Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon (Easy Recipe)
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Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts With Bacon will convince any picky eater that veggies are delicious, especially with bacon! Brussel sprouts in the air fryer are perfectly caramelized in just 15 minutes, and with a salty, smoky rich flavor, they’re scrumptious with everything from red meat to fish!
If you’ve visited my blog before, you probably know that I absolutely love preparing vegetables in the air fryer!
It’s a quick cooking method, and because air frying doesn’t require a lot of oil, it’s healthy, too!
With the winning combo of health benefits and fantastic flavor, this brussel sprouts air fryer recipe tops the list!
It’s not only the perfect side dish, but making air fryer brussels sprouts is the perfect way to cut down on cooking time and also make a vegetable that the kids will actually like!
I will literally pair these crispy brussels sprouts with any main course, because it’s one of those side dishes that goes with just about anything!
Make sure that you put them into the air fryer tray or air fryer basket in a single layer so that this easy side dishes cooks all the way!
Cooking up healthy vegetables in the air fryer is a great way to add so much flavor! This just might be your new favorite way to cook fresh sprouts!
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts With Bacon
A Brussel sprout is one of the healthiest veggies you can eat! It has loads of vitamins and minerals, and a high fiber content to keep you feeling full.
It’s a superfood that makes for a super meal!
Bacon Brussel sprouts are hands down, one of my favorites!. I also have sweet potato fries that are sweet and salty, nice and crispy, and with a peppery finish that goes well with any main dish!
If you don’t have an air fryer, try out my pan fried sweet chili version – the sauce is mind blowing!
You could also try this Copycat Romano’s Macaroni Grill Honey Balsamic Brussel Sprouts recipe, they’re sweet, tangy, and savory at the same time!
Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions
- Brussel Sprouts – The best Brussels sprouts should have a bright green color, firm texture and tightly packed leaves.
They should also feel heavy for their size, and be pretty much odorless. Smaller sprouts are usually sweeter and more tender than the large sprouts. - Bacon – Store bought, precooked bacon is an option, but frying your own is always the best! You can also use bacon pieces for this easy side dish.
You can also opt to use sweet or salty bacon for this recipe. - Garlic – I love using sliced garlic – it has a smooth, nutty flavor you can only get from larger pieces.
Minced garlic is fine too, or use garlic powder if that’s all you have. - Olive Oil – Canola, sunflower, and avocado oil are all fantastic substitutes for olive oil.
Don’t forget that you can absolutely add kosher salt, black pepper, parmesan cheese, and more bacon bits to this air-fried brussels sprouts recipe.
For the best results, add something a little different if you want to! The part about easy recipes like this is that you can turn it into a great side dish by varying to what you like.
Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer Recipe Variations
- Use other seasonings. Brussels is one of those vegetables that really goes with everything.
Add cayenne pepper for some heat, the classic garlic and parmesan duo, or even a tangy buttermilk ranch seasoning! - Sweeten things up! To really highlight the bacon Brussel sprouts, you could add a coating of sticky sweet pure maple syrup.
- Want a vegetarian dish? There are plenty of ways to jazz up your veggie dish without using bacon.
Diced mushrooms give a similar smoky, savory flavor, and nuts can add plenty of texture – pine nuts, walnuts, etc.
Or, feel free to use your favorite bacon alternative!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store bacon brussel sprouts in an airtight container. In the fridge, they’ll last for about 5 days before the veggies get soggy and pretty unappetizing.
They actually freeze pretty well, too! They’ll keep for up to a year that way.
The best way to reheat brussels is to pop them right back into the fryer! A couple of minutes at 350°F should be plenty.
Serving Suggestions
Want to know what’s good with Brussel sprouts? Pretty much anything and everything!
Kidding aside, I often cook them together when I make air fryer steak or chicken tenders. They also taste fabulous with Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes.
You could even serve Brussel sprouts with bacon as an appetizer!
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts FAQ
You typically don’t want to leave brussel sprouts in the air fryer for longer than 12 minutes or so, shaking the basket halfway through. But every model of air fryer is different, and sizes of sprouts can vary, so it may take a little less or a little more time.
Your first line of defense is a good coating of olive oil (or a similar oil) to make sure they don’t stick and burn to the air fryer basket.
Next, you want to make sure you give the basket a good shake to ensure the veggies are cooking evenly. Pay attention and manually flip any uncooked brussel tops that you happen to see.
No, I wouldn’t! This is one of my favorite recipes because of how crispy the sprouts get, and if they’re frozen, they’re going to hold too much water to get that crisp. Use fresh brussels sprouts for the best outcome and flavor.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Air Fryer Sides
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon (Easy Recipe)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds brussels sprouts, washed and halved (from top to bottom)
- 4 ounces thick cut bacon, uncooked, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and toss to coat.
- Arrange bacon and brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6 minutes, shake the basket, then cook for an additional 6 minutes.
- Remove from basket and serve.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published September 2022, updated and republished November 2024
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The bacon gives it an even more savory flavor, and since it’s in the air fryer it’s quick and easy!
Do I see parchment paper in the bottom of your air fryer in this brussel sprout recipe? Do I need to put the ingredients on that to prevent falling through the vented bottom? This recipe sounds & looks scrumptious!