Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, Sweet, and Savory Perfection

Brussels sprouts have come a long way from being the dreaded vegetable on a child’s plate to becoming a star side dish on restaurant menus and dinner tables alike. And when you roast or air fry them, their natural nuttiness and slight bitterness transform into caramelized, crispy bites of goodness. Add a maple Dijon glaze, and you’ve just elevated them to gourmet-level deliciousness.

These Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts are the perfect balance of crispy, tender sprouts tossed in a sweet and tangy glaze made from maple syrup and Dijon mustard. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting by crisping the sprouts evenly and quickly, while the glaze clings to every crevice, delivering bursts of flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, holiday feast, or just as a snack (yes, they’re that good), this recipe will win over even the most skeptical sprout eaters.

this Recipe

What Are Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts?

Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts are halved sprouts cooked in an air fryer until golden and crispy, then tossed in a glaze made from maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of balsamic vinegar. The maple syrup adds sweetness, the Dijon provides tang and depth, and the vinegar balances everything with acidity.

Unlike boiling or steaming, which can leave Brussels sprouts mushy, air frying ensures they stay crisp on the outside while soft and tender inside. The glaze makes them sticky, flavorful, and utterly addictive.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Crispy and caramelized: Air fryer cooking creates that perfect texture.
• Flavor-packed: Maple and Dijon make the sprouts sweet, tangy, and savory.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
• Healthy side dish: High in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Holiday-ready: Impressive enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

How Do They Taste?

These Brussels sprouts are the definition of flavor balance. The crisp outer leaves are caramelized with nutty, roasted notes. The glaze delivers a bold sweet-and-savory punch: maple syrup gives a natural sweetness, Dijon adds a tangy bite, balsamic vinegar rounds it out with acidity, and garlic provides depth.

Together, the flavors create a dish that’s comforting, gourmet, and impossible to stop eating. Even sprout skeptics will be asking for seconds.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients:

• Brussels sprouts: High in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
• Maple syrup: A natural sweetener with minerals like manganese and zinc.
• Dijon mustard: Low in calories, adds tang without heaviness.
• Olive oil: Heart-healthy fats that help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
• Garlic: Boosts flavor while offering anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Small whisk
• Knife and cutting board
• Tongs or spatula

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Swap maple syrup for honey if desired.
• Use whole-grain mustard for extra texture.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
• Sprinkle with toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Crumble bacon over the top for a savory twist.
• Finish with Parmesan cheese for richness.

How to Make Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts

1. Prep sprouts: Wash, trim, and halve Brussels sprouts. Pat dry.
2. Season: Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Air fry: Place sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and golden.
4. Make glaze: In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and garlic.
5. Toss: Add hot sprouts to the bowl with glaze and toss until evenly coated.
6. Serve: Garnish with parsley (and optional toppings like nuts or Parmesan) and serve warm.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts

• Holiday mains: Perfect with roast turkey, ham, or prime rib.
• Weeknight dinners: Serve with chicken, salmon, or pork chops.
• Vegetarian meal: Pair with quinoa, lentils, or roasted sweet potatoes.
• Appetizer: Serve as finger food with toothpicks at parties.

Tips for Success

• Dry Brussels sprouts thoroughly before air frying for maximum crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
• Toss sprouts in the glaze immediately after cooking while hot.
• Adjust glaze sweetness and tanginess to your taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much oil, which can make sprouts greasy.
• Overcooking, which makes them bitter and mushy.
• Forgetting to shake the basket halfway, which causes uneven cooking.
• Adding glaze before air frying—it can burn.

How to Store & Reheat

• Store: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or bake until warmed and crispy.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as sprouts can become mushy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make them ahead? Yes, cook sprouts and prepare glaze separately, then toss and reheat before serving.
Do I need to parboil Brussels sprouts first? No, the air fryer cooks them perfectly without boiling.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? Fresh is best, but you can air fry frozen sprouts—just add a few extra minutes.
Are they keto-friendly? Yes, if you use sugar-free maple syrup.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving, 4 servings)

• Calories: 130
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 8g

Conclusion

Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts are a game-changer when it comes to vegetable side dishes. Crispy, caramelized, and tossed in a sweet-and-tangy glaze, they’re irresistible whether served at a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner.

With their perfect balance of flavor and nutrition, these sprouts prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, you may just find that this recipe converts even the most die-hard Brussels sprout skeptics into fans.

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August 28, 2025 by Melissa