ADDICTIVE SWEET & SPICY AIR-FRIED SPROUTS
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Description:
Alright, let's talk about the most underrated vegetable in the entire kingdom:
the Brussels sprout. If you're a skeptic, prepare to be converted. If you're
already a fan, prepare to fall head over heels in love.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yields: 2-3 servings (as a side dish)

--- INGREDIENTS ---
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
- For the Sweet & Spicy Maple Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for extra kick)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds or sliced scallions for garnish (optional)

--- INSTRUCTIONS ---
1. Prep Sprouts: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, toss
   the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with a pinch of black pepper. (No oil
   needed for the primary air frying, we're keeping it lean and mean!).
2. Air Fry: Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
   You might need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer to
   ensure they get nice and crispy. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket
   halfway through, until the sprouts are tender and nicely browned with some
   crispy edges.
3. Make the Glaze: While the sprouts are air frying, prepare the glaze. In a small
   saucepan, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce (or tamari), sriracha, rice
   vinegar, and garlic powder. If using, add the pinch of red pepper flakes.
4. Simmer Glaze: Bring the glaze mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
   Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Be
   careful not to let it burn. Remove from heat.
5. Glaze & Serve: Once the Brussels sprouts are cooked, transfer them back to the
   bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the hot sprouts and toss gently to coat
   everything evenly.
6. Garnish & Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or sliced
   scallions if desired. These are best enjoyed while hot and crispy!

--- CHEF'S NOTES ---
Spice level can be easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the sriracha and
red pepper flakes.
For extra crispiness, you could lightly spritz the sprouts with a tiny bit of
oil before air frying, but this recipe is designed to be delicious without it!
Ensure your maple syrup is pure, not pancake syrup, for the best flavour and
nutritional profile.
If your air fryer tends to cook hot, you might want to reduce the temperature
slightly or check the sprouts a couple of minutes earlier.
Assumptions:
Low-sodium soy sauce/tamari is used. Regular versions will increase the sodium
content.
Calculations are based on approximately 1/3 of the recipe (from 1 lb of Brussels
sprouts).