Are you on a mission to transform those humble Brussels sprouts into crispy, caramelized bites of deliciousness? If so, an air fryer is your secret weapon! Gone are the days of soggy, bland sprouts. With the right air fryer, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home, making even the most vegetable-averse folks ask for seconds.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best air fryer for Brussels sprouts? You want one that delivers consistent crispiness, cooks evenly, and makes your life easier. We’ve done the legwork to bring you a curated list of top contenders, each with unique features that could make it the perfect fit for your kitchen. Let’s dive in and find your next favorite kitchen appliance!
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
If you’re looking for a kitchen powerhouse that goes far beyond just air frying, the Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer is a serious contender. This versatile multi-cooker combines the best of an air fryer, toaster oven, and more, making it an excellent choice for whipping up large batches of crispy Brussels sprouts alongside a full meal. Its elegant French doors and stainless steel exterior will instantly elevate your kitchen’s aesthetic, while its robust functionality ensures you’re always ready to entertain or feed a hungry family.
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Key Features:
- A versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo, elevating practically any meal.
- Perfectly done toast with an automatic shut-off and indicator light.
- 25 cooking pre-sets for a variety of methods including roast, bake, and slow cook.
- Dual-speed fan for 360º superheated air circulation and golden fried crisping.
- Extra-large 26-quart capacity, suitable for 4–6 people, can rotisserie a 6-lb chicken or bake a 12” pizza.
- Stainless steel exterior and elegant French doors with interior light for monitoring.
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Pros:
- Massive capacity is perfect for large families or meal prepping a week’s worth of Brussels sprouts.
- Highly versatile with numerous cooking functions beyond just air frying.
- French door design adds a premium look and makes access easy.
- Precise toasting feature prevents burnt toast, a handy bonus.
- Interior light allows you to keep an eye on your food’s progress.
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Cons:
- Its large size requires significant counter space.
- Might be overkill for someone solely interested in a basic air fryer.
- Higher price point compared to dedicated air fryers.
User Impressions: Customers rave about its multi-functionality and large capacity, noting that it truly can replace several appliances. Many appreciate the convenience of the French doors and the quality of the cooking, especially for larger items and perfectly roasted vegetables. It’s a “set it and forget it” kind of machine for many users.
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro is a fantastic option if you prioritize perfectly crispy results and a compact design. Ninja is known for its “Air Crisp Technology,” which uses superheated air to surround your food, ensuring those Brussels sprouts get wonderfully crunchy with minimal oil. This 4-in-1 workhorse offers air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate functions, all packed into a space-saving design that won’t dominate your countertop. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite fried foods, including those irresistible golden-brown sprouts.
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Key Features:
- Air Crisp Technology delivers hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- Large 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Guilt-free fried foods with up to 75% less fat than traditional methods.
- Cooks frozen foods to crispy perfection in minutes.
- Space-saving design optimized for smaller countertops.
- Nonstick basket and crisper plate are easy to clean.
- Includes a chef-inspired 20 recipe book and cooking charts.
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Pros:
- Exceptional at achieving crispy textures, a must-have for Brussels sprouts.
- Good capacity for family-sized portions without being overly bulky.
- User-friendly and very effective at its core functions.
- Easy to clean, which is always a plus after cooking.
- Ninja’s reputation for reliable performance.
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Cons:
- Fewer cooking functions compared to oven-style air fryers.
- Some users might prefer a window to monitor cooking without opening.
User Impressions: This air fryer consistently receives high marks for its ability to produce incredibly crispy food. Users frequently mention how quickly it cooks and how easy it is to clean. It’s often praised as a reliable everyday kitchen essential, perfect for everything from chicken wings to, you guessed it, perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts.
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast TurboBlaze Technology
Ready for a “texture upgrade” in your cooking? The COSORI Air Fryer with TurboBlaze Technology is a game-changer, especially for side dishes like Brussels sprouts. Its powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and high temperatures ensure beyond-crispy, juicy perfection every time. This 9-in-1 appliance offers professional-grade versatility in a quiet, space-saving design. If speed, quiet operation, and exceptional texture are high on your list, this COSORI model could be the best air fryer for Brussels sprouts and so much more.
