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These maple Brussels sprouts cook in the air fryer until browned and crisp around the edges, with tender centers and a touch of garlic. A simple maple-lemon sauce adds a bright, sweet-tart finish.
I love how the lemon balances the maple sweetness and makes every bite more enjoyable. It’s an easy vegetable side for a weeknight dinner, with plenty of flavor for the Thanksgiving or Christmas table, too.
Why you’ll love these maple Brussels sprouts
- Crisp edges, tender centers. You get those browned outer leaves along with a middle that’s easy to bite into.
- A sauce that adds moisture and flavor. The thin, pourable maple-lemon sauce gives the air-fried sprouts a juicy, lemony finish.
- Just six simple ingredients. Fresh sprouts, maple syrup, lemon, and a few pantry staples make a flavorful side without a long shopping list.
Key ingredient notes
- Brussels sprouts: Choose firm sprouts with tightly packed green leaves. Avoid ones with yellowing leaves or dry, shriveled edges. Similar-sized sprouts make it easier to get an evenly cooked batch.
- Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup for its maple flavor. You’ll use some to season the sprouts and some in the finishing sauce.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the sauce its bright, tart flavor and balances the maple sweetness.
- Garlic granules: It coats the sprouts evenly and adds savory flavor without any garlic chopping.
Why I use maple syrup twice
The maple syrup has a different job at each stage. Before air frying, a small amount coats the sprouts along with the oil and seasonings. Its sugar helps the edges brown, giving them that crisp, caramelized finish I love.
After cooking, the maple-lemon sauce adds moisture and fresh flavor back to the sprouts. The sauce is meant to be thin and pourable. It’s a simple finishing touch that makes each bite more enjoyable, with a balance of sweet maple and tart lemon.
How to make maple Brussels sprouts in the air fryer
Here’s a quick overview, with the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card below.
- Prep, soak, and dry. Trim and halve the sprouts, quartering any extra-large ones. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to help the centers turn tender, then drain and pat thoroughly dry.
- Season and air fry. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, garlic granules, and maple syrup. Spread them evenly in the basket—a little overlap is okay. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the edges are browned and the centers are fork-tender. I use a 6-quart basket-style air fryer for the full batch.
- Toss and serve. Mix the maple-lemon sauce while the sprouts cook. Toss with the hot sprouts, taste, and add more salt if needed. Serve right away.
What to serve with maple Brussels sprouts
For an easy dinner or a holiday spread, these sweet, lemony sprouts pair well with flavorful mains.
- Bang bang salmon bites: The sprouts add a bright, lemony bite alongside the salmon’s creamy, spicy sauce.
- Honey garlic chicken thighs: A good choice when you’re craving crispy chicken. The lemon in the sprouts balances the sweet, garlicky sauce.
- Crispy spatchcock chicken: A festive pairing for the holiday table, with the sprouts cooking in the air fryer while the chicken roasts in the oven.
- Miso ginger braised short ribs: Tender beef and a rich miso sauce make a cozy special-occasion meal. The sprouts bring a fresh, sweet-tart contrast.
Maple brussels sprouts (air fryer)
Ingredients
Brussels sprouts
- 1.5 lb Brussels sprouts
- 2.5 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt plus more to taste
- ½ tsp garlic granules
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Maple lemon sauce
- 1.5 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp lemon juice about ½ large lemon
Instructions
- Trim and cut: Trim the stem ends off 1.5 lb Brussels sprouts and remove any damaged outer leaves. Slice the sprouts in half lengthwise. Quarter any extra-large ones so the pieces are similar in size.
- Soak and dry: Rinse the sprouts, then soak them in a large bowl of cold water for 10 minutes. Drain well and thoroughly pat dry with a clean kitchen towel, including between the leaves.
- Preheat and season: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried sprouts with the 2.5 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp coarse sea salt, ½ tsp garlic granules, and 1 tbsp maple syrup until evenly coated.
- Air fry: Add the sprouts to the basket and spread them out as evenly as possible. Some overlap is okay in a 6-quart basket. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the sprouts halfway through. The outer leaves should be browned and crisp, and the centers should be tender when pierced with a fork. If needed, cook a little longer, checking frequently.
- Mix the sauce: While the sprouts cook, stir together the 1.5 tbsp maple syrup and 2 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Finish and serve: Transfer the hot sprouts to a serving bowl and toss with the maple lemon sauce just before serving. Taste and add more salt, if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- Soak, then dry well: The 10-minute soak helps the centers turn tender. Thoroughly pat the sprouts dry afterward so the surface can crisp during cooking.
- Air-fryer size: This recipe was tested with the full 1.5 pounds in one batch in a 6-quart basket-style air fryer. Cooking time may vary with your air fryer and the size of the sprouts.
- Oven option: Toss the sprouts with the seasonings as directed, then spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 400°F for 35–40 minutes, tossing occasionally, until browned and tender. Toss with the maple lemon sauce just before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
FAQs
This recipe uses fresh Brussels sprouts. If you have frozen ones, follow my air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts recipe for the cooking method and timing.
Yes! You’ll find the oven instructions in the recipe card below. Finish with the same maple-lemon sauce just before serving.
More Brussels sprouts recipes
- For a savory version, try my Asian Brussels sprouts. Their maple-soy-balsamic glaze adds a rich, tangy flavor.
- If you like a little heat, my honey sriracha Brussels sprouts bring a sweet-spicy kick to the table.
Made a dish and loved it? Please rate the recipe and leave a comment in the section below! It helps my blog grow organically, allowing me to continue sharing free and awesome content with you. Thank you!
Thanks for the recipe! This recipe is a mommy saver! My son is a picky eater but he loves this dish!
I’m so happy to hear!
This will be my new Brussels recipe!
genuinely so DELICIOUS!!!! im in love! make this even if you dont have an air fryer
Great recipe! Turned out so tasty! Easy to make and minimal number of ingredients.
That’s awesome. Thank you so much!
Such a tasty air fryer recipe! I love the lemon maple sauce with the air-fried Brussels sprouts. So good!
These are so so yum ! Everyone devoured the Brussels sprouts and the lemon dressing on top can definatly not be forgotten ! ChihYu has changed my life with her delicious, flavourful GF and dairy free recipes ! I can not wait what is in store next !
Thanks so much, Mimi! I appreciate it so much! XO!
Oh my goodness! These brussels sprouts are perfection! Crispy outside, tender inside…and that glaze!! Just the right amount of sweetness! Quick to make…these will be on our dinner table often!
The oven version is so good! Loved the maple and lemon together.
Thanks, Don!
Soaking them makes such a difference! They taste amazing and even my kiddos love them. My middle one thinks they’re pretty much chips haha
Haha they are so cute and I’m so happy to hear!
Super
Thank you!