Brussels Sprouts 2 Ways: Air Fryer vs. Skillet in 10 Minutes
Brussels sprouts are a common ingredient in Western cooking and a healthy must-buy for me every time I go to Costco. They're crunchy, keep well, and are very nutritious, rich in fiber, vitamins K and C, antioxidants, and omega-3s. But because they're a little bitter, many people don't know how to cook them and don't like their taste. It's a real shame not to like such a nutritious vegetable.
By Amanda Chang
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Brussels sprouts are a common ingredient in Western cooking and a healthy must-buy for me every time I go to Costco. They’re crunchy, keep well, and are very nutritious, rich in fiber, vitamins K and C, antioxidants, and omega-3s, with benefits like lowering cholesterol and supporting the immune system. But because Brussels sprouts are a little bitter, many people don’t know how to cook them and don’t like their taste. It’s a real shame not to like such a nutritious vegetable. In this video I share 2 ways to cook Brussels sprouts, in the air fryer and in a skillet: the air fryer version is cranberry walnut, and the skillet version is bacon pine nut. Both are ready to serve in 10 minutes. In the video I also share 3 little tips for reducing the bitterness of Brussels sprouts, so you can easily enjoy a healthy and satisfying dish!
How to choose Brussels sprouts
- Look for firm Brussels sprouts. Their leaves should be tightly packed together; avoid ones with lots of loose leaves falling off (a few is fine, of course).
- Avoid Brussels sprouts with spots or yellowing on the surface, since that means they’re past their prime and have lost some of their nutritional value. *A quick reminder: a small amount of the above is perfectly fine
How to clean Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are actually a very easy vegetable to clean. Because their leaves are so tightly packed, they’re not very dirty. Here are a few simple steps for cleaning them: 1. Cut off the stem end with a knife and discard it 2. Remove any yellowed or spotted leaves 3. Put the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl full of cold water; any dirt should settle to the bottom on its own 4. Finally, give them a quick rinse under cold running water For more detailed cleaning steps, check out this article, which has very detailed animated images: https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Brussels-Sprouts
How to reduce the bitterness of Brussels sprouts
1. Cut the Brussels sprouts into smaller pieces
Halve or quarter the Brussels sprouts. This increases the surface area in contact with the pan while cooking, so every side heats quickly and evenly.
2. Add flavor with maple syrup, honey, balsamic glaze, or lemon juice
Make good use of these seasonings to bring out the flavor of Brussels sprouts. Basic minced garlic and minced onion are also great choices.
3. Cook quickly over high heat
Cooking Brussels sprouts quickly and evenly over high heat is another important way to reduce bitterness. Brussels sprouts taste best when the edges are a little charred.
Brussels Sprouts 2 Ways: Air Fryer vs. Skillet in 10 Minutes
- Prep
- 3 hr 8 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 3 hr 18 min
- Servings
- 2
Ingredients
Air fryer Brussels sprouts with cranberries and walnuts
Skillet Brussels sprouts with bacon and pine nuts
Instructions
Air fryer Brussels sprouts with cranberries and walnuts
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Line the air fryer with a sheet of parchment paper, add the walnuts, and air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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Put the Brussels sprouts in a large glass bowl, add the olive oil, maple syrup, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice, and toss well.
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Put the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer and roast at 200°C (390°F) for 8 minutes total. Halfway through (after 4 minutes), take the basket out and give it a shake, then put it back in. Add the walnuts for the last minute. When the air fryer stops, check whether it needs more salt and black pepper, then finish with a little drizzle of lemon juice and serve!
Skillet Brussels sprouts with bacon and pine nuts
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pine nuts and dry-toast for 1 minute, then remove and set aside.
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Add the bacon and cook for 1 minute, add the onion and cook for 1 minute, then add the Brussels sprouts and keep stir-frying for 8 minutes. In the last minute, add the pine nuts back in and season with cumin, salt, and black pepper. Done, time to serve!