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Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Bacon are the ultimate crispy, savory side dish. The Brussels sprouts turn golden and tender in the air fryer while the bacon renders and crisps, creating the perfect balance of smoky, salty flavor in every bite. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this easy side dish is perfect for weeknights or holiday meals without turning on the oven.
If you love this combo, be sure to try my air fryer bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts for an irresistible appetizer version.
Quick Look At This Recipe
- ✨ Flavor: Crispy, golden Brussels sprouts tossed with smoky, savory bacon for the perfect balance of tender centers and crispy edges.
- ⏱️ Prep time: 10 minutes
- 🔥 Cook time: 14 minutes
- ⏲️ Total time: 24 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 4
- 🥄 Tools: Air fryer (basket or oven-style), cutting board, knife, and mixing bowl.
- ❄️ Freezer-friendly: Best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture will soften.
- 👩🏻🍳 Tip: Cook in a single layer and toss 2–3 times during cooking to ensure both the Brussels sprouts and bacon crisp evenly.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great Flavor: Crispy Brussels sprouts and smoky bacon cook together for bold, savory flavor in every bite.
- Easy to Make: This simple side dish uses minimal ingredients and comes together quickly in the air fryer, just like this air fryer acorn squash recipe.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for busy weeknights or holiday dinners without heating up the oven. Try my air fryer okra too!
- Keto-Friendly: Naturally low carb and full of flavor, making it a satisfying option for keto or low-carb meals.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Brussels Sprouts: Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best texture. Trim the ends, remove any loose outer leaves, and cut larger sprouts in half so they cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Bacon: You’ll need about 6–8 strips of bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces. Regular bacon works great, but thick-cut bacon can be used for meatier, crispier bites — just keep an eye on cook time. If you’re a bacon and veggie lover, try my air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus next!
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps the sprouts crisp and caramelize. You can substitute avocado oil if preferred, especially if you like its higher smoke point for air frying.
See the recipe card for the quantities and full ingredient list.
Variations
One of the best things about air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon is how easy they are to customize.
- Sweet + Smoky: Drizzle a little pure maple syrup over the sprouts after cooking and toss lightly. The maple pairs beautifully with the crispy bacon and caramelized edges.
- Tangy: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving. It adds a bold, slightly sweet acidity that balances the richness of the bacon. For a lighter option, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top instead.
- Savory: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot sprouts as soon as they come out of the air fryer, similar to these air fryer Parmesan Brussels sprouts. The residual heat softens the cheese slightly and adds an extra layer of salty, nutty flavor.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or a drizzle of hot honey after cooking to give your air fryer Brussel sprouts with bacon a little kick without overpowering the smoky flavor.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Before air frying, try tossing the sprouts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or everything bagel seasoning to easily change the flavor profile while keeping the same crispy texture.
For more delicious veggie recipes, try making air fryer broccolini, air fryer frozen broccoli, air fryer frozen onion rings, or air fryer snap peas.
How to Make Brussels Sprouts and Bacon in the Air Fryer
- Remove the outer leaves and wash the Brussels sprouts. Use a sharp knife to cut and remove the stems, then cut them in half. If using larger sprouts, cut the sprouts into quarters.
- Add the sprouts to a bowl and coat with oil, salt, and pepper. Toss together until well coated.
- Cut the strips of bacon into small bite-sized pieces, about 2 inches each. Add the bacon to a bowl with the sprouts and toss together.
- Transfer the sprouts and bacon to the basket or baking sheet if using an oven-style air fryer. Cook at 380° F for 14-16 minutes. Toss the basket or move around on the tray 2-3 times during air frying.
💡Timing Tip: I make this sprouts recipe in a Cosori 6.8 quart Air Fryer. Depending on your air fryer, size, and wattage, cooking time may need to be adjusted 1-2 additional minutes.
