Keto Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Tender Brussels sprouts roasted until golden in an air fryer, then topped with melted Parmesan for a savory, cheesy side dish. The outer leaves crisp up while the interiors stay tender. Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or any weeknight dinner. This version uses a two-stage cooking method to ensure the cheese melts perfectly without burning while the sprouts achieve ideal texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Instructions
- 1
Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- 2
Arrange in air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
- 3
Air fry at 350F for 6-8 minutes.
- 4
Shake basket to redistribute sprouts.
- 5
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over each sprout.
- 6
Air fry at 400F for 3-4 minutes until cheese melts and outer leaves turn golden brown.
- 7
Transfer to serving dish and top with additional Parmesan if desired.
Tips
Cut Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise for even cooking and maximum crispy surface area. Uniform sizing prevents some pieces from burning before others finish.
Don't skip the shake halfway through the first cooking stage. This ensures all sprouts brown evenly and cook through without steaming on one side.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer at 350F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness.
Prep Brussels sprouts and seasonings in bowl up to 24 hours ahead. Do not air fry until ready to serve.
Serve hot as a side dish alongside roasted proteins or with pasta dishes.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the shake step to avoid uneven browning and steamed bottoms
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid steaming instead of crisping
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, use frozen Brussels sprouts without thawing. Add 2-3 minutes to the first cooking stage. They may release more moisture, so pat dry with a towel after tossing with oil.
What if my Parmesan doesn't melt evenly?
Grate Parmesan finely and distribute in an even, thin layer. If it burns on top before the sprouts finish, add cheese after the first stage and reduce the second stage to 2-3 minutes.
Can I make this ahead and reheat?
Yes, refrigerate cooked sprouts up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350F air fryer for 2-3 minutes until crispy again. Don't store with cheese if making ahead, as it can become rubbery.