I recently tried this recipe when I craved something crispy yet sophisticated. The air-fried Brussels sprouts come out beautifully tender with the perfect crunch, thanks to a dash of Parmesan and spices. It’s one of my favorite Keto Side Dishes, bringing a burst of savory flavor that always excites my palate.

I’ve always loved experimenting with ways to make Brussels sprouts way more exciting, and this air fryer recipe totally blew my mind. I started with a pound of trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts tossed in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a bit of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to really bring out the flavor.
Once those little greens got crispy in the air fryer, I sprinkled on a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese and even hit it with a dash of red pepper flakes for an extra zing. The result was a dish that’s crunchy on the outside yet tender inside, perfect for those following a low carb, keto lifestyle.
I’ve played around with similar air fryer recipes before, from vegan options to hearty keto side dishes, and this one stands out for its simplicity and flavor. Give it a try if you’re looking for a healthy twist on a classic vegetable side dish.
Why I Like this Recipe
I love this Parmesan Air Fryer Brussels sprouts recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I really like how super crispy and savory they turn out every time I make them. Second, I appreciate how simple it is – I just trim the sprouts, toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then air fry them till they’re just right. Third, the Parmesan cheese packs a punch of flavor that makes the dish feel extra indulgent while still being healthy and keto friendly. And lastly, I dig that little kick from the red pepper flakes which keeps things exciting even if I’ve made it a hundred times before.
Ingredients

- Brussels sprouts: Fiber and vitamins boost nutrition while delivering natural sweetness and satisfying crunch.
- Olive oil: Health fats that help crisp the sprouts and add rich, sublte flavor.
- Salt: Enhances overall taste, balancing flavors perfectly though should be used in moderation.
- Garlic powder: Offers a savory punch that deepens dish flavour profile and makes it extra tasty.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness and a slight protein boost for extra flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional spice means a little heat that livens up the dish nicely.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
How to Make this
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutes so it’s nice and hot.
2. Rinse the Brussels sprouts, trim off the ends and slice them in half.
3. In a large bowl, toss the sprouts with 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt (or more if you feel like it), 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
4. Once they’re well mixed, spread the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer so they cook evenly.
5. Cook them for about 12 to 15 minutes; make sure to give the basket a shake or stir at the halfway point to promote crispiness.
6. When they’re nearly done, sprinkle 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top and, if you want a little kick, add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
7. Let the sprouts cook for an extra minute or two to let the cheese melt slightly, then serve them hot and enjoy!
Equipment Needed
1. Air fryer with its basket
2. Cutting board
3. Sharp knife
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Measuring spoons
6. Cheese grater
7. Spatula or tongs for stirring and shaking the basket
FAQ
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts (Low Carb, Keto) Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Instead of olive oil, you can use avocado oil or even melted coconut oil for a different tasty twist.
- For salt, try Himalayan or sea salt if you want a slightly different mineral flavor.
- If you dont have garlic powder, you could use 1 small clove of minced fresh garlic (but be careful, as it might burn a little if not mixed in fast enough).
- Instead of Parmesan cheese, grated Pecorino Romano can work well if you’re looking for a sharper taste.
- If you dont like red pepper flakes, consider using a pinch of cayenne pepper to still keep some heat in the dish.
Pro Tips
1. Make sure all the sprouts are cut up so they cook evenly. It helps if you let them sit in the oil and seasonings for a little bit before tossing them in the air fryer so they can absorb more flavor.
2. Remember to give the air fryer basket a few shakes halfway through cook time. This little move makes sure nothing sticks together and every piece gets nice and crispy.
3. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar after they’re done. It gives them a fresh twist without messing up the original flavors.
4. When you add the Parmesan, be careful not to overdo it. Too much cheese can get burnt, so go light if you don’t want a smoky taste.

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts (Low Carb, Keto) Recipe
I recently tried this recipe when I craved something crispy yet sophisticated. The air-fried Brussels sprouts come out beautifully tender with the perfect crunch, thanks to a dash of Parmesan and spices. It's one of my favorite Keto Side Dishes, bringing a burst of savory flavor that always excites my palate.
4
servings
128
kcal
Equipment: 1. Air fryer with its basket
2. Cutting board
3. Sharp knife
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Measuring spoons
6. Cheese grater
7. Spatula or tongs for stirring and shaking the basket
Ingredients
1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutes so it's nice and hot.
- Rinse the Brussels sprouts, trim off the ends and slice them in half.
- In a large bowl, toss the sprouts with 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt (or more if you feel like it), 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
- Once they're well mixed, spread the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer so they cook evenly.
- Cook them for about 12 to 15 minutes; make sure to give the basket a shake or stir at the halfway point to promote crispiness.
- When they're nearly done, sprinkle 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top and, if you want a little kick, add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
- Let the sprouts cook for an extra minute or two to let the cheese melt slightly, then serve them hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 127g
- Total number of serves: 4
- Calories: 128kcal
- Fat: 8.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated: 0.9g
- Monounsaturated: 4.8g
- Cholesterol: 3.8mg
- Sodium: 390mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 10.3g
- Fiber: 4.3g
- Sugar: 1.3g
- Protein: 7.4g
- Vitamin A: 850IU
- Vitamin C: 96mg
- Calcium: 135mg
- Iron: 1.7mg











