Oh my gosh, have you ever had Brussels sprouts that actually make you crave vegetables? That’s what happens when you toss them in an air fryer with bacon! I was skeptical too until I tried it – now these crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon are my go-to side dish for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. The magic happens in under 30 minutes – the sprouts get perfectly caramelized while the bacon adds that irresistible smoky crunch. Forget soggy boiled sprouts from childhood; this is vegetable transformation at its best. I make this at least twice a week because it’s so simple (one bowl, one basket!) and my family actually fights over the last bite. Once you try this combo, you’ll understand why I’m obsessed!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Trust me, this recipe is about to become your new kitchen superstar. Here’s why:
- Crazy crispy texture – The air fryer gives those sprouts an irresistible crunch you just can’t get from roasting
- Bacon makes everything better – That smoky, salty goodness clinging to every bite? Yes please!
- Ready in under 30 minutes – Faster than preheating my oven most days
- One-basket wonder – Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your food (and less time scrubbing pans)
- Sneakily healthy – You’re eating your greens… with a delicious bacon bonus
I’ve converted so many Brussels sprouts haters with this recipe – it’s that good!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this magical transformation happen (and trust me, measuring is the hardest part!):
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts – Look for bright green, firm ones. We’ll trim the stems and slice them in half so they cook evenly
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon – Chopped into bite-sized pieces (the smokier the better in my book!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Just enough to help those sprouts crisp up beautifully
- ½ teaspoon salt – I use kosher salt because it sticks better
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly cracked if you’ve got it
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Our secret flavor booster (sometimes I sneak in an extra pinch!)
That’s it! Six simple ingredients that’ll make you question why you ever cooked Brussels sprouts any other way.
How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Okay, let’s get cooking! This is so simple you’ll have it memorized after one try. Just follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
First, grab those Brussels sprouts. Trim off the dry ends, then slice them in half lengthwise – this helps them cook evenly and gives more surface area for that delicious crispiness! Chop your bacon into bite-sized pieces (I like mine about ½-inch wide). Pro tip: slightly frozen bacon is actually easier to chop neatly!
Step 2: Season and Toss
Toss your halved sprouts and bacon pieces in a big bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Really get in there with your hands – you want every nook and cranny coated! This is where the magic starts.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) – yes, preheating matters! Spread the mixture in a single layer (crowding = soggy sprouts, and we can’t have that). Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the sprouts are deeply browned on the edges and the bacon is crispy. The smell? Absolutely heavenly!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
After making this recipe dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), here are my foolproof tips for absolute perfection:
- Don’t skip the preheat! A hot air fryer = instant crispiness from the first minute
- Single layer is sacred – if you pile them up, you’ll get steamed sprouts instead of crispy ones (I learned this the hard way)
- Shake like you mean it at the halfway mark – this ensures even browning on all sides
- Peek early – all air fryers run differently, so check at 10 minutes to prevent burning
- Want extra crunch? Add 2-3 more minutes at the end – the edges will caramelize beautifully
Follow these, and you’ll get restaurant-quality Brussels sprouts every single time!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Listen, I’m all about making recipes your own! Here are my favorite ways to switch things up without losing that perfect crispy texture:
- Turkey bacon lovers? Go for it! Just add an extra teaspoon of olive oil since it’s leaner
- Cheese fiends (like me): Sprinkle with parmesan in the last 2 minutes – it’ll melt into salty perfection
- Sweet tooth? Drizzle with balsamic glaze after cooking – the tang plays so nicely with the bacon
- Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika for that same smoky depth
- Spice seekers: Toss in red pepper flakes with the seasonings for a nice kick
The beauty of this recipe? It’s like a blank canvas for your cravings!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
These crispy sprouts are the ultimate sidekick! I love them piled next to juicy roasted chicken or a perfectly grilled steak. They shine at holiday meals too – my Thanksgiving table hasn’t been the same since I started adding them. Honestly? Sometimes I just eat a big bowlful as my main course with a fried egg on top. No judgment here!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes – it’ll bring back that perfect crispiness every time. No soggy sprouts allowed!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked these questions all the time about my air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon – here’s everything you need to know:
- Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? You can, but fresh is best! Frozen sprouts release more moisture, so pat them dry really well and add 2-3 extra minutes of cook time.
- How do I prevent sogginess? That single layer rule is key! Also, don’t skip shaking the basket – it helps all sides get that perfect crisp.
- Is bacon absolutely necessary? Well… it’s what makes them magical! But if you must skip it, add smoked paprika for flavor and a bit more olive oil.
- Why preheat the air fryer? It gives instant crispiness – like when you first drop fries into hot oil. Cold starts = steamed sprouts (yuck!).
- Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just cook in batches to keep that single layer. The wait is worth it, promise!
Still have questions? Just ask – I’ve made every mistake so you don’t have to!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating (values are estimates per serving): 150 calories, 10g fat (2.5g saturated), 6g protein, 10g carbs with 4g fiber. Not bad for something this delicious! Now go try this recipe and tag me in your crispy sprout photos – I want to see your masterpiece!
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Irresistible Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon make a delicious side dish. The bacon adds a smoky flavor while the sprouts get perfectly crispy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add chopped bacon to the Brussels sprouts and mix well.
- Spread the mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until sprouts are crispy and bacon is cooked.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cut Brussels sprouts into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Check for doneness after 10 minutes if your air fryer runs hot.
- For extra crispiness, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American