Air fry brussels sprouts at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes. That converts from the 425°F, 30-minute oven method — reduce the temperature and cut the time by about 20%.
How does the oven conversion work?
| Oven | Air fryer | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 425°F / 220°C | 375°F / 190°C |
| Time | 25–30 min | 12–15 min |
| Turning | Once | Shake at 8 min |
| Preheat | Yes | Yes, 3 min |
How long does it take by Type?
| Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh, halved | 375°F / 190°C | 12–15 min |
| Fresh, whole small | 375°F / 190°C | 15–18 min |
| Fresh, quartered | 375°F / 190°C | 10–12 min |
| Frozen, whole | 400°F / 200°C | 16–20 min |
| With bacon or pancetta | 375°F / 190°C | 14–17 min |
Halve them and start cut side down
The flat cut face against the hot basket is where the browning happens, and it is the whole point of the dish. Whole sprouts brown only on the outer leaves and stay bland in the centre.
How much fits in the basket?
| Basket size | Maximum per batch |
|---|---|
| 3–4 qt | 8 oz / 225 g |
| 5–6 qt | 1 lb / 450 g |
| 7–8 qt | 1.5 lb / 675 g |
| Dual, per drawer | 10 oz / 285 g |
The figures are lower than an oven tray would hold, because an air fryer cooks by moving air around each piece. Anything piled deep blocks that circulation and steams instead of browning. Cook a second batch rather than adding time — the second runs 2–3 minutes faster because the basket is already hot.
Do you need oil?
Yes, about a tablespoon per pound. The cut face needs oil to caramelise — dry sprouts go leathery on the outside and stay firm inside.
How do you know when it is done?
No safety threshold. Done means the cut face is deep brown and a knife tip meets no resistance at the core.
Why are the loose leaves burning?
Outer leaves detach and, being light, get pushed around by the fan and scorch. Remove any that fall off before cooking, or accept them as the crisp bits — many people prefer them.
Related conversions and adjacent topics
Temperature and time convert together, never separately. The same rule set covers every appliance pair on this site, and the methodology page sets out where it comes from and the seven conditions under which it stops holding.
Every figure above is built into the oven to air fryer conversion calculator, which applies both adjustments together so you do not have to work them out separately.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature for brussels sprouts in an air fryer?
375°F, or 190°C, for 12–15 minutes.
Can I use the oven instructions?
Reduce them by about 20% and lower the temperature. A packet saying 30 minutes at 425°F (220°C) converts to roughly 12–15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Do I need to preheat?
Three minutes. A hot basket sets the surface quickly, which is what separates browning from steaming.
How do I stop them tasting bitter?
Bitterness comes from undercooking, not overcooking. Sprouts need enough time for their sugars to caramelise; pulled early they are sulphurous. Cook until the cut face is properly dark.
Why are the loose leaves burning?
Outer leaves detach and, being light, get pushed around by the fan and scorch. Remove any that fall off before cooking, or accept them as the crisp bits — many people prefer them.
Can I cook a double batch?
Not in one basket. Use two batches, or a dual-basket model with the load split between drawers.