Frozen Brussel Sprout Recipes 13 Crispy Easy Oven Air Fryer Ideas

Tired of pulling a bag of frozen Brussels sprouts from the freezer, full of hope, only to end up with a plate of sad, soggy, and disappointingly mushy greens? You’re not alone. For too long, frozen sprouts have had a bad reputation, often turning into a bitter, waterlogged side dish that nobody gets excited about. It’s the classic frozen vegetable problem: the convenience is unbeatable, but the texture often leaves much to be desired.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. We’ve tested countless batches to pinpoint the exact techniques that transform icy sprouts into a crave-worthy, crispy side dish. Forget everything you thought you knew about frozen vegetables. The secret to achieving that perfect, golden-brown, and deliciously charred exterior isn’t some complicated culinary trick—it’s about leveraging high heat and knowing the one crucial rule that changes everything.

The secret to crispy frozen Brussels sprouts is cooking them directly from frozen at a high temperature (400°F+). Do not thaw them, as this introduces moisture that leads to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in a soggy texture. By putting them straight into a hot oven or air fryer, you guarantee a crispy, delicious result every single time.

Tired of Soggy Sprouts? Here’s How to Make Frozen Brussels Sprouts Incredibly Crispy

The key to delicious, crispy frozen Brussels sprouts is using high, direct heat from an oven or air fryer and never, ever thawing them first. This method forces the excess moisture to evaporate quickly, allowing the outer leaves to roast and caramelize into a perfectly crunchy texture, bypassing the dreaded soggy stage entirely. We’ve found that this simple shift in technique is the single most important factor in transforming frozen sprouts from mushy to magnificent.

The #1 Rule: Why You Should Never Thaw Frozen Brussels Sprouts

No, you should never thaw frozen Brussels sprouts before cooking. Cooking them directly from frozen prevents them from becoming soggy and helps achieve a much crispier exterior because the surface moisture from thawing is eliminated. Thawing releases a significant amount of water from the sprouts. When you put these thawed, wet sprouts into a hot environment, that water turns to steam. Instead of roasting, the sprouts essentially steam themselves, leading to a soft, mushy, and often bitter result. Cooking from frozen is the non-negotiable first step to crispy perfection.

13 Crispy & Easy Frozen Brussel Sprout Recipes (Updated for 2025)

Ready to turn that bag of frozen sprouts into the star of your dinner table? We’ve curated 13 foolproof recipes designed for maximum crispiness and flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re a fan of the quick and powerful air fryer or the reliable classic oven, there’s a recipe here for you. From savory and cheesy to sweet and spicy, each of these methods has been tested to ensure you get that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture every time.

1. The Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts

This foundational recipe is the quickest and most reliable way to get perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts using an air fryer. By tossing frozen sprouts with simple seasonings and air frying at a high temperature, you achieve a deeply golden and crunchy exterior in under 20 minutes.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (12-16 oz) bag frozen Brussels sprouts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss the frozen Brussels sprouts directly from the bag with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
  3. Place the seasoned sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single, even layer. Do not overcrowd.
  4. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously halfway through (at the 8-10 minute mark).
  5. Cook until the sprouts are tender on the inside and deeply golden and crispy on the outside. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: For smaller air fryers, it’s better to cook in two smaller batches than one overcrowded batch. This guarantees maximum air circulation and crispiness.

Pin this foolproof recipe to your “Easy Side Dishes” board!

2. Classic Oven-Roasted Garlic Parmesan Frozen Brussels Sprouts

This classic recipe creates an irresistibly savory and cheesy side dish by roasting frozen sprouts with garlic and finishing them with melted Parmesan cheese. The high heat of the oven ensures the sprouts get crispy while the Parmesan adds a delicious, golden-brown crust.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (12-16 oz) bag frozen Brussels sprouts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. On the baking sheet, toss the frozen Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.
  3. Spread the sprouts in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
  4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
  5. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the sprouts and return to the oven until the cheese is melted and golden.

Pro-Tip: Using parchment paper is key for this recipe. It prevents the Parmesan from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze.

Save this cheesy side dish for your next family dinner!

3. Tangy Balsamic Glaze Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

This recipe achieves the perfect balance of sweet and tangy by coating crispy air-fried sprouts in a rich balsamic glaze during the final moments of cooking. Adding the glaze at the end allows it to caramelize without burning, creating an elegant and flavorful finish.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (12-16 oz) bag frozen Brussels sprouts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
  2. Toss frozen sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Air fry in a single layer for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  4. After 15 minutes, check for crispiness. Transfer the hot sprouts back to the bowl, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and toss to coat.
  5. Return to the air fryer for 1-2 more minutes to let the glaze caramelize slightly. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Lesson Learned: Add the balsamic glaze at the very end of cooking. If added too early, the sugars in the glaze can burn before the sprouts are fully cooked and crispy.

Add a touch of elegance to your weeknight meals! Pin this now.

