Vegetables in the air fryer, just like these air fried brussel sprouts, make a great side dish. If you are looking for more veggie dishes try Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash. Or check out our recipe for Roasted Broccoli in the Air Fryer, made with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese.
Bacon Makes them Better
I haven’t always been the biggest fan of brussel sprouts, they just weren’t my favorite vegetables. That was until I had brussel sprouts in an air fryer with tasty bacon and balsamic glaze. When cooked in the air fryer, this healthy vegetable gets these crispy edges and a tender center.
This is my new favorite way to cook brussel sprouts and my kids will actually eat them prepared this way. I mean they are made with crispy bacon, so who could turn them down?
If you find that you typically are against eating brussel sprouts, like I was, try them cooked in the air fryer. It’s a great way to see if you might be a fan of crispy air fryer brussels sprouts! You may also like these brown sugar brussels sprouts or make roasted brussels sprouts with a honey vinaigrette right in the oven.
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Recipe
I just love air fryer recipes, especially air fryer vegetables, and this one is no exception. This easy side dish is the best way to make sprouts. The thick-cut bacon gets cooked until it’s almost done. It gets pulled out and mixed with the brussel sprouts in the air fryer basket to crisp up even more.
Once the sprouts are golden brown with a crispy exterior, here comes the best part, you drizzle on the balsamic vinegar reduction over the cooked sprouts.
Tender brussels sprouts and bacon in the air fryer don’t need to be made with any extra oil. And you can choose to either buy balsamic glaze pre-made or make your own.
Pro Tip! One of the best ways to ensure you get crispy brussels sprouts every time is to cook them in a single layer in the air fryer and continuously flip them around in the air fryer so they don’t burn.
Why you will Love this Recipe
There are many reasons to fall in love with brussels sprouts in the air fryer, here are a few of our reasons why we love this side dish.
- Not a lot of ingredients. Only a couple simple ingredients are needed to make this brussel sprout recipe.
- Low carb. Since brussel sprouts are low in carbohydrates, it’s a keto-friendly side dish so they are perfect for a ketogenic diet. Make sure to buy low carb balsamic vinegar (check the label). My homemade glaze has no added sugar and is only made with balsamic vinegar.
- No added oil. These brussel sprouts cook in the bacon fat, so they don’t need any added olive oil or avocado oil.
- Delicious. These are tasty! Try them and let me know if you love them.
- Easy recipe. This is an easy side dish that makes a great addition to any meal.
- Main dish. This doesn’t just have to be a flavorful side dish, it is hearty and filling enough to be a main course, also. Could also make a delicious appetizer.
How to Buy Great Brussel Sprouts
While brussels sprouts are at their peak September through February, they can be made year round. When buying them out of season, they can be a little more bitter. To make sure you get the sweetest brussels sprouts, the size of the sprouts matters.
Smaller sprouts that are 1-1 1/2 inches in diameter are the ones you want. The large sprouts aren’t going to taste as good. Pull off any outer leaves that are loose, bruised, or blemished. You also want to cut off the ends of the sprouts and then slice them in half.
Can I use Frozen Brussel Sprouts?
You can use frozen sprouts if they are cut in half. If you are using frozen brussel sprouts instead of fresh, you will need to make them a little differently. After cooking the bacon, you will want to remove it with a slotted spoon and place onto a plate lined with paper towels.
Add in the brussel sprouts and cook them for about 5 minutes, shaking or stirring every couple minutes. Then add in bacon and cook according to the instructions.
Can Brussels Sprouts and Bacon be Made in Advance?
Yes, you can make these sprouts with chopped bacon in advance. I recommend waiting to add the balsamic reduction until serving.
Air Fryer Brussel Sprout with Bacon Ingredients
Here is the ingredient list of you need to make this bacon brussel sprouts air fryer recipe.
- Bacon: Strips of bacon (pork or turkey bacon) can be used. I recommend getting uncured bacon. Thick cut bacon is what I used, but regular will work, too. Be extra fancy and use dry aged cherrywood smoked bacon.
- Brussel Sprouts: Frozen or fresh brussels sprouts can be used (frozen need to be pre cut in half). They can be found at your local grocery store.
- Salt: A little additional salt will bring out the flavor of the dish.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper will give the best peppery taste.
- Balsamic Glaze: This is optional. You can get store bought or make your own with the instructions in this post.
How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
It’s easy to make air fried brussel sprouts. Here are the basic instructions, but check the recipe card for more detailed steps and ingredients.
- If you are making your own balsamic glaze, make it first.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
- Pour 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the air fryer drawer, place the basket back in.
- Put cut bacon into air fryer and cook at 390°F for 7 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes.
- Add in brussel sprouts, mixing well with bacon to coat them with bacon grease.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Cook brussel sprouts, stirring them every 4-5 minutes to make sure they don’t burn.
- If you would like them more crispy continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes.
- Top with balsamic reduction right before serving (optional). Put into a serving bowl and enjoy!