- Remove the cooked sprouts and bacon with tongs. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired, and serve while warm with sides, like air fryer chicken or air fryer steak.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
- Dry sprouts = crisp sprouts: After washing, pat the Brussels sprouts completely dry. Any leftover moisture will cause them to steam instead of crisp in the air fryer.
- Cook in a single layer: Arrange the sprouts and bacon in a single layer in the basket. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents browning, so cook in two batches if needed.
- Toss 2–3 times during cooking: Shaking or tossing helps the bacon cook evenly and prevents pieces from getting buried under the sprouts where they won’t crisp properly.
- Cut bacon into small pieces: Smaller bacon pieces crisp faster and distribute flavor better. If using thick-cut bacon, it may need an extra minute or two to fully crisp.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but they cook differently than fresh. Frozen sprouts release extra moisture as they heat, which means they need a few minutes on their own before adding the bacon. Start by air frying the frozen sprouts for about 2–3 minutes first to begin softening and evaporating excess moisture. Then add the cut bacon pieces and continue cooking as directed. If you add the bacon at the beginning, it can overcook or burn while the frozen sprouts are still thawing. Keep in mind that frozen sprouts may not get quite as crispy as fresh, but giving them that head start helps improve both texture and overall results.
Air fryers can sometimes smoke when cooking bacon because the rendered fat drips to the bottom of the basket or tray and begins to burn. Bacon fat has a relatively low smoke point, so cooking at higher temperatures for an extended period can increase the chance of smoke. To help prevent this, avoid overcrowding the basket so the bacon and Brussels sprouts cook evenly and the grease doesn’t pool. Cutting the bacon into small pieces allows it to render more evenly and crisp without excess buildup.
If your air fryer does begin to smoke, lower the temperature slightly and extend the cooking time by a few minutes. You can also pause cooking and carefully check the bottom of the basket or drip tray to make sure grease hasn’t accumulated.
Store leftover Brussels sprouts and bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For the best texture, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the sprouts and makes the bacon lose its crispness.
Brussels sprouts usually turn soggy when there’s too much moisture or overcrowding in the basket. Make sure the sprouts are completely dry before adding oil, and arrange them in a single layer so hot air can circulate properly. If they’re piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Using too much oil can also prevent browning, so stick to a light drizzle for the best crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon pair well with just about any main dish, whether you’re planning a quick dinner or a holiday spread.
- Weeknight Protein and Veg: Serve them alongside air fryer chicken thighs, air-fried pork chops, or honey mustard salmon for an easy, balanced dinner that comes together fast.
- Holiday Favorite: They make a flavorful side dish for prime rib, air fryer turkey breast, or baked ham, adding a crispy, savory contrast to richer main courses.
- Keto Dinner Idea: Pair with air fryer steak bites or garlic butter chicken for a low-carb meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor.
More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Squash
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Honey Glazed Carrots
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Broccoli and Carrots
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Cauliflower
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- ½ pound bacon, 6-8 strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: Top with grated parmesan cheese or drizzle with balsamic vinegar glaze, sweet maple syrup, or lemon juice.
Instructions
- Remove outer leaves, then wash Brussels sprouts. With a sharp knife, cut to remove stems, then cut in half. If using larger sprouts, cut into quarters.
- In a medium bowl, add sprouts, then coat with oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss together until well coated. Set aside.
- Cut strips of bacon into small bite size pieces about 2 inches in size. Add bacon to a bowl with sprouts and toss together.
- Transfer sprouts and bacon to the basket or baking sheet if using an oven-style air fryer. Air fry at 380° F for 14-16 minutes. Toss 2-3 times during air frying.
- Remove cooked sprouts and bacon with tongs. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired and serve while warm.
Notes
- Pat Brussels sprouts completely dry before tossing with oil to help them crisp instead of steam.
- Cook sprouts and bacon in a single layer for even browning; work in batches if needed.
- Shake or toss the basket 2–3 times during cooking so the bacon crisps evenly.
- Cut bacon into small pieces for faster, more even crisping; thick-cut bacon may need an extra minute or two.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