4. Crispy Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

This recipe combines two powerhouse ingredients, roasting frozen Brussels sprouts and chopped bacon together on one pan for a smoky, savory, and utterly addictive side dish. The sprouts cook in the rendered bacon fat, infusing them with incredible flavor and helping them get extra crispy.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (12-16 oz) bag frozen Brussels sprouts
  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. On a large baking sheet, toss the frozen sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread into a single layer.
  3. Roast for 10 minutes.
  4. Remove the pan from the oven, add the chopped bacon, and toss everything together.
  5. Return to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender and crispy and the bacon is cooked and crisp.

Pro-Tip: For extra flavor, toss the sprouts in a little of the rendered bacon fat halfway through the second roasting period.

The ultimate savory side dish! Pin it for later.

5. Sweet & Spicy Honey Sriracha Air Fryer Sprouts

This recipe delivers a huge flavor punch by tossing ultra-crispy air-fried sprouts in a vibrant honey Sriracha sauce. The combination of sweet honey, spicy Sriracha, and savory soy sauce creates a sticky, glossy coating that clings to every nook and cranny of the crunchy sprouts.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (12-16 oz) bag frozen Brussels sprouts
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • Sauce: 2 tbsp honey, 1-2 tsp Sriracha (to taste), 1 tsp soy sauce
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss frozen sprouts with avocado oil. Air fry in a single layer for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy.
  3. While sprouts are cooking, whisk together the honey, Sriracha, and soy sauce in a large bowl.
  4. Transfer the hot, crispy sprouts to the bowl with the sauce and toss immediately to coat evenly.
  5. Serve right away, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

Pro-Tip: Tossing the hot sprouts in the sauce after cooking preserves their crispiness. Mixing the sauce in before cooking can prevent them from crisping up properly.

Spice up your dinner routine! Save this recipe now.

6. Easy “Everything Bagel” Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

This incredibly simple recipe uses a trendy seasoning blend to create a savory, crunchy, and flavor-packed side dish with just three ingredients. The Everything Bagel seasoning provides all the garlic, onion, and salty notes you need, making this one of the easiest and tastiest ways to prepare frozen sprouts.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (12-16 oz) bag frozen Brussels sprouts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Everything But The Bagel seasoning
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, toss the frozen sprouts with olive oil until lightly coated.
  3. Add the Everything Bagel seasoning and toss again until the sprouts are evenly covered.
  4. Air fry in a single layer for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until golden and crisp.

Lesson Learned: Don’t add extra salt until you taste the final product, as Everything Bagel seasoning already contains a good amount of salt.

Your favorite seasoning just found its new best friend! Pin this 3-ingredient recipe.

7. Simple Lemon & Herb Roasted Frozen Sprouts

For a lighter, healthier option, this recipe combines oven-roasted frozen sprouts with classic herbs and a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The result is a fresh, zesty, and versatile side dish that pairs well with almost any main course.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (12-16 oz) bag frozen Brussels sprouts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 fresh lemon, cut into wedges for serving
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. On a baking sheet, toss frozen sprouts with olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping once, until tender and caramelized.
  4. Remove from oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot sprouts just before serving.

Pro-Tip: Adding the fresh lemon juice after roasting preserves its bright, zesty flavor. Cooking lemon juice can sometimes make it taste bitter.

Looking for a healthy side? Pin this fresh and zesty recipe!

8. Oven-Roasted Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts

This recipe creates a perfect sweet-and-savory balance by coating roasted sprouts in a delicious maple Dijon glaze. The mustard provides a tangy counterpoint to the sweet maple syrup, which caramelizes beautifully in the hot oven.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (12-16 oz) bag frozen Brussels sprouts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Sauce: 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss the frozen sprouts with olive oil on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
  3. While roasting, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and salt.
  4. Remove sprouts from the oven, pour the sauce over them, and toss to coat.
  5. Return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until the glaze is caramelized and the sprouts are crispy.

Lesson Learned: Keep a close eye on the sprouts during the second half of cooking. The maple syrup can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly.

The perfect fall side dish! Save this Maple Dijon recipe.

9. Extra-Crispy Air Fryer Sprouts (The Cornstarch Trick)

The secret to an unbelievably crunchy texture is using a light dusting of cornstarch before air frying. The cornstarch absorbs any excess surface moisture from the frozen sprouts and creates an ultra-light, crackly coating that shatters when you bite into it.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (12-16 oz) bag frozen Brussels sprouts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, salt, and garlic powder.
  3. Add the frozen sprouts and toss to coat them in the dry mixture.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil and toss again until everything is evenly combined. The cornstarch should form a very thin paste on the sprouts.
  5. Air fry in a single layer for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway, until they are exceptionally crispy and golden brown.

Pro-Tip: The cornstarch absorbs excess moisture from the frozen sprouts and creates an ultra-light, crispy coating when air fried. This is the secret to a guaranteed crunch.

Unlock the secret to the crispiest sprouts ever! Pin this cooking hack.

