These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are quick, simple, and full of savory flavor. Made with fresh Brussels sprouts, olive oil, basic seasonings, and chopped bacon, this easy air fryer side dish turns out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It is a great option for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or any time you want a vegetable side that feels a little more special without adding extra work.
The air fryer is ideal for cooking Brussels sprouts because it helps the edges brown and crisp while keeping the centers tender. As the bacon cooks, it releases a smoky, salty flavor that coats the sprouts beautifully. With only a handful of ingredients and very little prep time, this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe is a reliable side dish you can make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find and may already be in your kitchen.
- It is a fast side dish. After the sprouts are trimmed and seasoned, the air fryer does most of the work.
- The Brussels sprouts become crisp around the edges while the bacon turns golden and savory.
- It pairs well with many main dishes, from roasted meats to simple weeknight dinners.
- The recipe is easy to adjust. You can skip the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version or add a little cayenne pepper for gentle heat.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in the Air Fryer
- Brussels sprouts — Choose Brussels sprouts that are close in size so they cook evenly. Trim the bottom of each sprout, remove any browned outer leaves, and cut them in half. Very small Brussels sprouts can be left whole if needed.
- Olive oil — Olive oil helps the seasoning stick and encourages the sprouts to crisp in the air fryer. Avocado oil or another neutral oil can also be used.
- Seasoning — Garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and pepper add simple, balanced flavor. If you want a little spice, add a small pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Bacon — Chopped bacon adds smoky, salty flavor and cooks until crisp in the air fryer. Thick-cut bacon works especially well because it holds its texture better as it cooks.
How To Make This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
- Add the halved Brussels sprouts to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the top.
- Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Toss the Brussels sprouts until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Add the diced bacon and mix again so the bacon is distributed throughout the sprouts.
- Transfer the Brussels sprouts and bacon to the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your basket is small, cook them in two batches.
- Air fry at 400F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the sprouts are tender and the edges are crisp.
Tips and Notes
- You do not need to spray the air fryer basket with extra oil. The olive oil on the Brussels sprouts and the fat from the bacon help everything crisp nicely.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket. If the Brussels sprouts are packed too tightly, they will steam instead of becoming crisp.
- Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the Brussels sprouts. Smaller sprouts will cook more quickly, while larger ones may need the full cooking time.
- If your Brussels sprouts are very large, consider cutting the bacon slightly larger so it does not overcook before the sprouts are tender.
- For an extra savory finish, grate fresh Parmesan over the hot Brussels sprouts and bacon just before serving.
- Serve immediately for the best texture. The sprouts are at their crispiest when they come straight from the air fryer.
Store leftover Brussels sprouts and bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat until warmed through before serving.
Frozen Brussels sprouts are not recommended for this recipe because they do not crisp as well as fresh Brussels sprouts in the air fryer.
Recipe
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Equipment
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Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 3 to 4 strips bacon, diced
Instructions
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Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a large bowl and drizzle the olive oil over the top.
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Add the garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and pepper.
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Toss well until the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated.
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Add the diced bacon and mix until it is evenly distributed.
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Arrange the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
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Air fry at 400F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crisp and tender.
Nutrition
Calories: 206kcal |
Carbohydrates: 16g |
Protein: 8g |
Fat: 14g
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