Irresistible Air Fryer Christmas Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad in Under 30 Minutes

Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday side dish – this Air Fryer Christmas Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad! It’s the perfect mix of crispy, sweet, and tangy that’ll make even the veggie skeptics at your table come back for seconds. I first made this for our family’s Christmas potluck last year, and now my cousins won’t let me show up without it. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss – just toss, air fry, and assemble. That magical air fryer crispiness turns ordinary Brussels sprouts into something truly special, while the cranberries and walnuts give it that festive holiday flair we all crave.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Christmas Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad

Trust me, this isn’t your average sad holiday vegetable side! Here’s why it’ll become your new go-to:

• That perfect crispy texture – The air fryer gives sprouts an irresistible crunch without all the oil of deep frying
• Ready in under 30 minutes – From fridge to table faster than you can wrap presents!
• Festive flavors that pop – Sweet cranberries, toasty walnuts, and tangy balsamic make it taste like Christmas
• Easy clean-up – Just one bowl and the air fryer basket to wash
• Crowd-pleaser magic – Turns Brussels sprouts haters into believers (I’ve seen it happen!)

Ingredients for Air Fryer Christmas Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad

You won’t believe how simple the ingredient list is for something that tastes this fancy! Here’s everything you’ll need to make this holiday showstopper:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts – Look for firm, bright green ones, and yes, we’ll trim those ends and halve them (the flat sides get extra crispy!)
• 2 tbsp olive oil – My everyday EVOO works great here – no need for fancy stuff
• 1/2 tsp salt – I use kosher salt for more even seasoning
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground if you’ve got it
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries – Those little ruby-red jewels make it Christmasy
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts – Toast them first if you’re feeling extra (I always am)
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze – That thick, syrupy drizzle that makes everything better

See? Nothing crazy – just good, simple ingredients that work together like holiday magic. Pro tip: measure everything before you start cooking because once those sprouts hit the air fryer, things move fast!

How to Make Air Fryer Christmas Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad

Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe moves fast once you start, so I like to have everything prepped and ready to go. Don’t worry – it’s way easier than wrapping presents!

Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

First things first – let’s get those sprouts ready for their crispy makeover. I trim off the dry ends (just a sliver – no need to go crazy) and slice each one in half from top to bottom. The flat sides will get beautifully browned in the air fryer! Toss them in a big bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re all shiny and coated. Pro tip: if some sprouts are much bigger than others, cut them into quarters so everything cooks evenly.

Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection

Now for the magic – preheat your air fryer to 375°F (yes, preheating matters!). Spread the sprouts in a single layer in the basket – don’t crowd them or they’ll steam instead of crisp up. Set the timer for 12-15 minutes total, but here’s my secret: at the halfway mark, pause the fryer and give that basket a good shake! This helps all sides get evenly crispy. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn golden brown and the centers are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Transfer those gorgeous crispy sprouts to your serving bowl while they’re still piping hot. Now toss in the cranberries and walnuts – the heat helps soften the cranberries just enough. Finally, drizzle that luscious balsamic glaze over everything. I like to zigzag it back and forth for pretty presentation. Give it one gentle toss to distribute all those flavors, and voila! Holiday magic in a bowl.

Serve it warm for maximum crispiness, though honestly it’s delicious at room temperature too when you’re juggling a million dishes on Christmas day!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Christmas Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad

After making this about a hundred times (no exaggeration – my family demands it year-round now), I’ve picked up some tricks for absolute perfection:

• Size matters! Keep those Brussels sprout halves roughly the same size so they cook evenly. If some are huge, quarter them – nobody wants a mix of charred bits and hard centers.
• Don’t skip the shake! That mid-cook basket shake is non-negotiable for even crispiness. I set a timer for 6 minutes so I don’t forget.
• Taste as you go – Air fryers vary, so start checking at 10 minutes. They’re done when fork-tender with crispy edges, not mushy.
• Salt last if unsure – I often add just half the salt before cooking, then finish to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
• Glaze with gusto – Wait until serving to drizzle the balsamic so it stays shiny and doesn’t make the sprouts soggy. The thicker the glaze, the prettier the presentation.
• Nut upgrade – Toasting the walnuts first in a dry skillet takes about 3 minutes and adds amazing depth. Just watch them like a hawk – they burn fast!

One last thing – don’t stress! Even when I’ve slightly overcooked or under-seasoned, this salad always disappears. The combo of flavors is just that good.

Variations for Your Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Salad

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can mix it up for different tastes or what’s in your pantry. Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried – each one brings its own holiday cheer!

Nutty Alternatives

Walnuts are classic, but don’t be afraid to play around:

• Pecans – Their buttery richness makes them my second favorite after walnuts
• Almonds – Sliced or slivered almonds add nice crunch and a milder flavor
• Hazelnuts – Fancy and festive, especially if you toast and skin them first
• Pine nuts – Pricey but oh-so-worth it for special occasions

Fruit Swaps

The cranberries can take a vacation sometimes too:

• Pomegranate seeds – Those juicy red gems burst with holiday color and tartness
• Dried cherries – Extra sweet-tart punch that pairs beautifully with Brussels
• Golden raisins – For a more subtle sweetness that won’t steal the show
• Fresh orange segments – Toss them in right before serving for bright citrus notes

Cheese Please!

