Better Homes And Gardens Air Fryer Recipes

So you’re craving something ridiculously tasty, but the thought of a culinary marathon sends shivers down your spine? And let’s be real, you’ve seen those gorgeous, glossy pages of Better Homes & Gardens and thought, “Can *I* actually make something that good without burning down the kitchen?” Honey, with an air fryer, the answer is a resounding YES! We’re talking minimal effort, maximum crisp. Today, we’re diving into the magical world of air-fried deliciousness with a recipe that even your most veggie-averse friends will secretly (or openly) adore: **Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts!** Get ready to impress yourself, you domestic goddess/god, you.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, first things first: this isn’t just a recipe; it’s a life hack. Why is it awesome, you ask? Because it transforms those little mini cabbages (which, let’s be honest, often get a bad rap) into crispy, salty, cheesy bites of heaven. It’s **idiot-proof** – even *I* didn’t mess it up, and my track record with ovens is… colorful. Seriously, we’re talking about a dish that comes together faster than you can decide what to binge-watch next, requires minimal clean-up, and makes you look like a gourmet chef without actually having to *be* one. Plus, veggies! It’s practically health food, right? (Don’t look too closely at the cheese content, shhh).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather ’round, my friend, for the super-secret, totally not-so-secret list of items you’ll need. No fancy stuff, promise!

• **1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts:** Trimmed and halved. Think of them as tiny green brains you’re about to make delicious.
• **1-2 tbsp olive oil:** Just enough to get things shimmering.
• **1/2 tsp garlic powder:** Because garlic makes everything better. It’s a universal truth.
• **1/4 tsp salt:** Or to taste. Don’t be shy, but don’t turn it into a salt lick either.
• **1/4 tsp black pepper:** Freshly ground if you’re feeling fancy, but the pre-ground stuff works just fine.
• **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese:** The good stuff, please. None of that sawdust in a shaker. Unless that’s all you have, then, fine, for the sake of crispy goodness, use it.
• **(Optional, but highly recommended) A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze:** For that “chef’s kiss” moment.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prep Those Sprouts:** First, give your Brussels sprouts a good wash. Then, trim off the tough ends and slice them in half lengthwise. If you have some extra-large ones, quarter them. We want even pieces for even crispiness, people!
2. **Get Them Dressed:** In a medium bowl, toss your halved sprouts with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re all nicely coated. Think of it as giving them a tiny spa treatment before their hot air bath.
3. **Preheat Your Air Fryer:** This is crucial! **Don’t skip this step.** Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. It’s like preheating an oven, but faster and less drama. Rookie mistake not to, trust me.
4. **Air Fry Time!:** Place the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer in your air fryer basket. You might need to do this in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or they’ll steam instead of crisp, and that’s just sad.
5. **Shake & Bake (Well, Air Fry):** Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This ensures all sides get that beautiful, golden-brown crisp. Keep an eye on them – air fryers can vary!
6. **Cheese It Up:** Once they’re looking perfectly crispy and slightly charred (that’s where the flavor lives!), remove the basket, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and give it another good shake. Return to the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
7. **Serve ‘Em Hot:** Transfer the crispy Parmesan Brussels sprouts to a serving dish. If you’re feeling fancy, add that optional squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Devour immediately!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Nobody’s perfect, but we can learn from past mishaps, right? Here are a few booby traps to dodge:

• **Overcrowding the Basket:** This is the #1 rookie error. Your sprouts will steam instead of crisp. We want crunchy, not soggy! Be patient and cook in batches.
• **Forgetting to Preheat:** Thinking you don’t need to preheat? That’s like trying to run a marathon without stretching. **Always preheat your air fryer.** It makes a huge difference in texture.
• **Skipping the Shake:** Those little sprouts need some love and attention. Shaking the basket ensures even cooking and prevents one side from becoming sad and soft while the other is perfectly golden.
• **Ignoring Your Air Fryer’s Personality:** Every air fryer is a little different. Keep an eye on your food the first few times you make a new recipe. It might need a minute more or less than suggested.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling adventurous? Or maybe you’re missing an ingredient? No stress, we got you!

• **No Parmesan? No problem!** Try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor (and a vegan option!), or a sprinkle of crumbled feta for a salty tang. IMO, Parmesan is king here, but do what you gotta do.
• **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic powder for a little kick. Or a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
• **Other Veggies:** This method works wonders with broccoli, cauliflower, or even green beans. Just adjust cooking times slightly.
• **Bacon Lovers Unite:** For an even richer flavor, toss in some pre-cooked, crumbled bacon bits during the last minute of air frying with the cheese. FYI, everything is better with bacon.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got answers (and opinions, naturally!).

• **”Do I really need to wash the Brussels sprouts?”** Um, yes! Unless you enjoy dirt as a seasoning, give them a good rinse.
• **”Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?”** Technically, yes, but fresh is SO much better for crispiness. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them *very* dry, otherwise, they’ll steam themselves into sad, soggy oblivion.
• **”My air fryer smokes sometimes, is that normal?”** A little bit of smoke, especially with fatty foods, can be normal. However, excessive smoke means your basket or heating element needs a good cleaning! Always clean your air fryer after each use, people!
• **”How do I store leftovers?”** Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to get some of that crisp back! Microwaving will just make them sad and limp.
• **”Can I skip the oil?”** You *can*, but the oil helps with crisping and sticking. A little oil goes a long way for texture and flavor. Don’t be afraid of it!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! A Better Homes & Gardens-worthy recipe, made ridiculously easy with your air fryer. You’ve transformed humble Brussels sprouts into a crispy, cheesy masterpiece. Now go impress someone – or yourself – with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Pat yourself on the back, you magnificent air-frying wizard, you. Now go forth and crisp!