# 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.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/brussels-sprouts-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook Brussels sprouts

Times are for 500 g, for 4–6.

Brussels sprouts: cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Boil](https://feastflow.co.uk/boiling-times) (Whole) | 6–8 min | in boiling salted water | Halved sprouts take 4–5 minutes. |
| [Steam](https://feastflow.co.uk/steaming-times) (Whole) | 7–9 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Oven](https://feastflow.co.uk/oven-cooking-times) (Halved) | 25–30 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Halve, toss in oil and roast cut side down. |
| [Air fryer](https://feastflow.co.uk/air-fryer-cooking-times) (Halved) | 12–15 min | 190°C (375°F) | Halve and toss in a tablespoon of oil; shake halfway. |
| [Pan-fry](https://feastflow.co.uk/pan-frying-times) (Halved) | 8–10 min | over a medium heat | Halve and fry cut side down in oil or butter until browned, then turn. |
| [Pan-fry](https://feastflow.co.uk/pan-frying-times) (Shredded) | 3–4 min | over a high heat | Stir-fry finely shredded sprouts in butter or with bacon. |
| [Microwave](https://feastflow.co.uk/microwave-cooking-times) (Halved) | 4–6 min | on full power, covered | Halved, with 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |

Also see: [Christmas dinner timings](https://feastflow.co.uk/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.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/