Air Fryer Maple-Dijon Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

There are Brussels sprouts that taste like penance, and then there are Brussels sprouts that taste like applause. These are the latter. The air fryer takes them to golden, frizzled perfection, and a maple-Dijon glaze gives them a glossy holiday shimmer. A scatter of toasted pecans seals the deal — crunchy, nutty, and just smug enough to make you feel like you won Thanksgiving dinner without breaking a sweat.

If your oven is already hoarding real estate for turkey and pie, this air fryer side dish is your shortcut to something chic, cozy, and five-minutes-to-fancy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Air fryer energy — frees up oven space for everything else.
• Glossy + indulgent — maple and mustard feel luxe without fuss.
• Pantry-friendly — you probably already have everything but the sprouts.
• Dinner-party chic — looks catered, but it’s 20 minutes of effort max.
• Toddler & apéro-friendly — finger-food crunch that works for both crowds.

Tips, Tricks & Variations

• Nut swaps: Walnuts, hazelnuts, or even candied almonds all bring a different vibe.
• Extra glossy: Toss with a splash of balsamic reduction for a tangy finish.
• Dairy-free dream: This recipe is naturally dairy-free; no tweaks required.
• Leftovers hack: Re-crisp in the air fryer and layer onto a Thanksgiving leftover sandwich.
• Toddler tip: Slice sprouts smaller and skip the glaze for a crunchy green snack.

Serving & Pairings

These sprouts belong on your Thanksgiving table, but they also moonlight well with:

• Roast chicken and mashed potatoes on a random Tuesday.
• A cheese board — yes, Brussels sprouts can crash apéro hour.
• Sparkling wine or a maple old fashioned (because balance).

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can air fry the sprouts a few hours in advance and reheat at 375°F for 3–4 minutes. Add the glaze and pecans just before serving to keep the crunch.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, but thaw and pat dry thoroughly before air frying to avoid soggy centers. Fresh will crisp best.

What if I don’t like pecans?

Swap in walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for crunch — or leave them off entirely. The glaze holds its own.

Air Fryer Maple-Dijon Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

Crispy, caramelized sprouts tossed in a glossy maple-Dijon glaze, topped with buttery pecans that crunch like applause. This is the side dish that makes “I’ll just have one more” a full-time job.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅓ cup toasted pecans roughly chopped

Instructions

• Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
• Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Air fry 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway.
• Whisk maple syrup and Dijon in a small bowl.
• Toss hot sprouts with glaze; sprinkle with pecans before serving.

Notes

Swap pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts; drizzle with balsamic for extra tang.