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The side dish that will steal the show! These air fryer Brussels sprouts are tossed in a spicy hot honey glaze for the perfect sweet and savory crunch. If you've been searching for that irresistible combination of crispy texture and bold flavor, these hot honey Brussels sprouts from your air fryer will become your new go-to vegetable side.
As a chef at Tasty Trends Recipes, I can tell you that the magic happens when the caramelized edges of the sprouts meet that sticky, spicy-sweet glaze. The air fryer gives these Brussels an unbeatable crispiness without the mess of deep frying, while the hot honey adds that trendy flavor profile everyone's craving right now.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Brussels sprouts have come a long way from their boiled-to-death reputation. When prepared correctly, they transform into crispy little flavor bombs. This particular recipe combines:
- Texture perfection: The air fryer creates an ideal crispy exterior while keeping the centers tender
- Flavor balance: Sweet honey meets spicy heat in perfect harmony
- Time efficiency: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal hands-on time
- Versatility: Works as a side, appetizer, or even salad topping
Nutritionally, Brussels sprouts pack fiber, vitamin K, and antioxidants, making this delicious dish surprisingly good for you too!
Ingredients
For the Brussels sprouts:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved (select uniform medium-sized sprouts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal preferred)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the hot honey glaze:
- 3 tablespoons honey (preferably raw)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Frank's RedHot or similar cayenne-based sauce)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
CHEF'S TIP: For extra crispy results, select Brussels sprouts that are similar in size so they cook evenly - about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter is ideal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Trim the stem ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove any loose or yellowed outer leaves. Pat them completely dry - this ensures maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
2. Season the Sprouts
In a large bowl, toss the halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated. The oil helps the seasoning adhere and promotes browning.
3. Air Fry the Brussels Sprouts
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange the sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cut side down. Air fry for 8 minutes, then shake the basket and cook for another 4-6 minutes until deeply golden brown and crispy.
CHEF'S SECRET: Always preheat your air fryer for best results, and don't overcrowd the basket - cook in batches if needed.
4. Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the sprouts cook, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Toss and Serve
Transfer the crispy Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl and drizzle with the hot honey glaze. Toss gently to coat evenly while maintaining the sprouts' crispy texture. Serve immediately.
Professional Tips & Variations
CHEF'S TECHNIQUES:
- For extra crispy edges, toss your dried sprouts with 1 teaspoon cornstarch along with the oil and seasonings
- If your honey glaze thickens too much, thin it with 1-2 teaspoons of warm water
- Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the glaze for extra depth of flavor
Recipe Variations:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute agave or maple syrup for honey
- Extra Spicy: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the glaze
- Sweet & Smoky: Replace 1 tablespoon honey with 1 tablespoon bourbon
- Nutty Crunch: Toss with 2 tablespoons toasted pecans or walnuts before serving
Make Ahead Tip: You can prep the Brussels sprouts (trim, halve, and dry) up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Nutritional Benefits
This air fryer hot honey Brussels sprouts recipe offers impressive nutritional value:
- Vitamin K: One serving provides over 100% of your daily needs for blood clotting and bone health
- Vitamin C: Contains 80% of your daily requirement, supporting immune function
- Fiber: 4g per serving, promoting digestive health
- Antioxidants: Brussels sprouts contain kaempferol, which may reduce inflammation
Approximate nutritional info per serving (serves 4): 150 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated), 22g carbs (12g sugar), 4g protein, 4g fiber
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer hot honey Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with:
- Proteins: Roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or pan-seared pork chops
- Grains: Wild rice pilaf or creamy polenta
- Salads: As a crunchy topping for a kale and goat cheese salad
- Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and a side of ranch for dipping
Presentation Tip: Drizzle extra hot honey in a zigzag pattern over the plated sprouts and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for restaurant-worthy presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes! For oven roasting, spread prepared sprouts on a baking sheet at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.
Can I freeze cooked Brussels sprouts?
While possible, freezing will significantly change the texture. They'll become much softer upon reheating. For best quality, enjoy fresh.
Why are my Brussels sprouts turning out soggy?
The most common causes are overcrowding the air fryer basket, not drying the sprouts thoroughly before cooking, or using too much oil. Stick to the recommended quantities and techniques.
Final Thoughts
These air fryer hot honey Brussels sprouts perfectly capture the magic of modern vegetable cooking - transforming a humble ingredient into something extraordinary with simple techniques and bold flavors. As we say at Tasty Trends Recipes, "The secret to great cooking is taking ordinary ingredients and making them unforgettable."
Give this recipe a try and watch as even the most skeptical Brussels sprouts critics become converts. Don't forget to rate the recipe and share your creations with us - we love seeing how you make our recipes your own!