Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Spicy Mayo Recipe

If you’re searching for an irresistible veggie side that takes minutes to whip up but tastes like something you’d order at your favorite bistro, look no further than these Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Spicy Mayo. This crave-worthy recipe transforms humble sprouts into golden-brown, addictively crunchy bites, all finished with a creamy, fiery drizzle that takes them over the top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a few simple, fresh ingredients can create such an unforgettable side. Each element in this dish plays a starring role—whether it’s the earthy depth of the sprouts, the richness of the spicy mayo, or those delightful crispy garnishes on top.

• Brussel Sprouts (1 pound, about 4 cups): Opt for fresh, bright green sprouts—halve them for the best texture and crispy edges.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to coat, helping the sprouts brown and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): It lifts all the natural flavors and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
• Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds the perfect gentle heat and even more flavor dimension.
• Mayo (1/4 cup): The rich, creamy base for that delectable spicy drizzle.
• Sriracha (2 teaspoons): Brings the balanced heat that makes this sauce pop (adjust to your spice level).
• Honey (1 teaspoon): Just a touch of sweetness to round out the sauce and mellow the spice.
• Sesame Oil (1/2 teaspoon): Adds irresistible nutty depth to the mayo—don’t skip this secret weapon!
• Chopped Pistachios or Cashews (2 tablespoons): For crunchy contrast and a pop of color; use your favorite nuts or leave them out for nut-free.
• Fresh Cilantro (2 tablespoons, minced): Adds herbal freshness and a bright finishing touch (swap for mint or skip for a milder flavor).

Variations

I absolutely love how flexible this recipe is—the beauty of these Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Spicy Mayo is that you can make them totally your own. Don’t be shy about trying new add-ins, switching up spices, or adjusting for dietary needs or your cravings.

• Cheesy Parmesan: Toss sprouts in grated Parmesan before air frying for salty, savory goodness and an extra golden crust.
• Smoky & Spicy: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, or onion powder to the sprouts for flavor fireworks.
• Bacon Lovers: Top finished sprouts with crumbled, crispy bacon for the ultimate indulgent bite.
• Whole Sprouts: Air fry sprouts uncut—just increase the cooking time and shake well for even browning.
• Herby and Fresh: Swap cilantro for fresh mint, or try a different fresh herb to mix things up.
• Nut-Free Option: Leave off the pistachios or cashews, or substitute with roasted seeds for a safe crunch.
• Roasted (No Air Fryer): Pop everything in the oven instead—these flavors work whether you roast or air fry.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Spicy Mayo

Step 1: Prep the Brussel Sprouts

Start by washing and thoroughly drying your brussel sprouts—the drier, the crispier! Give them a trim at the base, discard any shabby outer leaves, and then slice each sprout cleanly in half from top to bottom. This gives plenty of surface area to soak up seasonings and develop those gorgeous, crunchy edges.

Step 2: Season for Maximum Flavor

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss the halved brussel sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until every little piece is deliciously coated. This is your flavor foundation, so don’t skimp on tossing—use your hands if you want to make sure every sprout gets some love!

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Transfer your seasoned sprouts to the air fryer basket, making sure they rest in a single snug layer (work in batches if needed!). Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, giving the basket a gentle shake every 5 minutes to ensure even crispiness. Watch for those golden-brown bits—the darker, the crunchier!

Step 4: Whip Up Spicy Mayo

While the brussel sprouts crisp up, whisk together mayo, sriracha, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Give it a quick taste—adjust the heat or sweetness to reflect your mood! Set aside; you’ll want the sauce ready to drizzle while the sprouts are piping hot.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once the sprouts are deeply golden and irresistibly crisp, transfer them to your favorite serving dish. Drizzle with spicy mayo, then finish with a scatter of chopped pistachios or cashews, and a bright sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Spicy Mayo

Garnishes

Garnishes are the cherry-on-top moment for these sprouts—don’t skip them! A shower of chopped pistachios or cashews adds a satisfying crunch, while minced cilantro gives a fresh, lively finish. Try thinly sliced fresh chiles or a dusting of toasted sesame seeds for extra flair and texture.

Side Dishes

Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Spicy Mayo are a knockout with main courses like roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or tofu stir-fry. They shine next to rice bowls, piled on noodle dishes, or surrounded by other small plates for a party-style spread. Simple roasted potatoes, garlic bread, or a citrusy salad keep things light and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve these sprouts in a big bowl with extra spicy mayo on the side for dunking—perfect finger food! Or, for a fancier touch, pile them high on a platter, drizzle with sauce, and finish with a dramatic sprinkle of garnishes right at the table. You can even thread them onto skewers for a playful appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers (no judgment if you don’t!), keep your cooled brussel sprouts in a tightly sealed container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days, though they’re at their crunchiest straight from the air fryer.

Freezing

While technically you can freeze air-fried brussel sprouts, be warned—they’ll lose their signature crispness. If you need to freeze, do so in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag, but expect a softer bite when thawed later.

Reheating

The magic returns with a quick blast in your air fryer or a very hot oven—5 minutes at 400°F will revive a lot of that crisp! Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soft. Always store the spicy mayo separately and drizzle fresh when you serve again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to give these Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Spicy Mayo a try—once you taste that irresistible combo of crunchy, golden sprouts and creamy, zesty sauce, you’ll want to make them for every gathering (or just because!). Happy cooking, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe!

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