Smashed Brussels sprouts Recipe: CRISPY!

There’s no going back after trying this crispy smashed Brussels sprouts recipe! This super simple recipe uses a microwave bag of frozen steamable Brussels sprouts that can then either be baked in the oven or in the air fryer. And since we use the microwave Brussels sprouts bag, the prep only takes about 5 minutes!

What makes This Microwave Brussels sprouts Recipe So Good?

Brussels sprouts are always delicious. It doesn’t really matter what you do to them. The only thing that makes me veer towards other vegetable sides, like broccoli or asparagus, is that fresh Brussels sprouts can be a huge pain to prepare.

You have to cut off all of their nubby ends, you have to clean them, and then you have to chop them in half. Anyone who has had a Brussels sprout slip away from them mid-chop and roll onto the floor will understand my frustration!

This recipe uses the frozen steam bag of Brussels sprouts. This takes ALL of the work out of the equation. They are pre-washed, and you don’t have to cut anything! Plus, microwaving them only takes about 4 minutes, and then all you have to do is smush them with a fork, drizzle with olive oil and bake!

If you are wondering what to do with frozen Brussels sprouts, this is a great healthy snack idea!

How To Cook These Frozen Brussels Sprouts In Air Fryer:

So there are two ways that you can make this recipe: Baked in the oven, or cooked in the air fryer. Let’s start with the air fryer Brussel sprouts recipe!

Make sure to go down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions! Please note that these instructions are based on using an Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, and that other air fryers may vary in technique, time, and temperature.

1. Microwave your steam bag of Brussels sprouts until done, usually about 4 minutes. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before opening to prevent steam burns. Pour them out onto a baking sheet or plate.

2. Using a fork, smash them down until about 1/4″ thick. This should be very easy to do. They will release some water, and that is totally fine.

3. Since we are using the air fryer, you don’t need a lot of oil! Drizzle with only about 1 tsp, and mix to coat. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder on both sides, and place in the air fryer bucket, being careful not to overcrowd.

4. Place the broiler lid over (see middle picture), then place the lid on top. Set the temperature to 400 degrees, and the timer to 10 minutes. Once 10 minutes is up, carefully remove the lid and broiler lid, and flip the Brussels sprouts. Note that they will be hot! Cook for another 10 minutes at 400 degrees.

5. You will be left with the crispiest Brussels sprouts that you have ever had!

Interested in getting in on the air fryer trend? This is the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid that I use on my 6 quart IP!

How To Make Crispy Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts:

You can also make them in the oven! It is just as easy as making them in the air fryer, except in the oven we need a little more oil to help them crisp up!

1. Pre-heat the oven to 450 degrees.

2. Microwave your steam bag of Brussels sprouts until done, usually about 4 minutes. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before opening to prevent steam burns. Pour them out onto a cooking-sprayed baking sheet.

3. Using a fork, smash them down until about 1/4″ thick. This should be very easy to do. They will release some water, and that is totally fine.

4. Drizzle with olive oil or sunflower oil, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix them up well so that both sides of the sprouts get oiled and seasoned.

5. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes on one side, then flip and bake for another 10-15 minutes on the other side, until golden brown and crispy!

What To Serve With this Crispy Smashed Brussels sprouts Recipe:

You are going to want to serve these with a dipping sauce, TRUST ME! I had a jar of roasted garlic aioli that I dipped them into, and it was out of this world good. Because they are so flat and crispy, it is almost like they are chips!

They would be a great addition to a cheese board or vegetable platter, because they are just as good at room temperature as they are right out of the oven.

They are vegan and vegetarian, so they are great for any crowd! I also think that they would make a wonderful holiday or thanksgiving side dish!

You can also get creative with the seasonings and flavors you use! I HIGHLY recommend trying my Wasabi Oven Brussels Sprouts recipe! It mixes the sprouts with wasabi paste and orange juice for a fresh and bright new flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What if I don’t have the steam bag of Brussels sprouts?	If you have frozen or fresh Brussels sprouts that are NOT in a steamable microwavable bag, then you will need to steam them or boil them before smashing and cooking. This does add a lot of time to the process, so if you can get your hands on a steam bag, this is what I recommend!
Which method yields the crispiest Brussels sprouts?	This is a close call, but I have to say that the air fryer takes the cake when it comes to the crispiest Brussels sprouts recipe! Both sides of the sprouts are brown and crunchy, with the insides perfectly soft and bright green. But baking is a close second! You really can’t go wrong using either method, so if you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry!
How many people does this serve?	One 10.8 oz steam bag of Brussels sprouts yields about 25 sprouts. I personally can eat an entire bag myself, ESPECIALLY if I am dipping them in sauce. So if you are feeding a crowd, I would definitely recommend at least 2 bags.

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