Crispy Perfection: The Ultimate Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Recipe
Prepare to elevate your side dish game with the irresistible combination of crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts and Bacon! This dynamic duo brings together the earthy, slightly bitter notes of Brussels sprouts with the savory, salty crunch of bacon, creating a flavor explosion that will delight even the pickiest eaters. Forget soggy, bland vegetables; the air fryer transforms humble sprouts into golden, caramelized bites, perfectly complemented by flavorful bits of bacon. Best of all, this incredible side dish requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
I absolutely adore air fryer vegetables, but adding the savory crunch of bacon to Brussels sprouts truly elevates them to the perfect side dish! The air fryer’s circulating hot air works wonders, turning the outer leaves of the Brussels sprouts incredibly crispy while keeping the insides tender. Combined with the rich, slightly salty flavor of perfectly cooked bacon pieces, these roasted Brussels sprouts reach a whole new level of deliciousness. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to incorporate more healthy vegetables into their diet in a way that’s both effortless and incredibly satisfying.
Finding easy, healthy vegetable side dishes can sometimes feel like a challenge, but this recipe makes eating your greens an absolute pleasure. The delightful combination of textures and flavors is so appealing that even the most reluctant vegetable eaters will find themselves reaching for more. Plus, by keeping it simple with real ingredients like Brussels sprouts and bacon, this dish remains a fantastic Keto-friendly option, fitting seamlessly into various dietary plans. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, prepared correctly, can create truly memorable flavors.
If you’re eager to explore more delicious and easy vegetable recipes for your air fryer, be sure to check out some of our other favorites, such as air fryer acorn squash, savory air fryer stuffed mushrooms, or perfectly cooked air fryer okra. Each offers a unique way to enjoy fresh produce with the convenience of your air fryer.
Why the Air Fryer is Perfect for Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook, and it’s particularly brilliant for achieving perfectly crispy textures with minimal oil. When it comes to Brussels sprouts and bacon, this kitchen appliance truly shines. Here’s why:
- Unmatched Crispiness: The powerful circulating hot air of the air fryer ensures that both the Brussels sprouts and bacon achieve an incredibly crispy texture that’s hard to replicate in a traditional oven without excess oil. The outer leaves of the sprouts caramelize beautifully, and the bacon crisps up evenly.
- Faster Cooking: Air frying significantly reduces cooking time compared to oven roasting. You can have this delicious side dish ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals.
- Healthier Option: Air frying requires far less oil than deep-frying or even pan-frying bacon. The rendered bacon fat naturally coats the sprouts, adding flavor without needing much additional oil, making this a healthier alternative to other cooking methods.
- Even Cooking: The design of air fryers promotes even heat distribution, which means less flipping and more consistent results for both your sprouts and bacon. Just a few shakes of the basket are usually enough!
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in an air fryer basket often means less mess on your stovetop or oven, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze.
Essential Ingredient List: What You’ll Need
One of the best aspects of this air fryer Brussels sprouts and bacon recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of fresh ingredients to create a truly impressive and flavorful side dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selecting them:
- Brussels Sprouts: Look for firm, bright green sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Avoid any that are yellowing or have loose outer leaves. Fresh sprouts offer the best texture and flavor.
- Bacon: About 6-8 strips of bacon, whether regular or thick-cut bacon, will do the trick. Thick-cut bacon yields chunkier, chewier pieces, while regular bacon gets extra crispy. Choose what you prefer!
- Olive Oil (or Avocado Oil): A tablespoon is usually enough. This helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning and crispiness. Avocado oil is a great alternative with a higher smoke point.
- Garlic Powder: A foundational seasoning that adds a warm, aromatic depth without the risk of burning fresh garlic.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Adjust to your preference, especially considering the saltiness of the bacon.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complements the savory notes.
