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Air Fryer Paleo Herb-Crusted Venison Medallions with Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Apr 4, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
American 30 mins air-fryer-friendlypaleohealthyhigh-proteingluten-freeeasycrispsavoryfamily-friendlyweeknight-dinnercomfort-food

Savor tender venison medallions coated in a paleo herb crust, air-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy center, served with garlicky, crisp Brussels sprouts. This gluten-free, high-protein main course is quick, easy, and ideal for healthy weeknight dinners or family meals.

Air Fryer Paleo Herb-Crusted Venison Medallions with Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Prep 15 min
Cook 15 min
Total 30 min
Servings 4
Difficulty easy
Cuisine American

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook15 min
Total30 min
Servings4
Difficultyeasy
CuisineAmerican
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Ingredients

Servings 4
  • 1 lb venison medallions (about 4 pieces, roughly 4 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons almond flour
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC) for about 5 minutes while prepping ingredients.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix almond flour, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper to create the paleo herb crust.
  3. Pat dry the venison medallions. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over them and press the herb crust mixture evenly on all sides to adhere.
  4. Toss halved Brussels sprouts with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, sliced garlic, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until evenly coated.
  5. Place the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400ºF for 8 minutes, shaking halfway to ensure even crisping.
  6. After 8 minutes, move Brussels sprouts to the basket edges to free space in the center for the venison medallions.
  7. Add the herb-crusted venison medallions to the basket center. Air fry everything together at 400ºF for 7 to 9 minutes, flipping the venison halfway, until cooked to medium-rare (internal temperature ~135ºF) or your desired doneness.
  8. Remove venison and Brussels sprouts. Let venison rest 5 minutes to retain juices.
  9. Optionally, garnish Brussels sprouts with lemon zest and sprinkle chopped parsley over venison for a fresh finish.
  10. Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy herb-crusted venison with savory garlic roasted Brussels sprouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Customize the Air Fryer Paleo Herb-Crusted Venison Medallions with Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts to suit your dietary needs or ingredient availability with these paleo-friendly substitutions:

  • Venison: Swap with lean alternatives like bison, beef tenderloin, or lamb medallions for similar flavor and protein.
  • Almond flour: Use coconut flour (reduce quantity) or ground flaxseed for nut-free paleo options; gluten-free breadcrumbs work for a non-paleo alternative.
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme): Use dried herbs (reduce amount) or herbes de Provence and Italian seasoning blends for comparable flavors.
  • Garlic powder: Substitute with fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor or garlic-infused olive oil.
  • Smoked paprika: Replace with regular paprika for milder taste or add cayenne pepper for spice.
  • Olive oil: Avocado or macadamia nut oils are paleo-friendly alternatives with high smoke points.
  • Brussels sprouts: Try halved asparagus, broccoli florets, or green beans tossed with garlic and oil if preferred.
  • Garnishes: Substitute lemon zest and parsley with chopped cilantro, chives, or nutritional yeast for savory umami flavors.

These swaps keep the recipe paleo, gluten-free, healthy, and family-friendly while allowing for flexibility based on pantry or taste.

Air Fryer Model Notes

This Paleo herb-crusted venison recipe benefits from your air fryer’s specific features. Basket size and air flow play key roles in evenly cooking the venison medallions and Brussels sprouts.

For compact or drawer-style air fryers, avoid overcrowding to maintain proper airflow, allowing the venison crust to crisp and the Brussels sprouts to roast evenly. Cooking in batches may be necessary if space is limited.

Larger multi-rack air fryers allow simultaneous cooking on separate levels; rotate trays or swap racks midway to ensure even results.

Since venison is best medium-rare (~135ºF internal), use an accurate instant-read thermometer and verify your air fryer’s temperature calibration to prevent overcooking.

Powerful air fryers may reduce cooking times slightly, while less intense models might require full timing for desired crispness.

Adjust basket arrangement and monitor doneness, especially on smaller or unfamiliar units, to achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy venison in this family-friendly, paleo, high-protein dish.

Crispiness Control

Maximize crispiness for your paleo herb-crusted venison medallions and garlic roasted Brussels sprouts with these air fryer tips tailored for a Main Courses recipe emphasizing crispy, flavorful, and healthy results:

  • Preheat properly: Ensure the air fryer reaches 400ºF (200ºC) before cooking to seal the crust and crisp Brussels sprouts evenly.
  • Oil usage: Use the full 2 tablespoons of olive oil as directed—1 tablespoon coats the venison, helping the almond flour crust to turn golden, and 1 tablespoon for tossing Brussels sprouts to promote browning without excess fat.
  • Don’t overcrowd: Arrange Brussels sprouts in a single layer initially, then add venison medallions with some space for air circulation to prevent steaming.
  • Shake and flip: Shake Brussels sprouts halfway during their cook to brown all sides; flip venison medallions midway during cooking to evenly crisp the crust.
  • Customize crispness: For extra-crispy Brussels sprouts, extend their initial cook by 2-3 minutes or add a short final crisp stage.
  • Rest meat: Let venison rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep juices in and preserve the crisp crust texture.

Following these guidelines delivers a perfectly crisp, savory, paleo, gluten-free, and high-protein main course full of flavor and texture.

Reheat In The Air Fryer

Reheat your Air Fryer Paleo Herb-Crusted Venison Medallions with Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts while preserving crispness and juiciness using this method:

  1. Preheat air fryer to 350ºF (175ºC) for 3-5 minutes for gentle reheating.
  2. Arrange leftovers in a single layer, separating venison from Brussels sprouts for even warming.
  3. Reheat Brussels sprouts for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness and warm garlic flavor.
  4. Add venison and continue reheating for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway to maintain tenderness and crust texture.
  5. Check venison’s internal temperature to reach 130ºF or above to ensure safety, adjusting for thicker cuts.
  6. Rest the meat 2-3 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Additional tips:

  • Avoid overcrowding to prevent sogginess.
  • For frozen leftovers, thaw first or lower temperature to 325ºF with longer cook time.
  • Fresh parsley and lemon zest add bright flavor after reheating.

This reheating method keeps your paleo, gluten-free main course moist, crispy, and flavorful—ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

What To Serve With This In The Air Fryer

Complement your paleo herb-crusted venison and garlic roasted Brussels sprouts with these air fryer-friendly, healthy sides that balance and enhance the rich, savory flavors:

  • Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, lightly seasoned sweet potato fries offer a sweet crunch that pairs well with earthy venison.
  • Air Fried Asparagus with Lemon & Garlic: Quick, bright asparagus tossed in olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest provides freshness with minimal effort.
  • Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks or Florets: Seasoned with smoked paprika and sea salt, these maintain paleo and gluten-free compliance with a mild roasted flavor.
  • Air Fryer Mixed Mushroom Medley: Cremini, shiitake, and button mushrooms add umami richness that enhances the herb crust on venison.
  • Kale Chips: Light and crisp with nutritional yeast or sea salt seasoning, these low-carb chips add texture and flavor.

These sides complement the main course’s savory notes while keeping the meal paleo, gluten-free, and nutrient-packed. Pair with a green salad or paleo rosemary garlic aioli for an elevated family-friendly dinner.

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