10. Cheesy Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Sprouts

This low-carb, keto-friendly recipe creates an irresistible cheesy crust by dredging frozen sprouts in finely grated Parmesan before air frying. The cheese melts and crisps up into a savory, golden-brown shell around each sprout.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (12-16 oz) bag frozen Brussels sprouts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine the Parmesan, garlic powder, and pepper.
  3. Toss the frozen sprouts with olive oil. Then, dredge them in the Parmesan mixture until thoroughly coated.
  4. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking gently once, until the cheese forms a golden, crispy crust.

Lesson Learned: Use a slightly lower temperature (380°F) for this recipe to ensure the cheese crisps up without burning before the sprouts cook through.

A cheesy, keto-friendly side you’ll love! Save this recipe.

11. Spicy Chili Garlic Roasted Frozen Sprouts

This recipe brings the heat by tossing frozen sprouts in a bold and spicy mixture of chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil before roasting. The high oven heat caramelizes the sauce, creating deeply flavorful sprouts with crispy, blackened edges.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (12-16 oz) bag frozen Brussels sprouts
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
  • 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, and soy sauce.
  3. Add the frozen sprouts and toss until they are completely coated.
  4. Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until the edges are dark and crispy and the sauce is caramelized.

Pro-Tip: Using sesame oil instead of olive oil adds a deeper, nuttier flavor that pairs perfectly with the chili garlic sauce.

Bring the heat to your next meal! Pin this spicy recipe.

12. Sweet & Savory Honey Balsamic Roasted Sprouts

A true crowd-pleaser, this recipe combines the classic pairing of honey and balsamic vinegar to create a rich, syrupy glaze for oven-roasted sprouts. Roasting the sprouts first before adding the glaze ensures they get crispy while the sauce thickens perfectly in the final minutes of cooking.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (12-16 oz) bag frozen Brussels sprouts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Sauce: 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, pinch of salt
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss frozen sprouts with olive oil on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and salt.
  4. Drizzle the sauce over the partially-cooked sprouts and toss to coat.
  5. Return to the oven for 10-15 more minutes, until the glaze has thickened and the sprouts are tender and crispy at the edges.

Pro-Tip: For an even more savory version, add cooked, crumbled bacon when you toss the sprouts with the honey balsamic sauce.

The perfect blend of sweet and savory. Save this recipe for your next gathering!

13. Savory Onion & Herb Air Fryer Sprouts

This recipe is a go-to for a simple, savory, and universally loved side dish using common pantry staples. A classic blend of onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper provides a delicious, all-purpose flavor that lets the nutty taste of the crispy sprouts shine.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (12-16 oz) bag frozen Brussels sprouts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine the onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the frozen sprouts, drizzle with olive oil, and toss until the sprouts are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
  4. Air fry in a single layer for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and fragrant.

Pro-Tip: This simple savory blend is a fantastic base. Feel free to add other dried herbs you have on hand, like thyme or oregano, to customize the flavor.

Your new go-to savory side dish. Pin this simple recipe!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Perfect Frozen Brussels Sprouts

• NEVER Thaw: Cook Brussels sprouts directly from frozen to prevent sogginess and achieve maximum crispiness.
• High Heat is Key: Use a hot oven (400°F-425°F) or air fryer (390°F-400°F) to ensure a crispy, roasted exterior rather than a steamed one.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Arrange sprouts in a single layer with space between them. This allows hot air to circulate, which is essential for browning and crisping. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Oil is Your Friend: A light coating of oil helps seasonings stick and promotes browning and crisping.
• Shake or Flip: Halfway through cooking, shake the air fryer basket or flip the sprouts on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

People Also Ask About Frozen Brussels Sprouts

Do you thaw frozen Brussels sprouts before cooking?

No, you should never thaw frozen Brussels sprouts before roasting or air frying. Cooking them directly from a frozen state is the key to preventing a mushy texture. Thawing releases excess water, which causes the sprouts to steam instead of roast, resulting in a soggy outcome. High heat applied directly to frozen sprouts yields a much crispier result.

How do you cook frozen Brussels sprouts so they are not bitter?

To reduce bitterness, cook Brussels sprouts at a high temperature. Roasting or air frying at 400°F or higher helps to caramelize their natural sugars, which creates a sweeter, nuttier flavor that counteracts bitterness. Pairing them with sweet ingredients like balsamic glaze, maple syrup, or honey, or savory additions like bacon and Parmesan, also helps to mask any bitter notes.

What is one major side effect of eating Brussels sprouts?

For some people, a potential side effect of eating Brussels sprouts is digestive discomfort, such as gas and bloating. This is because they contain a type of carbohydrate called raffinose that the human body can’t easily break down. Cooking them thoroughly can help make them easier to digest. If you are sensitive, start with a small portion to see how your body reacts.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have 13 amazing recipes and the essential techniques for success, frozen Brussels sprouts are about to become your new favorite side dish. No more soggy, disappointing results—only crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked sprouts that are easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for a holiday dinner. The convenience of the freezer aisle no longer means sacrificing texture or taste.

Which flavor combination are you most excited to try first? Let me know in the comments below