Optional Enhancements: For an extra layer of flavor, consider topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese after cooking, or drizzling with a sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar glaze, a touch of sweet maple syrup, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
Achieving perfectly crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon is incredibly simple with these straightforward steps:
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
Begin by removing any loose or discolored outer leaves from your fresh Brussels sprouts. Give them a thorough wash under cold water and pat them completely dry with a clean towel or paper towels. This crucial step helps them crisp up in the air fryer. Next, with a sharp knife, carefully trim off the tough stem ends. For small to medium-sized sprouts, simply cut them in half through the stem. If you’re working with larger Brussels sprouts, cut them into quarters to ensure they cook evenly and match the size of your bacon pieces. Uniformity in size is key for consistent results.
- Season the Sprouts:
Transfer your prepared Brussels sprouts into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them generously with olive oil (or avocado oil) and sprinkle with garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring each sprout is well-coated with the oil and seasonings. This step ensures maximum flavor and helps create those coveted crispy edges.
- Add the Bacon:
Next, take your bacon strips and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 to 2 inches in size. Smaller pieces tend to crisp up better and distribute more evenly throughout the sprouts. Add the cut bacon directly to the bowl with the seasoned Brussels sprouts and toss everything together again. The bacon fat will render during cooking, further flavoring the sprouts as they crisp up.
- Air Fry to Perfection:
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for a few minutes if your model recommends it. Then, transfer the seasoned Brussels sprouts and bacon mixture into the air fryer basket or onto the baking sheet if you’re using a shelf-type air fryer. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Air fry for 14-16 minutes, making sure to open the basket and toss the contents 2-3 times during the air frying process. This ensures all sides get golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy:
Once the sprouts are tender-crisp and the bacon is perfectly rendered and crunchy, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor. These are best fresh!
I typically prepare this delightful sprouts recipe in my Cosori 6.8 quart Air Fryer. Keep in mind that air fryer models vary significantly in size, wattage, and heating efficiency. Therefore, your cooking time may need slight adjustments—it might take 1-2 additional minutes, or sometimes even a minute less. Always check for your desired level of crispness and tenderness.
For even more fantastic vegetable recipes that benefit from the air fryer’s magic, explore our guides on air fryer broccolini, how to cook air fryer frozen broccoli, quick and easy air fryer frozen onion rings, vibrant air fryer snap peas, or a simple mix of air fryer broccoli and cauliflower.
Pro Tips for Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
To ensure your Brussels sprouts and bacon come out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is arguably the most important tip for air frying. Overcrowding reduces air circulation, leading to steaming instead of crisping. Cook in batches if necessary, allowing enough space for the hot air to reach all surfaces.
- Dry Sprouts Thoroughly: Any excess moisture on the Brussels sprouts will steam them instead of crisping them. After washing, pat them completely dry with paper towels before tossing with oil and seasonings.
- Uniform Size Matters: Ensure your Brussels sprouts are cut into similar-sized pieces (halves or quarters). This guarantees they cook at the same rate and achieve uniform tenderness and crispiness.
- Toss Frequently: Shaking the air fryer basket 2-3 times during cooking is essential for even browning and crispiness. This prevents any one side from getting overcooked while others remain soft.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: While not always mandatory, preheating for 3-5 minutes can help the food start cooking immediately upon entering the basket, leading to better texture.
- Monitor Cooking: Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on your sprouts and bacon, especially towards the end of the cooking time. The bacon should be crisp but not burnt, and the sprouts tender-crisp.
Using Frozen Sprouts: A Handy Alternative
While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best results for crispiness, you can certainly use frozen ones in a pinch. However, a slight adjustment to the cooking method is recommended. Frozen sprouts contain more moisture, which can lead to a less crispy result and potentially overcooked bacon if added simultaneously. If you’re using frozen sprouts, you may want to let them air fry for approximately 2-3 minutes on their own before introducing the bacon pieces to the air fryer basket. This gives the sprouts a head start in thawing and releasing some moisture, preventing soggy results and ensuring your bacon doesn’t get overcooked while the sprouts are still catching up.
Variations and Flavor Boosters
This air fryer Brussels sprouts and bacon recipe is fantastic as is, but it also serves as an excellent canvas for customization. Feel free to experiment with these additions to suit your taste:
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in a tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta in the last few minutes of cooking, or sprinkle it on top after serving.
