Air Fryer Pistachio Honey Brussels Sprouts
Updated Dec 23, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These Air Fryer Pistachio Honey Brussels Sprouts are crispy on the outside, tender in the center. You’ll get golden, caramelized edges without turning on the oven, making this an easy appetizer or side dish for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
Serve these air fryer brussels sprouts with your favorite main dish like Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Cream Pan Sauce or Bucatini Amatriciana.
🐝 Quick Look: Air Fryer Pistachio Honey Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- ⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 10 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: 20 minutes
- 🍽 Serves: 2
- ⚡ Calories: ~188 per serving
- 🍳 Cook Method: Air Fryer
- 🧂 Main Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, pistachios, honey
- 👩🍳 Flavor Profile: Sweet, savory, nutty, lightly crisp
- ⭐ Difficulty: Easy. Quick prep with hands-off air frying.
SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy without turning on the oven thanks to the air fryer, which delivers golden, caramelized brussels sprouts in less time with minimal effort. If you love easy air fryer sides, try my Air Fryer Baby Broccoli.
- Perfect sweet and savory balance from a light drizzle of honey paired with salty, crunchy pistachios that complement the natural bitterness of brussels sprouts. Check out my Baked Brie with Cherry Preserves and Pistachios for a similar flavor profile.
- Quick and easy side dish that comes together in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor using pantry staples and a short ingredient list that still feels elevated enough for entertaining.
- Versatile for any occasion whether you’re serving these as a vegetable side for a main dish like Blackened Salmon, a small appetizer, or part of a holiday spread.
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
See the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients with exact quantities.
- Umami Seasoning: A savory seasoning blend that adds depth and boosts overall flavor. It’s often made with ingredients like dried mushrooms and spices, and you can find it at most grocery stores. Trader Joe’s is where I usually buy mine.
- Pistachios: Shelled, roasted and salted pistachios add crunch and balance the sweetness of the honey. Pre-shelled pistachios are the most convenient option.
Tips and Substitutions
- Nut swaps: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds can be used instead of pistachios for a similar crunch.
- Honey substitutes: Maple syrup works well if you prefer a different sweetness or do not have honey on hand.
- Umami seasoning: This adds extra savory depth but can be omitted or replaced with a pinch of onion powder or additional garlic powder.
- Oven option: If you do not have an air fryer, roast the brussels sprouts at 425°F until crispy, then toss with honey and pistachios after cooking.
- Extra crisp tips: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and make sure the brussels sprouts are dry before seasoning.
How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
See the recipe card below for full instructions and exact amounts.
- Toss the brussels sprouts with oil, vinegar, and seasonings.
- Air fry the brussels sprouts until golden and crispy.
- Toss the cooked brussels sprouts with pistachios and honey.
- Season to taste and serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts FAQs
Fresh brussels sprouts work best for this recipe. Frozen brussels sprouts release more moisture as they cook, which makes it harder to get crispy edges in the air fryer.
Yes. Roast the brussels sprouts on a baking sheet at 425°F, tossing once halfway through, until tender and crispy, about 20 to 25 minutes. Once roasted, toss with the honey and pistachios before serving.
These brussels sprouts are best served right after cooking. If needed, leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to help restore crispness.
Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds work well as substitutes for pistachios and provide a similar crunch.
Recommended Main Dish Pairings
30 Minutes or Less
Blackened Salmon (Only 20 Minutes!)
30 Minutes or Less
Spicy Calabrian Chili Pasta
30 Minutes or Less
One Pot Orzo Mac and Cheese
Air Fryer Pistachio Honey Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Brussels Sprouts, cut into halves or cut into quarters if larger
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Umami Seasoning, optional
- 2 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Roasted & Salted Pistachios, shelled; chopped
- 1 tablespoon Honey
Instructions
- Season the brussels sprouts: Place the cut brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional umami seasoning. Add the apple cider vinegar and toss until evenly coated.
- Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Add the brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket in an even layer. Cook for 10 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer.
- Finish with honey and pistachios: Transfer the brussels sprouts back to the bowl. Add the chopped pistachios and drizzle with honey. Toss until evenly coated, then season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Video
Notes
- Cut the brussels sprouts into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. Larger sprouts should be quartered, while smaller ones can be halved.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in a single layer helps the brussels sprouts get crispy rather than steam.
- If your air fryer runs hot, start checking for doneness around the 8-minute mark and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- The umami seasoning used in this recipe is a mushroom-based blend. If you do not have umami seasoning, simply omit it or substitute with a pinch of onion powder or additional garlic powder.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the honey slightly or drizzle it lightly rather than tossing the brussels sprouts fully.
- These brussels sprouts are best enjoyed right away, but leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to help restore crispness.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Pistachios with honey is one of my favorite flavor combos. It’s especially tasty on crispy air fryer brussels sprouts. A perfect blend of flavor and texture. I hope you love the recipe!
These are great! Fantastic app or side. Make this recipe all the time!
So good and easy! Great side to have in my back pocket now!!
Excellent recipe!! I was looking to change up my brussel sprouts recipe since I usually just stick with salt pepper and EVOO. Everyone in the family loved this! The pistachios added a perfect crunch.