Elevate your weeknight dinner with these mouthwatering Creamy Brussels Sprouts, a delicious and easy vegetable side that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Cooked to perfection as a quick air fryer recipe, this dish combines the richness of ghee and coconut cream with savory garlic for a flavor-packed experience. Whether you are looking for a comforting Keto side dish or just a tasty way to eat more greens, these sprouts are ready in just 20 minutes and pair perfectly with any main course.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 16 oz (454 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- Salt and black pepper to the taste
- 2 tbsp ghee, melted
- 5 cup coconut cream
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chives, chopped
Directions
- In your air fryer, mix the 16 oz (454 g) of Brussels sprouts with the rest of the ingredients except the chives. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Introduce the mixture into the air fryer and cook at 370 degrees F (188 degrees C) for 20 minutes.
- Divide the Brussels sprouts between plates.
- Sprinkle the 1 tbsp of chives on top and serve as a side dish.
Nutrition
- Calories: 194
- Fat: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Sprouts
- Don’t Lose the Sauce: Since this recipe involves liquid ingredients (coconut cream and melted ghee), use a silicone air fryer liner or a small, heat-safe baking dish that fits inside your air fryer basket. If you place the mixture directly on a standard wire rack, the delicious creamy sauce will drip through to the bottom before it coats the vegetables.
- Uniform Sizing is Key: Try to select Brussels sprouts that are roughly the same size. If you have a mix of large and small sprouts, cut the large ones into quarters and the small ones in half. This ensures they all cook at the same speed so you don’t end up with some mushy and some crunchy.
- Shake Halfway Through: To ensure the sprouts roast evenly and get that nice golden color on all sides, pause the air fryer around the 10-minute mark and give the basket (or pan) a gentle shake or stir.
- Watch the Garlic: Minced garlic can burn quickly at 370°F (188°C). To prevent this, make sure the garlic is well-mixed into the coconut cream and ghee sauce rather than sitting dry on top of the sprouts. The fat in the sauce helps protect it from scorching.
- Thick Coconut Cream: For the richest texture, use canned coconut cream rather than coconut milk from a carton. If your can has separated, mix the thick solid cream with the liquid water in the can until smooth before measuring out your 0.5 cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this air fryer recipe? A: While you can use frozen sprouts, fresh is highly recommended for the best texture. Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to release significant moisture when cooking, which can water down the rich coconut cream sauce and prevent the sprouts from caramelizing properly. If you must use frozen, thaw and pat them very dry before mixing with the ghee and spices.
Q: Is this Creamy Brussels Sprouts recipe dairy-free? A: This recipe uses ghee (clarified butter), which removes most milk solids but is still derived from dairy. If you need this dish to be strictly dairy-free or Vegan, you can substitute the melted ghee with avocado oil or melted coconut oil. The coconut cream already provides a naturally dairy-free creamy base.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave, as it will make the sprouts soggy. Instead, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to warm them through and restore a bit of the texture.
Q: Can I make this recipe in the oven if I don’t have an air fryer? A: Yes! To bake these in a conventional oven, spread the sprouts and sauce mixture into a baking dish. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sprouts are tender and the sauce is bubbly and thickened.
Q: Is this Brussels sprouts recipe Keto-friendly? A: Absolutely. With only 6g of net carbs (approximate) and high healthy fats from the ghee and coconut cream, this dish fits perfectly into a Keto or Low Carb diet. It is an excellent way to get your daily vegetable intake while hitting your fat macros.