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Key Features:
- Innovative TurboBlaze Technology with 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉ for beyond-crispy results.
- Advanced airflow and precise temperature control for evenly cooked side dishes with perfect texture.
- Unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°–450°F temperature control for professional-grade versatility.
- TurboBlaze Technology speeds up cooking for quick family meals.
- Large 6-quart square basket offers a wider, deeper design for family meals while saving counter space.
- Operates at less than 53 dB, delivering whisper-quiet performance.
- Achieves the same crispy textures as deep frying with up to 95% less oil.
- Nonstick cooking basket and detachable accessories are dishwasher-safe.
- Customizable Preheat function for optimal results or a hassle-free experience.
- Includes user manual, chef-created 30-recipe cookbook, and cooking charts.
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Pros:
- Incredibly fast cooking thanks to TurboBlaze technology.
- Delivers superior texture and crispiness, ideal for delicate vegetables.
- Remarkably quiet operation compared to many other air fryers.
- Generous 6-quart square basket is efficient for family meals.
- Very easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
- High temperature range offers more cooking versatility.
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Cons:
- The advanced features might be more than some casual users need.
- Premium performance often comes with a slightly higher price.
User Impressions: Users are consistently impressed by the speed and quietness of this COSORI model. Many highlight the perfectly even cooking and the significantly improved texture of their food. The larger square basket is a huge hit for families, and the ease of cleaning is frequently praised. It’s seen as a major upgrade for anyone serious about their air frying.
Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven, 6-Qt Basket Stainless Steel Air Fryer
Cuisinart brings its culinary expertise to the air frying game with this versatile 6-quart basket-style air fryer oven. What makes it stand out, especially for vegetable lovers, are its dedicated presets – including one specifically for “Vegetables.” Plus, its unique “toss reminder” feature is a genuine game-changer for achieving uniformly golden and crispy results. No more guessing when to shake your basket! This model emphasizes precise control and healthy cooking, making it an excellent candidate for the best air fryer for Brussels sprouts.
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Key Features:
- Versatile kitchen appliance with 5 air fry presets: French Fries, Wings, Frozen Snacks, Vegetables, & Leftovers.
- Healthier home cooking by using even hot-air-powered cooking for less oil.
- Precise controls with a digital display and large viewing window.
- Toss reminder feature helps you flip food for perfect crisping every time.
- Adjustable temperature settings up to 450°F and automatic warming mode post-cook.
- Limited 3-year Warranty for peace of mind.
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Pros:
- Dedicated “Vegetables” preset takes the guesswork out of cooking sprouts.
- Toss reminder is incredibly helpful for even browning and crispiness.
- Large viewing window lets you monitor food without opening the basket.
- Automatic warming mode keeps food hot until serving.
- Reputable brand known for quality kitchen appliances.
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Cons:
- The basket design might not be as versatile as an oven-style air fryer for certain larger items.
- Some users prefer physical dials over a digital interface.
User Impressions: Users love the convenience of the presets, especially the one for vegetables, which makes cooking quick and easy. The toss reminder is a frequently cited favorite feature, ensuring no more unevenly cooked batches. Many appreciate the large window for monitoring food, and the overall reliability of the Cuisinart brand. It’s considered a solid, dependable choice for everyday air frying.
CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving
If you’re living solo, cooking for two, or simply have limited kitchen space, the CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is an absolute gem. This compact powerhouse proves that good things come in small packages. It delivers fast, healthy cooking with little to no oil, making it perfect for whipping up a quick batch of perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts for yourself or a dinner date. Its digital display, customizable settings, and handy “shake notifications” ensure your smaller portions come out just right, without cluttering your countertop.
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Key Features:
- Fast and easy cooking with a capacitive touch screen display, customizable time and temperature (up to 400°F).
