Air Fryer Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Quinoa

Brussels sprouts are sliced in half, roasted in the air fryer with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and tossed with dried cherries, quinoa and caramelized onions. The dish is finished in a creamy mustard glaze.

This recipe for air fryer Brussels sprouts will convert the Brussels sprouts haters in your family, and it's a complete meal thanks to the quinoa.

Jump to Recipe

Want to make this recipe perfectly the first time? I want to help with that. So, check out this Table of Contents to see which sections of this post will help you the most.

Jump to:

• 🛒 How to select the best Brussels sprouts
• ❤️ Why you'll love this air fryer recipe
• 🧅 Main Ingredients + Notes
• 🔪 Recommended Equipment
• 📝 Instructions Overview
• 🎯 Why This Recipe Works
• ⏰ Tips to Simplify and Save Time
• 🧊 Can I make this dish ahead?
• 💡Ideas for Possible Variations
• Air Fryer Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Quinoa

There are two camps of people when it comes to Brussels sprouts. They're either Brussels sprouts lovers or haters. But I say that most haters have only had them as a kid, boiled in water until a bitter mush.

There are so many other ways to cook them, my friend. Make a Brussels sprouts gratin. Or air fry them until crispy and use as an appetizer with a Buffalo Ranch dip. I also love them in this warm Brussels sprouts salad with caramelized onions.

And have you tried them with balsamic vinegar? Fantastic. Like these pan roasted Brussels sprouts and onions. And as a tip, I almost always top them with fried or poached eggs.

🛒 How to select the best Brussels sprouts

• The best, most fresh Brussels sprouts by far are ones that are still on their long stalks. If your market doesn't sell them this way, go for individual Brussels sprouts instead of grabbing a bunch that are bundled together in a net pouch.
• I prefer smaller Brussels sprouts that are all a similar size for air frying, about 1"-1.5" in diameter. They crisp up just the right amount super fast, but are tender at their core.
• For this recipe, look for sprouts that are round and tightly compacted. They should feel solid when you gently squeeze them.
• You'll remove any outer damaged leaves when you prep them, but avoid purchasing sprouts that look too damaged.

❤️ Why you'll love this air fryer recipe

• Flexible. Use the easy and fast air fryer part of the recipe and serve the Brussels sprouts without continuing with the rest of the recipe.
• All about Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts shine in this recipe and is perfect for Brussels sprouts lovers.
• Low carb. This is a low carb dish if you're watching your carb intake.
• Vegetarian main. Use it as a satisfying main dish or a perfect side dish.

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📝 Instructions Overview

Detailed instructions for making these air fryer Brussels sprouts are in the recipe card below, but here's an overview!

Step 1

Caramelized the onions. Slice yellow onions and sauté them in butter over medium heat until the onions relax into the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low and continue to cook until they're a deep burnished color. Only move the onions around in the pan every 15 minutes initially. Towards the end, you'll move them around the pan every 5 minutes. The total time to get your best results is about 1 hour.

I almost always do this ahead, but it's not necessary. I like to make a batch of these once a week all fall and winter to add umami to casseroles and other veggie dishes.

Step 2

Make the quinoa. If you don't already have cooked quinoa on hand, make it while the onions caramelize and set it aside to cool.

This step can be done ahead. About once a month, I make a big batch of quinoa that I use all week.

Step 3

Prep the Brussels sprouts. Slice off the nubs - this is where they connect to the stalks - and remove any damaged leaves. Slice in half or thirds, depending on the size of the sprouts. Try to create fairly evenly sized morsels.

This can be done the day before and stored in a paper towel-lined bowl and then covered with plastic or foil.

Step 4

Air fry the Brussels sprouts. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and celery salt and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Roast for 10 minutes at 375˚F, toss and roast for another 5 minutes at 400˚F. The outer leaves will be charred and crispy.

The cooking time is dependent upon the size of the Brussels sprouts, so keep an eye on them.

Note: If you don't have an air fryer, line a sheet pan with parchment paper and arrange the prepped Brussels sprouts in a single layer. Roast in a 400˚F oven for 20-30 minutes or until tender.

Step 5

Combine. Combine the crispy Brussels sprouts with the cooked quinoa, caramelized onions, and dried cherries in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 6

Make the cream sauce. Combine the broth (using Better That Bouillon), heavy cream, mustard, celery salt, kosher salt, and pepper in a skillet over medium heat. Bring to almost a simmer, and lower the temperature to medium-low to keep the sauce on the edge of a simmer for 5 minutes.

Pour over the Brussels sprouts mixture and lightly toss.

Step 7

Bake. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes and top with the optional buttery breadcrumb topping. Serve warm.

🎯 Why This Recipe Works

• Most vegetables that have an earthy flavor, such as Brussels sprouts, pair well with balsamic vinegar thanks to its tangy contrasting flavor.
• The natural earthiness of Brussels sprouts is also balanced with a creamy mustard sauce and sweetened with dried cherries.
• There's just enough sauce to glaze the Brussels sprouts so that the dish is still all about the sprouts.
• Caramelized onions add perfect notes of umami to the dish.
• Breadcrumbs, although optional, add a crunchy texture to the dish.

⏰ Tips to Simplify and Save Time

• Caramelize the onions up to 10 days ahead and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container, such as a mason jar.
• Make the quinoa ahead of time, and store in a container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Some markets sell frozen cooked quinoa in their freezer cases. It only needs to be steamed for a few minutes to be ready to use.
• Prep the Brussels sprouts ahead of time and store with damp paper towels in an airtight container for up to 3 - 4 days.

🧊 Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes. Make the entire dish ahead, except for adding the optional breadcrumbs at the end, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 - 4 days. Re-warm in a microwave oven or a 350˚F oven for 20 minutes or until warm. Top with the breadcrumbs before serving.

💡Ideas for Possible Variations

• Add ¼ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes for a little added heat.
• When air frying the Brussels sprouts, swap out the celery salt for garlic salt. If you use garlic powder instead of garlic salt, by sure to add kosher salt to the sprouts to end up with a total of ¾ teaspoon.
• Only make the balsamic Brussels sprouts part of the recipe.

Don't have time to run to the grocery store? Order the ingredients for this recipe using Instacart (affiliate link). Just click on the Instacart button in the recipe card below, and the ingredients will all be organized for you on their site. Plug in your zip code, choose the store you prefer, and select the ingredients you want delivered to your home.