Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Curry and Sesame Powder

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Curry and Sesame Powder are a flavor-filled take on roasted Brussels Sprouts that you can make in the air fryer.

I recently went to my sister’s favorite sushi restaurant with a large group. My brother-in-law did the ordering. I thought it was a little strange when he ordered 3 orders of Brussels sprouts for the table, knowing there was no way my kids were eating any of them.

The restaurant was Japonais Bistro, and the Brussels sprouts ended up being my favorite dish. It wasn’t my first (or even second) time at the restaurant, and I had eaten the Brussels sprouts before. But I swear they were different this time – way better than I remembered.

It reminded me very much of the time I went to Nuba in Vancouver, and couldn’t believe it when my cousin suggested ordering 2 plates of their roasted cauliflower between 4 people because it was their best dish. Like, how can a cruciferous vegetable be that good? But, both times, it was.

In the case of the Japonais Bistro Brussels sprouts, the menu listed them as “Brussels sprout fry with curry and sesame powder”. And while I don’t know exactly how they make them at the restaurant, I immediately decided I would try to replicate them at home.

How to Make Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Curry and Sesame Powder

While I’m 99% sure that the Brussels sprouts at the restaurant were deep-fried (the name Brussels Sprouts “Fry” clued me into that one), I knew that there was no way that was happening at home. I dislike deep-frying and avoid it if at all possible.

I opted to air-fry the Brussels sprouts, but you could also roast them in a convection oven on a baking sheet. While the sprouts that I made didn’t turn out quite as crispy and browned as at the restaurant, they were still very delicious and a good compromise for avoiding the mess of home deep-frying.

The first step to making these Brussels sprouts is to prep the sprouts. Cut off any dry or ragged-looking ends and cut the sprouts in half lengthwise (cut them into quarters if they’re very large, and leave them whole if very small).

Toss the prepped sprouts with the oil, curry powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Spread the sprouts in a single layer in an air-fryer tray (or two if your trays are small). Air-fry the sprouts for 10 minutes at 375°F, shaking or stirring the sprouts once during cooking.

Increase the air-fryer temperature to 450°F and air-fry for 5 more minutes, shaking or stirring the sprouts once during cooking again.

Meanwhile, while you’re waiting for the sprouts to cook, add the sesame seeds and a pinch of salt to a clean coffee grinder. Pulse the seeds in the grinder until they form a coarse powder (don’t over-grind or it will turn to a paste).

Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving dish and sprinkle with the sesame powder. Serve immediately.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Curry and Sesame Powder Ingredients

• Brussels sprouts – you can find Brussels sprouts in any well-stocked grocery store, usually all year round. They might be available pre-packaged in a bag or loose, by the pound. While I buy packaged “trimmed” sprouts in a bag at Costco, I find that they generally still need a little more trimming when I get them home.
• Canola oil or any other neutral-flavored cooking oil
• Curry powder – Curry powder is a common spice mixture that’s available in the spice aisle of any grocery store. You might find it available in both hot and mild versions. Buy whichever you prefer.
• Kosher salt
• Sesame seeds – You will be using a spice grinder to grind the sesame seeds with a little salt into a powder to serve on the roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Lemon wedges – While these are optional, to be served with the sprouts, a little lemon juice tastes great with these Brussels sprouts.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Curry and Sesame Powder Nutrition Notes