Comparison
Air Fry vs Roast: Brussels Sprouts
Side-by-side cook times, temperatures, and tips so you can decide which method works best.
Quick Answer
Air Fry is faster for brussels sprouts (about 11 min vs 16 min). Shake every 5 min.
Roast if you want the cut faces deeply caramelized, air fry if you want the outer leaves shattering. That's the honest difference. On a sheet pan you can press every sprout cut side down against hot metal, which is where the browning actually happens, and 16 to 30 minutes gets you there. The air fryer tumbles them instead, so you get crisp leaves all over and less flat-side color, in 11 to 16 minutes. Both need room: a pound is about the basket's limit and about a third of a sheet pan. Halve them through the stem either way so each one has a flat side.
Head-to-Head
When to Choose Each
11–16 min at 350–400°F. Shake every 5 min.
16–30 min at 375–450°F. Cut side down. Crispy = perfection.