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Up close of balsamic glaze on air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon.
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5 from 9 votes

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a favorite veggie in this house. Brussels sprouts and salty bacon are cooked to perfection in the air fryer then drizzled with balsamic glaze to make the perfect side dish for your family dinner.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time22 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 211kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

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.

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

Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 363mg | Potassium: 533mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 866IU | Vitamin C: 96mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 2mg