How to Make Balsamic Glaze
- Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small sauté pan.
- Slowly bring the vinegar to a low boil, then drop the heat down to medium low. Let it simmer, whisking the vinegar occasionally (but keeping a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn), until the balsamic starts to get thick and is reduced by about half. The process should take about 20 minutes. It’s done when it coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the reduced vinegar away from heat and let cool before using. Use immediately or put into a heat proof container for later use.
How to Bake Brussel Sprouts with Bacon in Oven
I like making the air fryer style of brussel sprouts but not everyone has an air fryer. If you would like to make this recipe or honey butter sprouts in the oven, I’ve got you covered.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- Wash and trim brussels sprouts. Cut in half lengthwise.
- Add cut sprouts and bacon to the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle on a little olive oil and season with pepper. Toss and spread out the sprouts in a single layer.
- Cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning the brussels sprouts over once halfway through cooking time.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving (optional).
Brussel Sprouts and Bacon Tips & Variations
- Cut sprouts in half. Make sure not to skip cutting these brussels in half, you want the interior to get crispy and caramelized.
- Preheat the air fryer. You want to make sure that you start off with a hot air fryer.
- Just add water. Adding a 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of your air fryer will help keep the air fryer from smoking.
- Pancetta. Instead of bacon you could use pancetta.
- Check on the food. Keep a close eye on the brussel sprouts to make sure they aren’t burning, the air fryer basket needs to be shaken a few times while cooking.
- Make them spicy. Add a little cayenne powder onto the bacon and sprouts while cooking.
- Add extra flavor with different seasonings. You can add a sprinkling of garlic powder, minced garlic or herbs like dried basil or thyme for a new flavor combination. You could even add lemon juice, lemon zest, or lime juice. Make them parmesan brussels sprouts by adding some shredded parmesan cheese.
- Balsamic glaze. Is completely optional. You can make your own or buy pre-made glaze. You could also use sweet maple syrup or brown sugar glaze instead for a delicious alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cooking time for air fry brussel sprouts with bacon? It will take about 22 minutes to cook the brussel sprouts with bacon.
At what temperature to cook air fried brussel sprouts? The sprouts need to be cooked in a preheated air fryer at 390°F.
Storage Instructions
How to refrigerate air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe? Let the sprouts cool and store leftovers in an airtight container. They should last about 3-4 days in the fridge.
How do you reheat brussel sprouts in an air fryer? Pre-heat the air fryer to 380° F. Cook broccoli for 3-4 minutes or until heated through. Keep a close eye on it so that they don’t burn.
Try these other great air fryer recipes!
- Air Fryer Chicken Breasts without Breading
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Potato Skins in Air Fryer
- Stuffed Pork Chops in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer London Broil
- Frozen French Fries in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
If you’ve tried this air fryer brussels sprouts with bacon recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who have made my recipes!
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
For Balsamic Glaze
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
For Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- 1 pound brussels sprouts, sliced in half lengthwise
- 5-6 strips bacon, cut into 1/4 inches pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze, optional
Instructions
How to Make Balsamic Glaze
-
Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small sauté pan. Slowly bring the vinegar to a low boil, then drop the heat down to medium low.
-
Let it simmer, whisking the vinegar occasionally (but keeping a close eye on it so it doesn't burn), until the balsamic starts to get thick and is reduced by about half.
-
The process should take about 20 minutes. It's done when it coats the back of a spoon.
-
Remove the reduced vinegar away from heat and let cool before using. Use immediately or put into a heat proof container for later use.
How to Make Bacon Brussels sprouts
-
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
-
Pour 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the air fryer drawer, place the basket back in.
-
Put cut bacon into air fryer and cook at 390°F for 7 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes. It will only be partially cooked.
-
Add in brussel sprouts, mixing well with bacon to coat them with bacon grease. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
-
Cook brussel sprouts, stirring them every 4-5 minutes to make sure they don't burn. If you would like them more crispy continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes. Top with balsamic reduction right before serving.
Equipment
-
Air Fryer
Recipe Notes
- Cut sprouts in half. Make sure not to skip cutting these brussels in half, you want the interior to get crispy and caramelized.
- Preheat the air fryer. You want to make sure that you start off with a hot air fryer.
- Just add water. Adding a 1/2 cup of water to the basket of the air fryer will help keep the air fryer from smoking.
- Pancetta. Instead of bacon you could use pancetta.
- Check on the food. Keep a close eye on the brussel sprouts to make sure they aren’t burning, the air fryer basket needs to be shaken a few times while cooking.
- Make them spicy. Add a little cayenne powder onto the bacon and sprouts while cooking.
- Add extra flavor. You can add a sprinkling of garlic powder, minced garlic or herbs like dried basil or thyme for a new flavor combination. You could even add lemon juice, lemon zest, or lime juice. Make them parmesan brussels sprouts by adding some shredded parmesan cheese.
- Brussel sprouts will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an air tight container.
* Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.
Nutrition Information
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