Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Keto: Best Low Carb Recipe

Air fryer Brussels sprouts have quickly become one of my favorite keto-friendly dishes to prepare at home. Embracing a high-fat, low-carbohydrate lifestyle has pushed me to uncover creative ways to enjoy vegetables without compromising my macronutrient goals.

Brussels sprouts, with their naturally low carbohydrate content and high fiber, are an excellent match for a ketogenic diet. Preparing them in an air fryer not only saves time but also enhances their flavor, giving them that much-sought-after crispy texture without the need for traditional frying.

Brussel sprouts sizzling in an air fryer, emitting a savory aroma. Keto-friendly, golden brown and crispy

These sprouts are so easy to change up and customize! I can toss the sprouts with a variety of oils, spices, and seasonings, ensuring they never become dull or repetitive.

Whether I’m looking for a quick side dish or a savory snack, air frying these little cabbages always yields satisfying results.

Keeping track of ingredients and quantities helps me maintain my keto diet while allowing me to experiment with different combinations to keep my palate excited. Plus, the entire process from prep to plate requires minimal effort – a welcome bonus on busy days!

Key Takeaways

  • Air frying Brussels sprouts is a quick and simple way to create a delicious keto-friendly dish.
  • Carefully selecting ingredients and quantities is key to sticking to a ketogenic diet.
  • This recipe is convenient and adaptable, offering easy prep and cooking with a variety of seasoning options.

Ingredients and Quantities

When I’m whipping up my favorite Keto Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, I line up all my ingredients and measure them carefully. This dish is not just about keeping the carbs low, it’s also about maximizing flavor.

Here’s what I use to make enough servings for four people:

  • Brussels Sprouts: About 1 pound, which I find is a good amount for four servings. These little green gems are not just tasty; they’re also loaded with fiber, vitamins A and C, and other antioxidants.
  • Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: I need approximately 2 tablespoons to get that perfect crispy layer. Both oils are fantastic for a keto diet because they’re high in healthy fats and low in net carbohydrates.
  • Parmesan Cheese: I love adding 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese for that cheesy crust without all the extra carbs.
  • Garlic Powder, Sea Salt, and Black Pepper: About 1 teaspoon each. These seasonings bring out the natural flavors without adding unnecessary sugar or calories.
  • Add-ins: Sometimes I throw in chopped bacon for extra flavor, or some almonds for a crunchy twist. Bacon adds sodium, so I adjust the added salt accordingly.

Preparation is a breeze. I make sure to wash the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half to ensure even cooking.

Tossing them with the oil and seasonings means each sprout is well-coated and ready to become deliciously golden in the air fryer.

It’s a joy to create a gluten-free, paleo, and potentially vegan (minus the parmesan and bacon) dish that’s so full of flavor and health benefits. Plus, staying mindful of quantities keeps my keto diet on track without missing out on the pleasure of a good meal.

Preparation and Cooking Instructions

Brussel sprouts arranged in air fryer basket, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with keto-friendly seasoning. Air fryer set to 375°F and sprouts cooked for 15 minutes until crispy

In this section, I’ll guide you through the essentials of prepping your brussels sprouts and choosing the perfect cooking method to achieve that delightful crispy exterior and tender inside. I’ll also share my tips for adding those final, flavorful touches to your keto-friendly brussels sprouts dish.

Getting Started with Prep

The journey to delicious keto brussels sprouts begins with a good prep time.

If I’m using fresh brussels sprouts, I make sure to wash them thoroughly and trim off the hard bottoms. Cutting them in half ensures that they will cook evenly in the air fryer or oven.

For a time-saving method, you can use frozen brussel sprouts, which just require a quick steam in the microwave before seasoning.

I toss them in a large bowl with a mix of olive oil, salt and pepper, and sometimes a dash of onion powder for extra flavor.

  • Preparation Steps:
    • Wash and trim brussels sprouts.
    • Cut in half for even cooking.
    • Steam if using frozen.
    • Toss with oil and seasonings.

Cooking Method

Now comes the fun part: cooking!

I preheat my air fryer to about 380°F. This kitchen gadget is perfect for achieving crispy and tender keto brussels sprouts without a lot of oil.

If you’re using a conventional oven, preheat it to a higher temperature, around 420°F, and spread the sprouts on a baking sheet.

The cook time in the air fryer is usually quicker than in the oven, but either method will give you that beautiful roasted brussels sprouts texture.

  • Cooking:
    • Air fryer: Preheat to 380°F, cook for around 15-20 minutes.
    • Oven: Preheat to 420°F, roast for 20-25 minutes.

Finishing Touches

Once they’re out of the air fryer or oven, I like to add a special twist to my brussels sprouts.

A drizzle of balsamic vinegar brings a sweeter note, while a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning adds an irresistible complexity.

For an extra crunch, crushed almonds or a mix of black and regular sesame seeds are perfect.

To keep leftovers, just pop them into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.

These sprouts can be a wonderful keto side dish for the holidays or a dairy-free, gluten-free appetizer that everyone can enjoy.

  • Final Touches:
    • Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
    • Add everything bagel seasoning or nuts and seeds for crunch.
    • Store leftovers in the fridge.

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Recipe by thisrecipelifeCourse: KetoCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes

Halved Brussels sprouts tossed with olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper, then air fried until golden brown and tender.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • Optional add-ins: chopped bacon, almonds

Directions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  • While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming the ends and cutting them in half lengthwise.
  • In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil or avocado oil until evenly coated.
  • Sprinkle garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper over the Brussels sprouts, and toss again to coat evenly.
  • If using add-ins like chopped bacon or almonds, mix them in with the Brussels sprouts.
  • Place the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
  • Cook the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside.
  • Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the cooked Brussels sprouts and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brussel sprouts sizzling in an air fryer, surrounded by a cloud of steam. A keto-friendly recipe book open nearby

I’ve gathered some common questions to help you perfect your keto Brussels sprouts in the air fryer. Check them out below!

What is the ideal time for cooking halved Brussels sprouts in an air fryer?

For making crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, I suggest cooking them at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure an even crispness.

Can you give tips for making keto-friendly breaded Brussels sprouts in the air fryer?

Yes, you can coat halved Brussels sprouts in a delicious mixture of almond flour and grated parmesan for a keto-friendly breading. Air fry at a high temperature until they’re golden and crispy.

How can I add a balsamic glaze to Brussels sprouts when using an air fryer?

After air frying, I like to toss the Brussels sprouts in a low-carb balsamic reduction. It adds a deep, tangy flavor without too many extra carbs.

What’s the best way to prepare Brussels sprouts with parmesan in an air fryer?

Toss all of the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil and seasonings. Halfway through air frying, sprinkle with parmesan cheese for a deliciously cheesy crust.

Is it possible that Brussels sprouts could burn in the air fryer and how can I prevent it?

Brussels sprouts can burn if left too long or cooked at too high a temperature. I recommend cooking at 375°F and shaking the basket regularly for an even cook.

Are Brussels sprouts a good fit for a ketogenic diet and how many carbs do they contain?

Brussels sprouts are perfect for keto. They contain about 5g of carbs per half-cup serving.

They’re high in fiber and nutrients, making them a great low-carb vegetable option.