These Air Fryer Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts are crispy and caramelized, with a simple seasoning of oil, salt and garlic powder. The addition of maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and the chopped pecans add a little crunch. While the air fryer isn’t that much quicker than the oven when it comes to roasting Brussels sprouts, the results are much crispier. No worries about soggy Brussels sprouts with the air fryer! Using the air fryer is also a great way to free up oven space, especially during the busy holiday season.
For a similar oven roasted version, try these maple roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy prosciutto. They’re deliciously sweet and savory!
Table of contents
Key ingredients and substitutions
You only need 6 ingredients to make these Brussels sprouts! Be sure to check out the recipe card at the end of this post, which includes all of the ingredients and quantities used.
- Brussels sprouts – You’ll need 1 pound for this recipe. I find this is a good amount to fit in the air fryer basket without having to air fry in batches. Make sure your Brussels sprouts are not too large, as they tend to taste a little bitter.
- Pecans – Pecans and maple syrup just go together, and I love the crunch that they add to this side dish. Make sure you’re using raw pecans. Salted or roasted pecans may burn quickly in the air fryer. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts are a good substitute.
- Maple syrup – Just 2 tablespoons of maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness and delicious maple flavor. It also helps caramelize the Brussels sprouts and pecans. I don’t recommend substituting with honey here as it just doesn’t add the same flavor.
How to air fry Brussels sprouts (step-by-step with photos)
This recipe comes together quickly! We’re talking 10 minutes prep time and less than 20 minutes to air fry.
Tips for recipe success
- Brussels sprouts should be roughly the same size. This will ensure even cooking. If you have some larger ones, just cut them in quarters.
- Don’t use chopped pecans. I don’t recommend store-bought chopped pecans as they are too small and will fall through the holes in the air fryer basket. I normally buy pecan pieces or halves and just break them into pieces.
- Brush on the maple syrup. Brushing it on ensures more of the maple syrup stays on the Brussels sprouts and pecans and doesn’t fall through the holes in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 360F. When you oven roast Brussels sprouts, it’s usually at 425F or 450F so they get nice and crispy. As the air fryer is more intense, a lower temperature is required to ensure the Brussels sprouts don’t burn on the outside before the centers are fork tender.
- Air fryers differ. This recipe was tested in a 5.8 quart air fryer. If you have a smaller model, you may need to air fry the Brussels sprouts in two batches.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, just spread the Brussels sprouts out on a sheet pan. I usually space them out and place them cut side down. Roast at 425F for 16-18 minutes. Remove from the oven and toss with the pecans and maple syrup. Roast for another 2-3 minutes.
If your Brussels sprouts were a larger size that may be the reason why they taste bitter. Smaller ones have a sweeter taste. The other reason could be that they weren’t air fried for long enough. Just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes.
While you can microwave them, in order to get them crispy, I prefer the air fryer. Just place them in the basket and air fry at 350F for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them as you don’t want the Brussels sprouts or pecans to burn.
More air fryer holiday side dishes
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash Cubes
- Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
- Air Fryer Herb and Garlic Carrots
- Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!
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Air Fryer Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Canadian, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air Fryer Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts with maple syrup and crunchy pecans are tender in the middle and crispy and caramelized on the outside!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons pecan pieces (raw) *see note #2
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Add the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts to a large bowl and toss with the oil, salt and garlic powder until well coated.
- Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket. It’s okay if some overlap. They don’t need to be in a single layer, just don’t fill up the basket.
- Air fry at 360F for 15 minutes, or until crispy and almost fork tender. Shake the basket a few times to rotate the Brussels sprouts around.
- Add the pecans and brush the maple syrup over the Brussels sprouts and pecans.
- Continue air frying for another 2-3 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are fork tender. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Brussels sprouts should be roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. If you have some larger ones, just cut them into quarters.
- I don’t recommend using store-bought chopped pecans as they are too small and will fall through the holes in the air fryer basket. I normally buy pecan pieces or halves and just break them into pieces.
- Brushing on the maple syrup ensures more of it stays on the Brussels sprouts and pecans and doesn’t fall through the holes in the air fryer basket.
- This recipe was tested in a 5.8 quart air fryer. If you have a smaller model, you may need to air fry the Brussels in two batches.
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