Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Name: Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 3 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Brussels sprouts; 2 tbsp water; cooking spray, for coating; garlic salt, to taste; dipping sauce of choice, for serving

Crispy smashed Brussels sprouts are a fast, foolproof side that combines microwave steaming and pan-frying for maximum texture contrast. Garlic salt seasoning delivers bold flavor in under 20 minutes.

🌍American 🏷️Smashed brussels sprouts 🏷️Brussels sprouts 🏷️Side dish 🏷️Vegetable Crispy

🏷️

🏷️Garlic

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TikTok

Total

25 min

Servings

3

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$13–$21

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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Ingredients

1 lb Brussels sprouts
2 tbsp water
cooking spray, for coating
garlic salt, to taste
dipping sauce of choice, for servingoptional

5 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and remove any loose outer leaves.
2
Place the trimmed Brussels sprouts in a microwave-safe bowl with a little water.
3
Cover the bowl with a plate and microwave for 4 minutes to steam them.
4
Preheat your air fryer.
5
Arrange the steamed Brussels sprouts on an air fryer tray.
6
Using the bottom of the bowl, gently smash each Brussels sprout until flattened.
7
Spray the smashed sprouts with cooking oil and season generously with garlic salt.
8
Air fry until super crispy and golden brown.
9
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Don't oversteam in the microwave; 2–3 minutes is enough to soften them. Overcooked sprouts will fall apart when smashed.
Smash them as flat as possible (about ¼-inch thick) to maximize the crispy surface area that contacts the pan.
Use medium-high heat and resist the urge to flip; let the cut side sit undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to develop a golden crust.
Pat sprouts dry after steaming to reduce splattering and help the exterior crisp up faster.

Substitutions

Garlic powder → garlic salt (use ½ the amount of garlic powder plus salt)
Cooking spray → 1 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., vegetable or canola) for a richer finish

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes to restore crispness.

Equipment

microwave-safe bowl · large skillet or flat griddle

Common Questions

How do you keep smashed Brussels sprouts crispy?

Steam just until tender (not soft), then smash and cook in a single layer over medium-high heat without moving them around until the cut side browns and crisps.