Oh my goodness, Brussels sprouts – they get such a bad rap, don’t they? People think they’re all bitter and boring, but trust me, when you cook them right, they’re absolute *magic*! And what’s the secret? Well, it’s gotta be this recipe for Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts (Oven or Air Fryer). Yes, you heard me right, *either* oven *or* air fryer! This recipe is seriously a game-changer because you can make it either way. It’s so easy; it honestly changed my mind about Brussels sprouts. I used to wrinkle my nose at them, but now? I can’t get enough. Especially with that fantastic garlic-Parmesan combo!
I stumbled upon this recipe a few years back when I was trying to find a simple side dish to jazz up a weeknight dinner, and I was just blown away! It’s quickly become my go-to side dish for pretty much any meal. This incredibly simple method gives you crispy, flavorful sprouts every single time. And honestly, it’s so yummy I sometimes make a whole batch just for myself! You’ll love it, I promise!
Why You’ll Love These *Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts (Oven or Air Fryer)*
Okay, so you might be thinking, “Brussels sprouts? Really?” YES, REALLY! Here’s why you’re gonna fall head-over-heels for these:
- Super Easy: Seriously, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can totally nail this! It’s practically foolproof.
- Quick: From prep to plate, it takes less than 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something delish.
- Flavor Explosion: The garlic and Parmesan combo is a total flavor bomb! Crispy, savory, and oh-so-good.
- Healthy-ish: Brussels sprouts are packed with goodness. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak veggies onto your plate.
- Versatile: These sprouts go with just about anything! Seriously, burgers, steak, chicken – you name it, they’re the perfect side.
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them every week!
I even sometimes double it.. shh… don’t tell anyone!
Ingredients for the Best *Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts (Oven or Air Fryer)*
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You won’t believe how simple this is. Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy, yummy sprouts:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and then halved (or quartered if they’re huge!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (the good stuff, okay?)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, hands down!)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, please!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
That’s it! See? Told ya it was easy! Now, let’s get cooking!
Equipment You’ll Need
Okay, before we get to the fun part, let’s grab what we need! Not a lot, but gotta be prepared, right?
- Baking sheet (for the oven method–make sure it’s got a lip, so nothing rolls off!)
- Air fryer (if you’re going that route–I love mine!)
- Large bowl (for tossing all those yummy ingredients together!)
- Knife and cutting board (for chopping those sprouts!)
And that’s it! Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make *Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts (Oven or Air Fryer)*
Okay, let’s get down to the good stuff! Don’t worry, this isn’t rocket science. I’ll walk you through it nice and easy so you can have perfectly crispy, delicious sprouts every single time. And the best part? You’ve got options! Oven or air fryer, it all works great!
Preparing the Brussels Sprouts
First things first, let’s get those Brussels sprouts ready to go. You gotta trim ’em! Grab your sprouts and give them a little haircut. Chop off the tough ends. Then, if they’re on the larger side, definitely halve them. If they’re extra-big boys (or girls!), you can even quarter them. This helps them cook more evenly and get nice and crispy everywhere.
Seasoning the Brussels Sprouts
Next up, the flavor magic! In a nice big bowl—that’s key, so you can toss everything easily—drizzle in the olive oil. Toss in your minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Now, throw in those prepped Brussels sprouts. Use your hands, a big spoon—whatever works for you!–to make sure every single sprout is coated in that garlicky, oily goodness. You want them all happy and seasoned before they hit the heat.
Oven Method vs. Air Fryer Method
Alright, time to choose your battlefield! If you’re going the oven route, preheat that oven to 400°F (that’s about 200°C for my friends across the pond!). Spread the seasoned sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; otherwise, they’ll steam instead of crisp up. Bake for around 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re tender and golden brown.
Air fryer fans, you’re up! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (about 190°C), then toss your Brussels sprouts into the basket. Cook them for about the same amount of time, giving them a shake or flip halfway through, so everything crisps up nicely. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and turn a beautiful golden brown.
Finishing Touches and Serving
Once those sprouts are cooked to perfection (golden brown and a little crispy!), take them out. Immediately toss them with that gorgeous Parmesan cheese. Let it melt a bit from the heat—yum! And serve them right away! They’re best when they’re hot and crispy. That Parmesan is such a game changer; trust me. Enjoy!
Tips for Crispy *Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts (Oven or Air Fryer)*
Okay, so you want *perfectly* crispy Brussels sprouts, right? Nobody wants a soggy situation! Trust me, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. First off, *don’t* overcrowd that pan or air fryer basket. Give those sprouts some space! If you have too many, cook them in batches. Think of it like a spa day for your sprouts – they need room to breathe and get crispy.
Also, make sure those sprouts are pretty dry before you toss them with the oil. Gotta pat ’em dry after you wash and trim so that they crisp up the way we want them to. And speaking of oil, don’t be shy, but don’t drown ’em either. Just enough to coat everything is the key. Oh, and one more thing: don’t forget to flip ’em halfway through! This helps them get golden brown on *all* sides. Trust me, these little tips will get you the crispiest, yummiest sprouts ever. Happy cooking!
Variations on *Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts (Oven or Air Fryer)*
Okay, so you’ve made these beauties once, and now you want to be a little adventurous? Awesome! That’s what I love to do! Feel free to get creative with these *Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts (Oven or Air Fryer)*! Toss in some red pepper flakes for a little kick (careful, they can light a fire!), or maybe a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
You can also totally swap out the Parmesan! Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or even some crumbled feta. For veggies, add some chopped bacon or a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch. My favorite is adding some balsamic vinegar in the end. Yum!
Serving Suggestions for Your *Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts (Oven or Air Fryer)*
So, now you’ve got these incredible sprouts. What to eat with them? Honestly, pretty much anything! They’re like the best sidekick ever. I love them with grilled chicken or fish, because they make a perfect, easy dinner. I also think they’re great next to a juicy burger, or even just alongside a simple omelet for breakfast. It’s a versatile dish!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got leftovers? Awesome! I *never* make just enough – always gotta make extra! These *Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts* are pretty yummy cold, but for the best results, here’s how to store and reheat them to keep that crunch.
Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 2-3 days, but remember the longer you wait they can lose the crisp! To bring them back to life – and get that crispiness back – I recommend reheating these in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. If you’re in a real hurry, throw them in the microwave in short bursts, but they might not be as crispy! Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort to keep them perfect!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Heads up, everyone! The nutritional info provided is just an estimate, and it can vary. The values depend on the exact ingredients and the brand names you use. Enjoy!