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Air Fryer Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Pecans

By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Apr 12, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
American 23 mins air-fryer-friendlyhealthyeasygluten-freevegetarianvegancrispsweetsavory30-minutes-or-lessfamily-friendlybudget-friendly

Enjoy a deliciously crispy and sweet-savory side dish with these Air Fryer Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts topped with crunchy toasted pecans. Faster than oven roasting and glazed with pure maple syrup, this healthy, vegan-friendly, gluten-free recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners and family gatherings.

Air Fryer Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Pecans
Prep 8 min
Cook 15 min
Total 23 min
Servings 4
Difficulty easy
Cuisine American

Recipe Details

Prep8 min
Cook15 min
Total23 min
Servings4
Difficultyeasy
CuisineAmerican
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Ingredients

Servings 4
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/3 cup pecan halves
  • Optional
  • pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
  3. Arrange the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
  4. Cook for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
  5. While the Brussels sprouts cook, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Check the Brussels sprouts for tenderness and crispiness after 12 minutes; cook an additional 2–3 minutes if a crispier texture is preferred.
  7. Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl, sprinkle the toasted pecans on top, and gently toss to combine.
  8. Serve warm as a flavorful, healthy, and vegan side dish that pairs wonderfully with your favorite main courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Customize this Air Fryer Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe to fit your preferences or dietary needs with these substitutions:

  • Brussels Sprouts: Use halved baby broccoli or broccolini for similar texture and a slightly different flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Substitute avocado oil or light vegetable oil for a mild, healthy option.
  • Pure Maple Syrup: Swap with agave nectar or brown rice syrup for vegan sweeteners; use sugar-free maple-flavored syrup for a low sugar option.
  • Kosher Salt: Sea salt or Himalayan pink salt can be used interchangeably.
  • Smoked Paprika: Replace with regular paprika or chipotle powder for varied smoky or spicy notes.
  • Pecan Halves: Toasted walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds work well as crunchy, gluten-free alternatives.
  • Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Omit for mild flavor or use cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

All substitutions maintain this recipe’s core qualities: air-fryer-friendly, vegan, gluten-free, healthy, quick, easy, and family-friendly. Adjust as needed based on available ingredients and taste!

Air Fryer Model Notes

This Air Fryer Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Pecans recipe works well with most basket-style air fryer models; however, minor adjustments might be needed based on your air fryer’s size and airflow.

Small or Compact Air Fryers: Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even roasting and crispiness. You may need to cook in batches or reduce portions. Monitor cooking times as compact models can run hotter and cook faster.

Larger or High-Capacity Air Fryers: Larger baskets provide ample space for a single layer, promoting optimal crisping and caramelization. Toss sprouts halfway during cooking for even browning.

Varied Heating Elements and Fans: Differences in heating and fan placement affect crispness and cook time. If sprouts aren’t sufficiently crisp, add 2–3 minutes cooking time, shake more frequently, or increase temperature by 5–10°F.

Using Preset Functions: For best results, manually set the temperature to 375°F for 12 minutes rather than using presets. This allows perfect sweet and savory glaze development with a crispy exterior.

Ensure a single layer with good air circulation, adjusting times based on your air fryer’s performance for perfectly caramelized and crispy Brussels sprouts every time.

Crispiness Control

For ideal crispiness, cut Brussels sprouts evenly and thoroughly dry them before tossing with olive oil and maple syrup. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to promote even caramelization. Add 2–3 extra minutes for a crisper finish, watching closely to avoid burning the maple glaze.

Toast pecans separately in a dry skillet to maintain their crunch and prevent sogginess from air frying.

Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure good airflow and optimal texture. Using exactly 2 tbsp olive oil balances crispness without excess fat.

This technique delivers Brussels sprouts with tender interiors and caramelized, crisp edges—ideal as a healthy, vegan, family-friendly side dish.

Reheat In The Air Fryer

To reheat Air Fryer Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Pecans while retaining crispiness and flavor, follow these steps:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
  2. Place Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding to preserve crisp texture.
  3. Heat for 4–5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to evenly re-crisp.
  4. Check for desired warmth and texture. Add 1–2 minutes heating if needed, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  5. Optional: Sprinkle fresh pecan halves over the sprouts before reheating an additional 1 minute if nuts have softened.

Tip: Reheating in the air fryer preserves the maple glaze’s sweet-savory balance and keeps the exterior crisp, much better than microwaving. Perfect for meal prep leftovers.

What To Serve With This In The Air Fryer

These sweet and savory Air Fryer Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Pecans make an excellent side dish to accompany a variety of air fryer mains. Try pairing them with:

  • Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful chicken balances the maple glaze beautifully.
  • Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Fillets: Rich, buttery salmon complements the tender crisp sprouts.
  • Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes: Savory, crispy potatoes offer a delicious contrast to nutty pecans.
  • Air Fryer Tofu Steaks with Smoky BBQ Sauce: A vegan, protein-packed option that pairs well with smoky paprika and maple flavors.

Add air-fried garlic bread or roasted asparagus to complete a quick, family-friendly, and budget-conscious meal—all ready in under 30 minutes using your air fryer.

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