- Cooks food up to three times quicker than an oven.
- Healthy cooking using little-to-no oil for delicious, guilt-free meals.
- Supreme space-saver with a square basket maximizing its 2-quart capacity in a sleek, narrow design.
- Shake notifications provide an audible alarm halfway through cooking for the crispiest results.
- Perfectly sized for healthy meals for 1-2 people; ideal for compact storage.
- Nonstick 2-quart basket and rack are both dishwasher safe for simple clean-up.
- Automatic shutoff technology for added safety.
- cETL approved with a 1-year assurance.
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Pros:
- Incredibly compact, perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or RVs.
- Ideal capacity for single servings or meals for two, great for small batches of sprouts.
- “Shake notifications” ensure evenly cooked and crispy results.
- Very quick cooking time, saving you precious minutes.
- Extremely easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
- Budget-friendly option for those new to air frying.
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Cons:
- Limited capacity means it’s not suitable for large family meals or entertaining.
- Fewer advanced features compared to larger, more expensive models.
User Impressions: Users consistently praise its small footprint and suitability for single or double servings. The “shake reminder” is a huge hit, ensuring food is perfectly crispy every time. It’s often described as surprisingly powerful for its size and a fantastic entry-level air fryer or a secondary fryer for quick snacks. For small-batch crispy Brussels sprouts, it’s a winner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I make the absolute best Brussels sprouts in an air fryer?
A1: The key is preparation! Toss your trimmed Brussels sprouts with a tablespoon or two of olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika). Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary for optimal crispiness. A single layer is ideal.
Q2: What temperature and time should I use for air frying Brussels sprouts?
A2: For most air fryers, 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C) is ideal. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. Smaller sprouts might cook faster, larger ones slightly longer.
Q3: Do I need to preheat my air fryer for Brussels sprouts?
A3: While not always strictly necessary, preheating for 3-5 minutes at your desired cooking temperature can help achieve a more consistent and quicker crisp. Some air fryers, like the COSORI, even have a customizable preheat function.
Q4: Can I put frozen Brussels sprouts in an air fryer?
A4: Yes, absolutely! Toss frozen sprouts directly into the air fryer basket (no need to thaw). You’ll likely need to increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes compared to fresh sprouts and shake them more frequently. They might not get quite as crispy as fresh, but still turn out delicious.
Q5: What kind of oil should I use for air frying Brussels sprouts?
A5: Olive oil is a popular choice for its flavor and healthy fats. Avocado oil is another excellent option due to its high smoke point. A light coating is all you need – just enough to help the seasonings stick and promote crisping.
Q6: Why are my air-fried Brussels sprouts not crispy?
A6: The most common reasons are overcrowding the basket (which steams them instead of frying), not using enough oil, or not shaking the basket frequently enough. Ensure the sprouts are in a single layer, lightly coated in oil, and tossed every 5-7 minutes.
Q7: Can I add other vegetables with Brussels sprouts in the air fryer?
A7: Yes, you can! Just make sure the other vegetables have a similar cooking time and require similar temperatures. Root vegetables like carrots or potatoes might need to be cut smaller to cook evenly with sprouts.
Q8: How do I clean my air fryer after cooking Brussels sprouts?
A8: Most air fryer baskets and crisper plates are nonstick and easy to clean. For best results, clean them after each use once they’ve cooled. Many are dishwasher-safe, like those from Ninja and COSORI, while others can be hand-washed with warm, soapy water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers to protect the nonstick coating.
Finding the best air fryer for Brussels sprouts truly depends on your specific needs: capacity, features, and budget. Whether you’re feeding a crowd with the multi-functional Emeril Lagasse, prioritizing ultimate crispiness with the Ninja or COSORI, appreciating the smart presets of the Cuisinart, or needing a compact solution like the CHEFMAN, there’s an air fryer out there that will turn those green veggies into crispy, golden perfection every single time. Happy air frying!