These caramelized Brussels sprouts are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will turn anyone into a sprout lover! This recipe is a fantastic side dish to pair with any main course or appetizer such as roasted vegetable risotto, vegan roasted butternut squash and red pepper pasta and our vegan superfood soup.

Brussels sprouts are in season – in addition to our Indian spicy Brussels sprouts recipe, this recipe is one of my all-time favorite ways to use them!
Picture this… Crispy, tender and flavorful Brussels sprouts, coated with a maple syrup glaze that will make your mouth water!
The combination of flavors makes this an irresistibly delicious side dish, ideal for holiday meals or any cozy family gathering.
Whether you're preparing a holiday feast for Thanksgiving or Christmas or a quick weeknight dinner, these caramelized Brussels sprouts will add a delightful touch to your table. I love pairing these with our roasted butternut squash soup, vegetable lasagna recipe and air fryer sweet potato wedges!
Jump to:
Why this Recipe Works
- Healthier twist and simple: these caramelised Brussels sprouts are made without white or brown sugar – a healthier twist on the classic dish. Plus this recipe is made with just a handful of ingredients.
- Incredible texture and taste: this dish has a wonderful range of textures and flavors in every bite. By roasting the Brussels sprouts gives them a crispy exterior with a tender inside and enhances their flavor.
- Air fryer: you can roast the sprouts in the air fryer or oven. I prefer to cook the sprouts using an air fryer (air fry setting) for its cost-effectiveness and ability to create an extra crispy texture. Plus it takes only 5 minutes!
- Vegan-friendly and gluten-free: this recipe is also vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Olive oil/dairy-free butter: Used for roasting and sautéing, adding a rich flavor to the sprouts.
- Brussels sprouts: The star of the show! Rinse and trim the sprouts before roasting.
- Garlic: for flavor.
- Chili flakes (red pepper flakes): For a subtle heat.
- Maple syrup: Used to caramelize the Brussels sprouts and enhance the flavor profile. I like to use grade A maple syrup (refined sugar-free).
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
See recipe card for a full quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add nuts or sesame seeds: For extra crunch, toss in some sesame seeds or toasted peanuts or cashew nuts at the end.
- Spice: Increase the chili flakes for a spicier kick, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Alternatively, substitute chilli flakes with a fresh finely chopped red chilli.
- Tanginess: Add ¼ - ½ teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, lime juice or apple cider vinegar for a tangy flavor. Alternatively, serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Onion: add ½ chopped onion for extra flavor, cook for 4-5 minutes, or until slightly golden, before adding the sprouts.
SAVE this recipe! 📩
How to make Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels sprouts. After washing and trimming, quarter the Brussels sprouts. Toss them with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Step 2: Air fry the sprouts. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (392°F). Place the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket and roast for 5 minutes, or until slightly crispy and golden, mixing every few minutes.
Step 3: Sauté garlic. Melt butter/heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Step 4: Add chilli flakes/red pepper flakes into the pan and stir for a few seconds.
Step 5: Add the roasted/air fried Brussels sprouts and toss to evenly coat with the chillies and garlic.
Step 6: Add the maple syrup and cook. Pour maple syrup into the pan, stirring to combine with the sprouts. Allow the mixture to cook for 3-4 minutes, to create a thick, caramel-like glaze, coating the garlic-infused sprouts. Serve fresh and enjoy.
Expert Tips
- Even roasting: Make sure the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with oil, salt, and pepper to ensure they roast evenly. Keep an eye on the sprouts and continuously mix every few minutes in the air fryer for even roasting.
- Coat well: Toss the sprouts well in the pan to ensure each piece is fully coated for maximum flavor.
- Multiply as desired: to make this recipe for a larger gathering, double or triple the recipe quantities. You may need to slightly increase roasting time of the Brussels sprouts depending on the size of your air fryer.
How to Serve These Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Serve these delicious caramelized Brussels sprouts hot, straight from the pan. They make a wonderful side dish for holiday dinners or any family meal.
Pair them with our beetroot and pomegranate salad, vegetable one-pot ratatouille and garlic flatbread (with homemade garlic herb butter) or our Mediterranean bruschetta with caramelized onions for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Enjoy with a glass of our refreshing cranberry and orange juice!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can make these Brussels sprouts ahead of time and store in an air-tight container in the fridge for 1 day. Reheat before serving.
Yes, honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup, though the flavor will be slightly different. Note: maple syrup makes this dish vegan-friendly.
Other Wholesome Recipes
If you tried this Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Recipe or any other recipe on our website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil/dairy-free butter
- 1 teaspoon olive oil for roasting sprouts
- 200 g Brussels sprouts rinsed, trimmed and quartered
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes/red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of pepper
Instructions
- Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts, then quarter them.
- Toss with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (392°F) and roast the seasoned sprouts for 5 minutes, mixing the sprouts every 1-2 minutes.
- In a pan, melt dairy-free butter or heat oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute.
- Stir in the chili flakes and cook for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add the roasted Brussels sprouts and toss to coat with the garlic and chili.
- Pour in the maple syrup, stirring to combine, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to create a thick, caramel-like glaze that coats the sprouts. Remove from heat, serve fresh and enjoy!
Notes
- Even roasting: Make sure the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with oil, salt, and pepper to ensure they roast evenly. Keep an eye on the sprouts and continuously mix every few minutes in the air fryer for even roasting.
- Coat well: Toss the sprouts well in the pan to ensure each piece is fully coated for maximum flavor.
- Multiply as desired: to make this recipe for a larger gathering, double or triple the recipe quantities. You may need to slightly increase roasting time of the Brussels sprouts depending on the size of your air fryer.
Sonia
Delicious side dish with nutrients and incredible flavor!