Cooking Brussels sprouts this way is a guaranteed delight

What if Brussels sprouts became one of the most popular side dishes for festive lunches and dinners?

Brussels sprouts, if prepared in an air fryer (hot air fryer or oil-free fryer), could see their popularity soar. That's according to Michelin-starred chef Poppy O'Toole, who believes that these little vegetables are unfairly underrated. Cooked in the right way, they could be transformed into a dish packed with flavor and personality.

Air fryer or how to save time and space

More and more people are looking for practical tools to facilitate the preparation of festive meals. Air fryers are the perfect answer: they can cook several dishes at once, reduce cooking times and reduce energy consumption. According to Poppy O'Toole, it's ideal when cooking for large parties and when the oven alone isn't enough.

Vegetables in the spotlight

The air fryer is perfect for side dishes: carrots, parsnips, chestnuts and, of course, Brussels sprouts. Many vegetables can be cooked in advance and reheated when required, so there's no need for last-minute panic. Brussels sprouts, in particular, add color, texture and character to the plate, without needing to be topped with a multitude of other ingredients.

Brussels sprouts in the air fryer

Poppy O'Toole uses melted butter, fresh or frozen Brussels sprouts, pre-cooked chestnuts, salt and pepper. Bacon also appears in her original recipe, although it's entirely optional. And here are the steps to follow:

After preheating the hot-air fryer to 180 degrees celcius, toss the Brussels sprouts with the butter, season with salt and pepper, then place them in the basket. Add the chestnuts after a first few minutes of cooking. The result? Vegetables that are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, with no need to add anything else.

The great reconciliation with Brussels sprouts

The hot-air fryer is not a passing fad, but a practical tool for better, less stressful cooking. Thanks to its emergence, Brussels sprouts are no longer an unwanted side dish, but a conscious, tasty and, what's more, vegetarian-friendly choice.

(MP/©GreenMe.it/Translation and adaptation: The Global Lifestyle/Pic: Unsplash)