Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon make a fantastic side dish for everything from steak and chicken wings to seafood! Using simple ingredients and your air fryer, you can whip up the perfect side dish in under 20 minutes and less than 10 easy steps.
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Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Just one bite of these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, and we guarantee you won't be able to get enough of them! They're caramelized and crispy on the outside, while the inside is tender, but not soggy. (Nobody likes a soggy Brussels sprout!)
Bacon takes these air fried balsamic Brussels sprouts over the top. Even the pickiest eaters will want to scrape the plate for every last bite! The smoky and salty flavors of the bacon complement the mild, slightly nutty taste of the sprouts and the sweet and sticky balsamic glaze.
Air frying uses hot air circulation to cook these Brussels sprouts to perfection for that crave-worthy crisp texture while still keeping them tender on the inside. It uses less oil and makes less of a mess. Learn more about How Air Fryers Work.
Best of all, it's faster than the oven or other methods: it will take you less than 20 minutes of cooking time and virtually no prep time to make this recipe for bacon Brussels sprouts in the air fryer! Perfect if you're in a hurry to get dinner on the table! Let's get air frying!
How to Shop for Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are small, green, cabbage-like vegetables that grow in bunches on a stalk. They are packed with nutrients, vitamins and fiber (source), and have a unique taste that's a little bit nutty and mildly sweet. When cooked properly and with the right seasonings, these sprouts are crispy and enjoyable with every bite!
You can find them in your grocery store in the produce section, generally sold by the pound. Look for Brussels sprouts that are vibrant green, firm, and free from blemishes.
Ingredients
- Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Find fresh Brussels sprouts in the produce section of your local grocery store. Look for firm, vibrant sprouts free from blemishes.
- Oil: Use either light olive oil or avocado oil. We prefer avocado oil. This helps the sprouts achieve that crispy, caramelized texture you want! Learn more: Our Favorite Oils to use for Air Frying.
- Seasonings: We season these Brussels sprouts simply using a little garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Feel free to change up the seasoning flavors to your liking.
- Thick-cut Bacon: These should be sliced into ½-inch pieces. Bacon provides a smoky, savory, and crispy element that pairs perfectly with crispy Brussels sprouts. It's a classic flavor combo!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, slightly nutty, and salty note to the dish.
- Balsamic Glaze (optional): Balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish, balancing the savory and crispy elements. Note that you want balsamic glaze, not balsamic vinegar.
Substitutions
- Use different seasonings based on your taste.
- Substitute bacon with prosciutto or pancetta for a different flavor.
- Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative for a vegan option.
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How to Air Fry Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Step 1 - Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. Cut them in half from the stem to the end. If they're large, cut them into quarters to ensure uniform size.
Step 2 - In a large bowl, add the Brussels sprouts and drizzle them with the oil. Sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the sprouts. Toss to ensure all the sprouts are well coated.
Step 3 - Slice the thick-cut bacon into ½-inch pieces and add to the Brussels sprouts. Mix to combine.
Step 4 - Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. You want the Brussels sprouts to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the bacon as crispy as you like.
Once done, transfer your roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving plate. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and a of drizzle balsamic glaze if desired (we highly recommend it!). Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Air Fryer Shake & Bake Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Steak Tips
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Brussels Sprouts Salad: You can add other veggies to this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe to make an amazing salad. Try adding Air Fryer Asparagus!
- Try all of our Air Fryer Dinner Recipes!
Recipe Tips
- Recipe time and temperature is based on a cold air fryer. If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
- Remember, air fryer brands vary, so you may have to adjust the cook time to your specific air fryer model.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight storage container for 3-4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
- We do not recommend freezing Brussels sprouts with bacon as the sprouts get soggy when thawed.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a spicy twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use a Parmesan cheese vegan substitute, such as nutritional yeast, and swap the bacon out for smoked paprika.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Drizzle honey mustard instead of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
FAQ
While it's possible, using fresh Brussels sprouts will yield better results, but you might want to check out our Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts recipe too.
You can use smoked paprika or smoked salt for a smoky flavor without using bacon.
Absolutely, the dish is delicious even without it. You might want to try maple syrup instead.
Yes. Use your favorite cheese to mix things up.
Air Fryer Side Dishes
- Air Fryer Asparagus with Bacon
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- See all of our Air Fryer Side Dishes!
Leave a comment and review for us below if you enjoyed this recipe, or if you have questions about any of our air fryer recipes!
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon oil such as olive oil or avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 3-4 slices bacon thick cut, ½” pieces
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping optional
- Balsamic glaze optional
Instructions
- Trim ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. Cut sprouts in half from stem to end. Cut larger Brussels sprouts into quarters as needed so all pieces are similar in size.1 pound Brussels sprouts
- Add Brussels sprouts to a large mixing bowl and add oil and seasonings. Mix to coat Brussels sprouts.1 tablespoon oil such as olive oil or avocado oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Cut bacon into ½” pieces and add bacon to the bowl with Brussels sprouts. Mix to combine.3-4 slices bacon
- Pour the Brussels sprouts and bacon into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air Fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, being sure to shake the basket during air frying time.
- When Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside and bacon is crispy to your liking, remove from the air fryer to a serving plate.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired. Enjoy!Grated Parmesan cheese for topping, Balsamic glaze
Notes
- Store Brussels sprouts with bacon in the refrigerator in an airtight storage container for 3-4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375 degrees F until heated through.
- We don’t recommend freezing Brussels sprouts with bacon as the sprouts get soggy when thawed.
- Recipe time and temperature is based on a cold air fryer. If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
- Remember, air fryer brands vary, so you may have to adjust the cook time to your specific air fryer model.
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