels sprouts on top of each other. You need the hot air circulating all around them.
    • Toss the sprouts every 5 minutes. This is crucial to getting crispy outer leaves. I recommend starting with them all facing down. After 5 minutes, turn them all over. After another 5 minutes, turn them all one last time. Use rubber coated tongs to turn them.
    • Serve immediately, or before they reach room temperature. They're still delicious at room temp, IMO, but they won't be very crispy.
    • I made these halved and quartered. I preferred them halved. The quartered sprouts didn't crisp up as well.
    Crispy Brussels sprouts in a wooden bowl with a ramekin of Buffalo-Ranch dipping sauce.
    I also made a batch in the air fryer that I quartered instead of halved. Check out that Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce!

    🌱 Tips For Tender Brussels Sprouts

    Even though I like the outer leaves to be crispy, I want the sprouts to cook enough to be al-dente.

    If you want them softer than al-dente, pre-soak them in water for 10 - 15 minutes or microwave them for 3 - 5 minutes. Dry the outer surfaces completely with a towel before tossing with the garlic, oil and salt.

    💡 Possible Variations

    • Balsamic vinegar: Add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar when you toss them in the bowl with olive oil, garlic and salt. Or add the balsamic vinegar after they're all crispy. Balsamic vinegar is a great partner with Brussels sprouts, like in these Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts and Onions with a Fried Egg.
    • Maple Syrup: When you turn the Brussels sprouts for the final time, baste them very lightly with maple syrup.
    • Parmesan Cheese: Finish these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with a flurry of grated Parmesan cheese.
    • Celery salt: Use celery salt instead of kosher salt.

    🥬 Make it Vegan

    Use Hidden Valley Plant Powered Ranch Dressing.

    🤷‍♀️ FAQ

    Sometimes I see Brussels sprouts on a long stalk in my market. Is that a good way to buy them?

    Buying them on the stalk ensures their freshness, so this is the best way to buy them. They will also likely have more nutrients because of this freshness.

    Can I make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts ahead?

    They're best freshly out of the air fryer. But if you make them ahead, re-crisp them in the air fryer for 5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.

    How should I store them?

    Store them in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 4 - 5 days.

    Can I freeze these crispy Brussels sprouts?

    I don't recommend freezing them. The texture can be mushy when they thaw, and difficult to crisp.

    A ramekin of Buffalo Ranch dipping sauce with a few Brussels sprouts.

    📇 More Brussels Sprout Dishes You Might Like

    Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad with Caramelized Onions

    Brussels Sprouts Crispy Chips with Nutritional Yeast

    Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Quinoa

    Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Eggs


    👩‍🍳 What Did Everyone Else Make??

    Now it’s time to see what all of the other participating bloggers made! Seriously, go check them out!

    See all of our 2022 Freaky Friday Fall Edition Recipes

    Hosted by - An Affair from the Heart

    1. An Affair from the Heart - Pepperoni Pizza Bread
    2. Aunt Bee's Recipes -  Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
    3. The Culinary Compass - Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk
    4. Devour Dinner - Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice
    5. Family Around the Table - White Chocolate Pumpkin Martini
    6. Feast + West - Bourbon Caramel Sauce
    7. Fresh April Flours - Butterfinger Poke Cake
    8. Home Cooked Harvest - Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
    9. Hostess at Heart - The BEST Pumpkin Pie Recipe
    10. Kathryn's Kitchen Blog - Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
    11. Life Currents - French Onion Bruschetta 
    12. Off the Eaten Path -  Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
    13. The Speckled Palate - German Pancake
    14. Sue Bee Homemaker - Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
    15. Take Two Tapas - Crockpot Pizza Dip
    16. The Wimpy Vegetarian - Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

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    Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad in a serving bowl.
    4.99 from 57 votes

    Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

    This Street Corn Pasta Salad is a unique side dish that combines sweet corn with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime, spices, and cotija cheese and it's all tossed with pasta for a delicious main salad.
    Print Recipe Save Saved! Pin Recipe Add to Recipe Collection Go to Collections Add to Shopping ListGo to Shopping List
    Prep Time20 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time30 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Keyword: Mexican street corn pasta salad
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 382.3kcal
    Author: Susan Pridmore
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    Brussels Sprouts

    • 1 pound rotini pasta
    • 2 cups fresh corn kernels or frozen
    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • ⅓ cup sour cream
    • 1 ½ tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice about 1 lime
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
    • pinch black pepper
    • ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
    • ¼ cup chopped cilantro

    Instructions

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
      Add the pasta and cook to al dente. It's best to cook it 1-2 minutes less than recommended on the package to avoid overcooking.
      Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool completely.
    • Shuck the corn and slice off the kernels using a chef's knife. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the corn kernels. Pan-roast the kernels until they start to get dark brown spots.
      Allow to cool to room temperature.
    • Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and garlic salt in a large mixing bowl. Add black pepper to taste.
      Add the cooled corn, cooled pasta, Cotija cheese, and cilantro, and toss to completely coat the pasta and corn.
    • Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until chilled. This will also meld the flavors together before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 382.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 50.4g | Protein: 10.3g | Fat: 15.7g | Saturated Fat: 4.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.5g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 19.9mg | Sodium: 357.3mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 2.7g | Sugar: 4.3g | Vitamin A: 311.4IU | Vitamin C: 3.6mg | Calcium: 71.4mg | Iron: 1.1mg

    « Foolproof Cooked Chickpeas 4 Ways With Tips!
    Best Roasted Whole Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce »

    About Susan Pridmore

    Susan Pridmore is an award-winning cookbook author and the owner of The Wimpy Vegetarian. She has been featured in Huffington Post, Healthline, BuzzFeed, and has written for and developed recipes for The Food Network and Parade Magazine. She is professionally trained and focuses on easy vegetarian recipes for busy lives, bread-baking, and tips for new vegetarians. Susan lives in the mountains in Lake Tahoe with her husband and mini-labradoodle.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jennifer

      September 30, 2022 at 6:06 am

      5 stars
      I am so glad you liked this dish! Other than oven roasting, I love to air fry my sprouts! Those crispy edges are the best!!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        October 04, 2022 at 2:42 pm

        5 stars
        I made them again last night! I'm so glad I found them on your site. Thank you!!!