- Sweet & Tangy: Drizzle with a balsamic glaze or a tablespoon of pure maple syrup (or honey) either before cooking or immediately after for a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with your seasonings for a hint of heat. A dash of your favorite hot sauce after cooking also works wonders.
- Herbal Notes: Fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme can be tossed with the sprouts before air frying for an aromatic boost.
- Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest over the finished dish can add a refreshing, bright flavor.
- Onion & Garlic: For a deeper flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder to the seasoning mix, or even a teaspoon of minced fresh garlic (add this halfway through cooking to prevent burning).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Air fryer Brussels sprouts and bacon are incredibly versatile and pair well with almost any dinner! They make an excellent side to hearty main courses like Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets, a comforting Roasted Whole Chicken, or a succulent Air Fryer Steak. They’re also fantastic with pork chops, fish, or even alongside breakfast dishes!
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any remaining air fryer Brussels sprouts and bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For best quality and texture, try to consume them within this timeframe.
You can certainly get creative with your seasonings! While salt, pepper, and garlic powder are a perfect base, you can enhance the flavor profile with options like onion powder, a pinch of smoked paprika for depth, a dash of red pepper flakes for heat, or even fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. For a sweeter touch, a tablespoon of maple syrup or a drizzle of balsamic glaze added during the last few minutes of cooking works wonderfully.
Smoking can sometimes occur when cooking fatty foods like bacon in an air fryer, as the rendered fat can drip onto the heating element and burn. This happens because bacon has a relatively low smoke point. When cooking air fryer bacon, especially in larger quantities or at higher temperatures for extended periods (e.g., over 325°F for a long time), it may smoke. However, when cut into small pieces and tossed with Brussels sprouts, the risk is generally lower. If your air fryer does start to smoke, try these tips: 1) Reduce the temperature slightly and increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes. 2) Add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer drawer (under the basket) to catch drips and prevent smoke, but be careful not to let the water touch the heating element. 3) Clean your air fryer thoroughly after each use to prevent old grease from burning.
The best way to reheat leftovers to regain some of that crispiness is in the air fryer! Place the cold Brussels sprouts and bacon back into your air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice, until heated through and re-crisped to your liking.
You could try making it with less oil, but a tablespoon of olive or avocado oil helps the seasonings adhere to the Brussels sprouts and contributes to their crispy exterior. The rendered bacon fat will also coat the sprouts as they cook, providing additional crispiness and flavor. If you’re trying to minimize oil, ensure your sprouts are very dry before seasoning, and rely on the bacon fat for most of the coating.
MORE DELICIOUS AIR FRYER RECIPES:
- Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts (a fun twist!)
- Bacon Wrapped Corndogs (for a savory treat)
- Candied Bacon (sweet and salty perfection)
- Bacon Wrapped Scallops (an elegant appetizer)
- Turkey Bacon (a leaner alternative)
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
Rate
Equipment
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1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels Sprouts
- 1/2 pound bacon, 6-8 strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional: Top with grated parmesan cheese or drizzle with balsamic vinegar glaze, sweet maple syrup, or lemon juice.
Instructions
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Remove outer leaves, then wash Brussels sprouts thoroughly and pat dry. With a sharp knife, trim stems, then cut smaller sprouts in half and larger ones into quarters for even cooking.
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In a medium bowl, add the prepared sprouts, then coat generously with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well until all sprouts are evenly seasoned. Set aside.
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Cut strips of bacon into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 inches). Add the bacon to the bowl with the sprouts and toss everything together thoroughly.
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Transfer the seasoned sprouts and bacon to the air fryer basket or baking sheet (if using a shelf-type air fryer), ensuring not to overcrowd. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 14-16 minutes. For best results, toss or shake the basket 2-3 times during air frying to ensure even crisping.
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Once cooked to your desired crispness, carefully remove the sprouts and bacon with tongs. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired and serve immediately while warm for optimal taste and texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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