A little cheese never hurt any vegetable dish:

• Crumbled feta – Salty tang that cuts through the sweetness
• Shaved Parmesan – Use a vegetable peeler for elegant, thin ribbons
• Goat cheese – Little creamy dollops melt slightly on warm sprouts – heaven!
• Blue cheese – Only for true blue lovers, but wow does it work

Spice It Up

Sometimes I add a pinch of something extra when I’m feeling adventurous:

• Red pepper flakes – Just a pinch adds subtle heat that wakes up all the flavors
• Smoked paprika – That hint of smokiness makes it feel extra cozy
• Orange zest – Brightens everything up when mixed with the glaze
• Fresh herbs – Chopped thyme or rosemary add wonderful holiday aromas

The beauty is you can mix and match these based on what you love or what’s already in your fridge. Last Christmas I did pecans, pomegranate, and feta – absolute showstopper! Whatever you choose, the air fryer magic will still give you those crave-worthy crispy sprouts.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Christmas Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad

This salad is practically made for holiday feasting! Here’s how I love to serve it to make the most of those crispy Brussels sprouts and festive flavors:

Perfect holiday pairings:

• Classic Christmas turkey – The tangy balsamic cuts through rich turkey beautifully
• Honey-glazed ham – The salty-sweet ham loves the salad’s crunch and tartness
• Prime rib – Those crispy sprouts are fancy enough for your best beef
• Vegetarian mains – Goes great with stuffed squash or mushroom Wellington

Temperature tips:

• Serve warm – Right from the air fryer for maximum crispiness (my favorite way!)
• Room temp works too – Perfect when you’re juggling oven space on Christmas
• Make ahead hack – Air fry the sprouts early, then reheat for 2 minutes before serving

Presentation pointers:

• Pretty bowl – I use my grandmother’s crystal salad bowl for special occasions
• Extra drizzle – Swirl more balsamic glaze on top right before serving
• Garnish game – A few whole cranberries and walnut halves make it look fancy
• Individual servings – Spoon into small bowls for buffet-style gatherings

Pro tip: I always make a double batch because leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) are amazing the next day tossed into a grain bowl or piled on toast with goat cheese. The walnuts stay crunchy and the flavors actually improve overnight!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Okay, let’s talk leftovers – because if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to make extra of this salad! The good news is it keeps beautifully, though you’ll lose a bit of that initial crispiness. Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I find glass containers work best because they don’t absorb any lingering odors. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days – though honestly, mine never last that long!

Now, here’s my secret for bringing back that magic: always reheat in the air fryer! The microwave will turn your gorgeous crispy sprouts into sad, steamed vegetables – trust me, I learned that lesson the hard way. Just spread them in a single layer in your air fryer basket at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. They won’t be quite as perfect as fresh-out-of-the-fryer, but they’ll get delightfully crispy again. Wait to add any extra cranberries, walnuts, or drizzle until after reheating so they stay fresh and crunchy. If the sprouts seem a bit dry, a tiny spritz of olive oil before reheating works wonders!

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Christmas Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad

Let’s be real – we’re not eating holiday food for the nutrition, but isn’t it nice when something this delicious is actually good for you too? Here’s the breakdown per serving (about 1 cup) of this festive salad:

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 9g (1g saturated, 7g unsaturated)
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 16g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 4g

Not bad for something that tastes like holiday indulgence, right? The Brussels sprouts pack a serious nutritional punch with those 4 grams of fiber per serving (that’s 16% of your daily needs!). The walnuts add healthy fats, and the cranberries bring antioxidants to the party.

*Nutritional values are estimates only and may vary based on specific ingredients used (like different brands of balsamic glaze or olive oil). To be super precise, you’d need to calculate based on your exact products – but honestly, during the holidays I’d rather spend that time eating than math-ing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?

Oh boy, I get this one a lot! While fresh sprouts give the best texture, you can use frozen in a pinch. Just thaw them completely first and pat them super dry – like, paper-towel-patting-until-your-arms-ache dry. They won’t get quite as crispy, but they’ll still taste great. Expect to add a few extra minutes to the air fry time too.

Help! My Brussels sprouts turned out soggy. What went wrong?

Don’t worry – we’ve all been there! The three biggest culprits are: 1) overcrowding the air fryer basket (they need space to crisp!), 2) not preheating the air fryer (that quick blast of hot air makes all the difference), and 3) skipping the mid-cook shake. Next time, try working in smaller batches and give that basket a good jiggle halfway through – you’ll be amazed at the difference!

Can I make this salad ahead of time for my Christmas dinner?

Absolutely! Here’s my make-ahead trick: air fry the sprouts up to 2 days in advance (let them cool completely before refrigerating), then give them a quick 2-3 minute reheat in the air fryer before serving. Keep the cranberries, walnuts, and balsamic glaze separate until the last minute – that way everything stays fresh and crispy. The flavors actually meld beautifully when prepped this way!

What if I don’t have balsamic glaze? Can I substitute something else?

No glaze, no problem! In a pinch, you can simmer regular balsamic vinegar until it reduces by half (watch it like a hawk – it burns fast!). Honey or maple syrup drizzles work too, though they’ll be sweeter. For a fun twist, try pomegranate molasses – it gives the most gorgeous festive color and tangy-sweet flavor.

Is this salad okay for vegetarians/vegans?

Yes! The basic recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Just double-check your balsamic glaze – some brands contain honey. For vegan guests, you might want to toast the walnuts in a dry pan rather than with butter (though honestly, I’ve never met a vegan who complained about a little accidental butter contact!).

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my all-time favorite holiday side that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! If you’re looking for a vegetable dish that’ll actually get eaten at your Christmas feast (and requested again next year), this air fryer Brussels sprouts salad is your answer. The crispy sprouts, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts come together like holiday magic, and that balsamic drizzle? Pure festive perfection.

I’d love to hear how your version turns out! Did you stick with my classic combo or try one of the fun variations? Maybe you discovered a new twist I should know about? Tag me on social or drop a comment below – nothing makes me happier than seeing other families enjoying this recipe as much as mine does. Happy air frying, and may your holiday table be filled with crispy, delicious joy!

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