        Reply
    2. Michaela

      September 30, 2022 at 7:14 am

      5 stars
      one of the restaurants by us has an appetizer like this and it's my FAV! I am so excited to try these at home! So GOOD!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        October 04, 2022 at 2:43 pm

        5 stars
        They're one of my faves too! I hope you give them a go!

        Reply
    3. Tristin

      September 30, 2022 at 8:57 pm

      5 stars
      Serving Brussels sprouts with buffalo sauce is a sure fire way to get me to eat them. These look incredible!!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        October 04, 2022 at 2:43 pm

        5 stars
        The Buffalo sauce is fantastic - and so easy with only 2 ingredients.

        Reply
    4. Erin

      October 01, 2022 at 4:37 am

      5 stars
      I'm a sucker for brussels sprouts at home, and these were SO crispy and perfect to pair with our dinner!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        October 04, 2022 at 2:44 pm

        5 stars
        I love Brusslies cooked any way, but really love them crispy. Thanks so much!

        Reply
    5. Debi

      October 01, 2022 at 6:35 am

      5 stars
      I love veggies as snacks, and the air fryer makes the best roasted veggies. These look so crispy and browned. Heck, with that dipping sauce, I might even serve these for game day nibbles!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        October 04, 2022 at 2:45 pm

        5 stars
        They would be perfect for game day!

        Reply
    6. Kathryn

      October 01, 2022 at 10:27 am

      5 stars
      I could eat these with any meal! I love how easy these sprouts are to make in the air fryer!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        October 04, 2022 at 2:45 pm

        5 stars
        The air fryers makes it super easy!

        Reply
    7. Rebecca

      October 03, 2022 at 10:00 am

      5 stars
      Love my Air Fryer, what a great way to serve Brussel Sprouts.

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        October 04, 2022 at 2:45 pm

        5 stars
        Me too! I use it all the time!

        Reply
    8. Julie

      October 03, 2022 at 5:17 pm

      5 stars
      I'm a brussels lover! I actually just had some tonight and can't wait to try this recipe in my air fryer! Especially with that dipping sauce!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        October 04, 2022 at 2:46 pm

        5 stars
        I think you'll like it! I'd love to hear what you think if you make them!

        Reply
    9. Lynn

      October 04, 2022 at 3:36 am

      5 stars
      You had me at Brussels and then again at buffalo!! HECK YES!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        October 06, 2022 at 11:24 am

        5 stars
        The combo is amazing!

        Reply
    10. Ellen

      October 04, 2022 at 7:17 am

      5 stars
      This is great for a game day party and that dipping sauce...yum!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        October 04, 2022 at 2:47 pm

        5 stars
        Totally perfect for game day!

        Reply
    11. Sue Ringsdorf

      October 04, 2022 at 7:57 am

      5 stars
      Just bought an air fryer and this was the first recipe I tried! Highly recommend it! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        October 04, 2022 at 2:47 pm

        5 stars
        Yay! That makes me so happy to hear! Thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    12. Anastasia Papapetros

      October 04, 2022 at 2:35 pm

      5 stars
      These look delicious 😋

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        October 06, 2022 at 11:25 am

        5 stars
        Thanks so much! They are very popular at our home!!

        Reply
    13. Chrissie

      October 06, 2022 at 6:10 am

      5 stars
      We love Brussels sprouts but have never tried making them in the air fryer until now! What an easy and delish recipe!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        October 06, 2022 at 11:25 am

        5 stars
        It's amazing how easy they are (and crispy!).

        Reply
    14. Sam

      October 06, 2022 at 10:32 am

      5 stars
      Crispy brussels have my heart! AND that buffalo ranch sauce? Amazing.

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        October 06, 2022 at 11:26 am

        5 stars
        It's a great appetizer or snack during the day. I made them for lunch one day, and it's all I had!

        Reply
    15. Susannah

      October 07, 2022 at 12:38 pm

      5 stars
      Oh, I love these crispy brussels sprouts! What a winning recipe to make all year — but will be so good at the holidays too!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        October 07, 2022 at 9:07 pm

        5 stars
        They'll definitely be on the Thanksgiving appetizer table!

        Reply
    16. Brandi

      October 07, 2022 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      My FAVORITE way to easy Brussels sprouts!!!!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        October 07, 2022 at 9:08 pm

        5 stars
        I totally agree!! Thanks!

        Reply
    17. Sara

      October 07, 2024 at 7:07 am

      The page is about the Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts but the recipe is Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

      Reply
      • Susan Pridmore

        October 07, 2024 at 10:27 am

        I am so sorry! It's fixed now. Every once in a while an original recipe in a post is exchanged for another. Very sorry!!

        Reply
    4.99 from 57 votes (25 ratings without comment)

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    Susan at The Wimpy Vegetarian

    about the author:

    Susan Pridmore

    Hi there! I'm an award-winning cookbook author, culinary school graduate, professional photographer and recipe developer. My cookbook Simply Vegetarian was named #1 best cookbook for new vegetarians, and I want to make it easier for you to cook fabulous vegetarian meals. Come join me in the kitchen!

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