Brussels sprouts cooking times
How long to cook Brussels sprouts: 6–8 min boiled, 7–9 min steamed, 25–30 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan) and 12–15 min in an air fryer at 190°C. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook Brussels sprouts
Times are for 500 g, for 4–6.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boil Whole | 6–8 min | in boiling salted water | Halved sprouts take 4–5 minutes. |
| Steam Whole | 7–9 min | over simmering water | – |
| Oven Halved | 25–30 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Halve, toss in oil and roast cut side down. |
| Air fryer Halved | 12–15 min | 190°C (375°F) | Halve and toss in a tablespoon of oil; shake halfway. |
| Pan-fry Halved | 8–10 min | over a medium heat | Halve and fry cut side down in oil or butter until browned, then turn. |
| Pan-fry Shredded | 3–4 min | over a high heat | Stir-fry finely shredded sprouts in butter or with bacon. |
| Microwave Halved | 4–6 min | on full power, covered | Halved, with 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
Also see: Christmas dinner timings (your Christmas Day timeline, worked out for you).
Before you start
Trim the base and pull off any tired outer leaves. There’s no need to cut a cross in the bottom; halve big ones so they cook evenly.
How to tell it’s done
A knife goes into the middle easily, but they still hold their shape. Overcooked sprouts go grey and sulphurous.
Questions
How long to boil Brussels sprouts?
Whole: 6–8 min in boiling salted water. Halved sprouts take 4–5 minutes.
How long to steam Brussels sprouts?
Whole: 7–9 min over simmering water.
How long to cook Brussels sprouts in the oven?
Halved: 25–30 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Halve, toss in oil and roast cut side down.
How long to cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer?
Halved: 12–15 min at 190°C (375°F). Halve and toss in a tablespoon of oil; shake halfway.
How long to pan-fry Brussels sprouts?
Halved: 8–10 min over a medium heat. Halve and fry cut side down in oil or butter until browned, then turn. Shredded: 3–4 min over a high heat. Stir-fry finely shredded sprouts in butter or with bacon.
How long to microwave Brussels sprouts?
Halved: 4–6 min on full power, covered. Halved, with 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.