Here’s a crisp, flavorful recipe for Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan & Garlic — tender inside, golden and crunchy outside, and packed with garlicky, cheesy goodness.
🥦 Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan & Garlic
🕐 Total Time:
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Cook: 15–18 minutes
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Serves: 4
🧂 Ingredients:
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Brussels sprouts: 1 lb (450 g), trimmed
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Olive oil: 2 tbsp
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Garlic powder: 1 tsp (or 2 fresh cloves, minced)
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Salt: ½ tsp
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Black pepper: ½ tsp
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Grated Parmesan cheese: ⅓ cup (freshly grated preferred)
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Optional: Red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or chopped parsley for garnish
🔪 Instructions:
1. Boil Brussels Sprouts:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add Brussels sprouts and boil for 7–10 minutes until fork-tender but not mushy.
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Drain and let cool slightly.
2. Smash the Sprouts:
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Place sprouts on a cutting board or baking sheet.
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Use the bottom of a glass, mason jar, or measuring cup to gently press each sprout until flattened but still intact.
3. Season:
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In a bowl, toss smashed sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder (or fresh garlic), salt, pepper, and half the Parmesan.
4. Air Fry:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
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Arrange sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
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Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
5. Finish:
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Sprinkle remaining Parmesan over sprouts in the last 2 minutes of cooking so it melts and crisps slightly.
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Optional: Garnish with red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or chopped parsley.
✅ Tips:
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Crispier edges: Let sprouts dry thoroughly before smashing and seasoning.
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Extra flavor: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or lemon juice before serving.
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Make it vegan: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.