Maple Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts — Air Fryer or Oven

This Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe is an easy, delicious side made with just six ingredients. The roasted sprouts are glazed with a sweet-and-tangy maple-balsamic finish that’s both comforting and elegant. You can roast them in the oven or cook them in an air fryer. This dish is low calorie, gluten-free, and vegetarian — use a sugar-free maple syrup if you prefer. Let’s make them!

Balsamic Maple Brussels Sprouts are a Must-Make

“Maple syrup and balsamic vinegar create a lovely balance of sweet and tangy. This glaze transforms simple roasted Brussels sprouts into a side dish worth serving any time — and special enough for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas.”

Air Fryer or Oven Roasted

These maple balsamic Brussels sprouts can be cooked in an air fryer or roasted in the oven. Both methods produce crisp, caramelized exteriors with tender centers.

Any Time of Year

Brussels sprouts are in season in cooler months but delicious year-round. The roasted maple-balsamic flavor makes a great holiday side, weeknight side, or an easy way to get more vegetables on the table.

Healthy

This dish is a healthy choice: low in calories, vegetarian, gluten-free, and full of vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin C, and iron. To make it keto-friendly, swap in a sugar-free maple syrup alternative.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients:

• Fresh Brussels sprouts – Trim ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves.
• Olive oil – Regular or extra-virgin, as preferred.
• Kosher salt – If using table salt, start with half the amount and adjust after cooking.
• Ground black pepper
• Balsamic vinegar – Aged balsamic or balsamic glaze both work; if using glaze, reduce the maple syrup slightly since glaze is sweeter.
• Pure maple syrup – Regular or sugar-free maple syrup (to make it lower in sugar/keto-friendly).

Substitutions and Variations

Try these simple variations:

• Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
• Toss with finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before serving.
• Finish with chives, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled goat cheese, or shaved Parmesan for extra flavor and texture.

How To Serve Them

Serving ideas and tips:

• Serve immediately for the crispiest texture; they soften as they sit.
• Top with crumbled bacon, grated Parmesan, or goat cheese for richness.
• Add candied pecan pieces or toasted slivered almonds for crunch.
• Pair with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or a simple grain or salad for a complete meal.

• All ovens and air fryers vary in heat, so use the times as a guideline and check for doneness.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan or basket — a single layer yields better browning and prevents steaming.
• Flip or shake the sprouts halfway through cooking to get even caramelization.

Steaming or roasting preserves nutrients while minimizing added fats. Roasting with a small amount of olive oil adds flavor and caramelization without excess calories.

Avoid overcrowding the pan, and place cut sides down when possible. A single layer and adequate spacing encourage browning rather than steaming.

Season with salt and roast until caramelized. If you notice bitterness, soaking sprouts in salted water for 20 minutes, then rinsing before roasting can help reduce it.

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Maple Balsamic Glaze Brussels Sprouts (Air Fryer or Oven)

Instructions

Season

• In a medium bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper until well coated.
• Air fryer: Preheat to 380°F. Place sprouts in a single layer and air fry 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crisp on the outside and tender inside. Times vary by model; check earlier if needed.
• Oven: Preheat to 400°F. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast 35–40 minutes, turning once, until browned and tender.
• Drizzle with maple syrup and balsamic vinegar, toss to coat, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve immediately.

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