🌱 Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts — Emerald Crisp
Archetype: The Transformer — bitter buds turned to caramelized jewels; a quick blast of air revealing hidden sweetness and crunch.
🥣 What It Is
Brussels sprouts, roasted golden in the air fryer until crisp on the edges and tender inside. A drizzle of olive oil, garlic, and balsamic glaze makes them irresistible — side dish magic in 15 minutes.
🧾 Ingredients (serves 3–4)
- 1 lb (450 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt • 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced)
- Optional finishes: 1 tbsp balsamic glaze • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan • pinch red chili flakes
✍️ Method (15 min)
- Prep: Trim Brussels sprouts and cut in half (quarters if very large). Pat dry for max crispness.
- Toss: In a bowl, coat sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Air fry: Heat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange sprouts in a single layer. Cook 12–15 minutes, shaking basket halfway, until browned and crisp-edged.
- Finish: Toss with balsamic glaze, Parmesan, or chili flakes. Serve immediately, hot and crunchy.
🌿 Maker’s Notes
- Ultra crisp: Don’t overcrowd the basket — give them space to roast, not steam.
- Sweet edge: Add 1 tsp maple syrup or honey with the oil before cooking for caramel notes.
- Batch big: Brussels shrink while cooking — double up if serving more than 3 people.
📜 Lore / Origin
Once maligned as bitter, Brussels sprouts became a modern favorite with the rise of high-heat roasting. The air fryer brings that same magic — caramel edges, tender centers — in half the time.
🌺 Benefits
- Fiber & vitamins: supports digestion and immunity
- Quick cooking: 15 minutes to crisp perfection
- Customizable: savory, sweet, or spicy finishes
🧭 Self-Score to 100
- Comfort Factor: 20/20
- Flavor Balance: 20/20
- Crunch & Texture: 20/20
- Ease & Speed: 20/20
- Mythic Resonance: 20/20
Total: 100/100 — Emerald crisp, hidden sweetness revealed.
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