When it comes to cooking Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes, many of us default to roasting them in the oven. However, during those lingering warm months, the last thing you want is to heat up the kitchen. That’s where the air fryer steps in as a game-changer. Not only does it produce perfectly crispy vegetables, but it does so with minimal effort and without turning your home into an oven. This recipe for Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Andouille and Sweet Potatoes from Louisiana Cookin. takes advantage of this handy kitchen tool, resulting in a dish that is packed with texture and flavor.
This low-maintenance meal is fantastic on its own, but if you’re looking to create a heartier plate, serving it over rice makes it even more satisfying. It’s a well-balanced combination of smokiness from the andouille sausage, the sweet and soft contrast of sweet potatoes, and the slightly bitter yet caramelized Brussels sprouts—all tied together with the crunch of toasted pecans and a sweet-tangy glaze made from cane syrup and apple cider vinegar.
Ingredients:
- 1 (14-ounce) package andouille sausage, sliced crosswise
- 1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, halved (quartered if large)
- 1½ pounds sweet potatoes, diced, peeled if desired
- ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans
- 2 tablespoons cane syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup sliced green onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon Creole seasoning
- Garnish: crushed red pepper
Directions:
- Before starting, check your air fryer manual. If it suggests preheating, set the air fryer to 400°F and allow it to warm up. Preheating ensures your ingredients start cooking at the ideal temperature right away, leading to that coveted golden-brown crispiness.
- In a large bowl, toss together the Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and sliced andouille sausage. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and sprinkle in the kosher salt. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated. This combination of veggies and sausage creates a beautiful marriage of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that will intensify as it cooks.
- Arrange the Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, and andouille mixture in an even layer in your air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent the ingredients from crisping properly. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for about 20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking process, shake the basket to ensure even cooking. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the ingredients are golden brown and crispy.
- While your veggies and sausage are crisping up, it’s time to whip up the delicious glaze that ties everything together. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the cane syrup, apple cider vinegar, Creole seasoning, and crushed red pepper. This glaze provides a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, which elevates the entire dish. Once your Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and andouille sausage are finished cooking, transfer them to the bowl with the glaze.
- Finally, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Sprinkle the toasted pecans and sliced green onions over the top of the Brussels sprouts mixture. The pecans add a wonderful crunch that complements the softness of the sweet potatoes, while the green onions provide a fresh pop of flavor. If you enjoy a bit more heat, garnish with extra crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
This recipe for Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Andouille and Sweet Potatoes is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. It’s easy to make, requires minimal cleanup thanks to the air fryer, and offers a satisfying, nutritious meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a unique side dish to bring to a gathering, this recipe delivers. Plus, by serving it with rice or one of the suggested side dishes, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences and make it even more filling.
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