Crispy honey balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts
Crispy honey balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 138 calories per serving. Recipe by Trazia Rae on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $3.86 total, $0.96 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels Sprouts (trimmed, outer leaves removed, halved)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin recommended)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Aleppo Pepper (or crushed red pepper flakes)
- 0.5 tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 2 Tbsp Balsamic Glaze (plus extra for finishing)
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Honey (for finishing drizzle)
Instructions
Trim and Halve Sprouts
Cut off the stem ends of the Brussels sprouts, discard any wilted outer leaves, and slice each sprout in half lengthwise.
Time: PT5M
Season the Sprouts
Place the halved sprouts in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, Aleppo pepper (or crushed red pepper), and salt. Toss until evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Add Sweet Glaze
Add the balsamic glaze and brown sugar to the bowl. Toss again so the sugar begins to caramelize during cooking.
Time: PT2M
First Air‑Fry Phase
Transfer the seasoned sprouts to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 350°F
Finish Air‑Frying
After 15 minutes, give the basket a good shake, then continue air frying for another 5 minutes until the edges are caramelized and crisp.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Plate and Finish
Transfer the sprouts to a serving plate. Drizzle with additional balsamic glaze and a tablespoon of honey for a glossy, sweet finish.
Time: PT2M
Clean Up
Allow the air fryer to cool, then wipe the basket and interior with a damp cloth. Wash the bowl, utensils, and cutting board.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 138
- Protein
- 3.4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 18 g
- Fat
- 7 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, Can be made Vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup
Allergens: Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Brussels Sprouts: Broccolini, Green beans
- Instead of Olive Oil: Avocado oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic, Garlic salt (reduce added salt)
- Instead of Aleppo Pepper: Crushed red pepper, Paprika
- Instead of Salt: Soy sauce (use less)
- Instead of Balsamic Glaze: Reduced balsamic vinegar, Maple‑balsamic reduction
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar, Honey (adjust other sweeteners)
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Tongs or Spoon
- Plate or Serving Dish
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Trimming and halving Brussels sprouts evenly.
- Coating sprouts thoroughly with oil and seasonings.
- Ensuring the brown sugar and balsamic glaze are evenly distributed.
- Air frying at the correct temperature and shaking halfway.
- Adding honey after cooking to avoid burning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh, firm Brussels sprouts; older ones tend to be bitter.
- A light drizzle of oil (just enough to coat) prevents the glaze from becoming too sticky.
- For extra depth, add a splash of soy sauce to the glaze mixture.
Troubleshooting
Sprouts are soggy, not crispy.
Make sure the sprouts are thoroughly dried before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the basket. Increase the final air‑fry time by 2‑3 minutes.
Burnt sugar spots.
Reduce the amount of brown sugar or lower the temperature to 325°F for the last 5 minutes.
Uneven browning.
Shake the basket halfway through cooking and spread sprouts in a single layer.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Re‑heat in the air fryer for 3‑4 minutes to restore crispness.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture becomes soggy after thawing.
Room temperature: Best served immediately; will lose crunch after 1 hour.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Season the sprouts and keep them in a sealed bowl in the fridge for up to 12 hours before air frying.
- The glaze can be prepared ahead; store in a small jar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Brussels sprouts in European cuisine?
Brussels sprouts originated in the Low Countries (modern Belgium) in the 16th century and have long been a staple winter vegetable in Belgian, Dutch, and German cooking, often served roasted or sautéed.
What traditional regional variations of Brussels sprouts exist in Belgian cuisine?
In Belgium, Brussels sprouts are traditionally boiled and served with bacon, or roasted with butter and chestnuts. Some regions add mustard or a splash of vinegar for brightness.
How are Brussels sprouts traditionally served during holiday celebrations in the Netherlands?
During Dutch holiday feasts, Brussels sprouts are often braised with smoked sausage and apples, providing a sweet‑savory side that complements roast meats.
What occasions or celebrations is Brussels sprouts traditionally associated with in Belgian culture?
Brussels sprouts are a classic winter comfort food, frequently featured at family gatherings, Christmas Eve dinners, and New Year’s celebrations throughout Belgium.
How does this air‑fried Brussels sprouts recipe fit into the broader American side‑dish tradition?
The recipe adapts the European love for caramelized Brussels sprouts to modern American kitchens by using an air fryer for a healthier, faster crisp, while adding familiar sweet‑spicy flavors like balsamic glaze and honey.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Brussels sprouts versus acceptable substitutes in this recipe?
Traditional ingredients include butter, bacon, and simple salt. In this recipe, olive oil replaces butter, Aleppo pepper adds a gentle heat, and balsamic glaze provides a sweet‑tangy glaze; honey can be swapped for maple syrup for a vegan version.
What other Belgian or Dutch dishes pair well with these air‑fried Brussels sprouts?
They pair beautifully with roasted pork loin, beef stew, or a classic Belgian mussels dish (moules‑frites). For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a creamy potato gratin or mushroom stroganoff.
What makes this air‑fried Brussels sprouts recipe special or unique in American cuisine?
The combination of a quick air‑fry method, a sweet balsamic‑brown‑sugar glaze, and a finishing honey drizzle creates a caramelized crunch that’s both healthier and faster than traditional oven‑roasting.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making air‑fried Brussels sprouts?
Common errors include overcrowding the basket, not drying the sprouts before seasoning, and adding too much sugar which can burn. Follow the shaking step and keep the temperature at 350°F for best results.
Why does this recipe use Aleppo pepper instead of regular crushed red pepper?
Aleppo pepper offers a milder, fruitier heat with a subtle smoky note, balancing the sweet glaze without overwhelming the natural flavor of the sprouts.
What does the YouTube channel Trazia Rae specialize in?
The YouTube channel Trazia Rae focuses on quick, approachable home cooking videos that often feature modern twists on classic comfort foods, with an emphasis on healthy techniques like air frying.
How does the YouTube channel Trazia Rae's approach to vegetable side dishes differ from other cooking channels?
Trazia Rae emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, high‑impact flavor combos, and the use of kitchen gadgets like air fryers to achieve restaurant‑quality texture without deep frying, setting her apart from channels that rely on traditional stovetop methods.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
