Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Walnut Parmesan Gremolata

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Walnut Parmesan Gremolata
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: Brussels sprouts 1 lb (454 g), trimmed and halved; Extra virgin olive oil 1.5 tbsp (22 ml); Kosher salt 3/4 tsp; Freshly ground black pepper 1/2 tsp; Garlic 2 cloves, minced; Lemon zest 1 tsp; Fresh lemon juice 1 tsp; Walnuts 3 tbsp (21 g), finely chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup (22 g); Red pepper flakes 1/4 tsp, optional; Fresh parsley 2 tbsp, finely chopped

Meet your new go-to diabetic-friendly side dish: crisp, caramelized Brussels sprouts finished with a bright walnut Parmesan gremolata. Each serving lands at about 7 grams net carbs, so it supports steady energy without a blood sugar spike. The golden edges, nutty crunch, and lemony garlic finish make it special enough for holiday low carb air fryer recipes, yet simple for any weeknight. Fiber-rich Brussels sprouts and heart-healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil and walnuts create a satisfying combination that helps slow digestion and blunt post-meal glucose rise. Parmesan adds savory depth and a little protein, keeping this firmly in the air fryer meals keto lane. Serving seafood tonight? See all [seafood dishes](/recipes/category/seafood) for pairings like roasted salmon or garlicky shrimp that complement this side. This recipe works because airflow is everything. Drying the sprouts well, preheating, and arranging them in a single layer promotes even browning. A stainless basket for diabetic friendly air fryer meals can improve circulation and crispiness. If your model offers a keto air fryer dehydrator function, you can briefly dry thin garlic slices first, then scatter them on top for extra crunch. New to air frying? Skim our [beginner's air fryer guide](/blog/beginners-air-fryer-guide) for quick wins. Pro tips and gear: light, even oiling is key for snap-crisp edges without breading. A fine mist from a [quality olive oil sprayer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon) helps prevent sogginess. Preheat your [air fryer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon) for consistent results. Planning an entree on the side, like pork or fish? Verify doneness with a [digital meat thermometer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon) for safety and accuracy. Serve these sprouts beside zero carb air fryer hamburger patties, grilled fish, or sliced steak, and add freshness with our tangy [keto coleslaw](/recipes/keto-coleslaw). Leftovers keep well up to 4 days and re-crisp beautifully at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes. For make-ahead ease, trim and halve sprouts up to 48 hours in advance, then cook to order. Get batch-planning ideas in our [keto meal prep tips](/blog/keto-meal-prep-guide). FAQ: - **What happens if I overcrowd the air fryer basket?** The sprouts will steam and turn soft instead of crisp. Cook in batches for best results. - **How do I get a crispy exterior without using breading?** Dry thoroughly, use a light oil mist, preheat, cook in a single layer, and shake halfway. - **Can I double this recipe without changing cook time?** Yes, but cook in separate batches. Per-batch time stays the same, total time increases.

Prep: 10 min. Cook: 12 min. Servings: 4.

Ingredients

Brussels sprouts 1 lb (454 g), trimmed and halved
Extra virgin olive oil 1.5 tbsp (22 ml)
Kosher salt 3/4 tsp
Freshly ground black pepper 1/2 tsp
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Lemon zest 1 tsp
Fresh lemon juice 1 tsp
Walnuts 3 tbsp (21 g), finely chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup (22 g)
Red pepper flakes 1/4 tsp, optional
Fresh parsley 2 tbsp, finely chopped

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes. Pat the halved Brussels sprouts very dry with towels.
In a bowl, toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Arrange sprouts cut side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket at the 6 minute mark, until edges are deep golden and centers are tender.
While sprouts cook, make the gremolata: combine garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, walnuts, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
Transfer hot sprouts to a bowl, toss with the walnut gremolata, then sprinkle with Parmesan. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Serve immediately. Store leftovers up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes until re-crisped.
Food safety note if serving with proteins: use a digital thermometer to confirm USDA minimums. Pork, beef, and lamb whole cuts 145 degrees Fahrenheit with a 3 minute rest. Ground meats 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Poultry 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Fish and shellfish 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

View full recipe on Low Carb Air Fryer