The Best Way To Cook Frozen Brussels Sprouts So They Taste Fresh

To make frozen Brussels sprouts taste fresh, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded, as this will help them roast evenly. Drizzle them with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and any other preferred spices or herbs, such as garlic powder or thyme, to enhance their flavor. Toss the Brussels sprouts to coat them evenly with the oil and seasonings. Roast them in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. This roasting method helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts and gives them a pleasant texture. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese just before serving. By roasting them at high heat, you can transform frozen Brussels sprouts into a delicious side dish that retains a fresh, vibrant taste, making them a delightful addition to any meal.
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Toss frozen Brussels sprouts in an air fryer for crispy results

Brussels sprouts make a delightful side dish or salad ingredient, particularly when roasted to a golden brown and crispy finish. However, you don’t need to use fresh sprouts to achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality. An air fryer can transform frozen Brussels sprouts into a fresh-tasting treat.

Whether you’re using vegetables you’ve frozen yourself or store-bought frozen varieties, air frying them is a simple process. Start by preheating your air fryer, keeping the Brussels sprouts in the freezer to prevent them from thawing. This step is crucial to avoid sogginess. Once the air fryer is preheated, place the frozen Brussels sprouts in the basket and toss them with a bit of oil, along with your choice of herbs and spices. Halfway through cooking, shake the basket to ensure even air circulation, resulting in beautifully browned sprouts on all sides. The outcome will resemble traditionally roasted Brussels sprouts, featuring a crispy exterior and a tender inside.

After cooking to your desired crispiness, you can elevate the flavor of Brussels sprouts beyond their natural sweetness and basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a drizzle of honey-balsamic glaze can elevate these veggies from simply tasty to irresistibly delicious, making you want to go back for seconds.

Other frozen vegetables you can cook in an air fryer

Brussels sprouts aren't the only frozen veggies you can toss into your air fryer for tasty, crispy results. While air fryers are well-known for making perfectly golden french fries, this versatile appliance can also be used for a variety of vegetables, especially when you apply air fryer tips for optimal outcomes.

Instead of microwaving or steaming frozen broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, zucchini, and butternut squash, try cooking them in the air fryer. You'll enjoy crispier veggies that taste fresh rather than frozen. Unlike Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower can be thawed before cooking without turning mushy—just be sure to drain any excess water before placing them in the air fryer. Keep in mind that some frozen vegetables are better left out of the air fryer. Leafy greens like kale and spinach can become charred and unappetizing, while peas may dry out and shrivel.

Before dismissing frozen Brussels sprouts and other vegetables as mushy and unappealing, give air frying a try. You might be pleasantly surprised to find they taste just as good as fresh ones—and you could save time and money when grocery shopping and preparing healthy side dishes.

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