Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
This is one of those ridiculously easy side dishes that takes almost no time—and somehow always disappears faster than expected. If you’re using pre-washed, pre-cut Brussels sprouts, we’re talking five minutes of prep, tops. And with crispy bacon in the mix? It’s basically guaranteed to win over a crowd.
I’ve made this for Thanksgiving, Christmas, random weeknights, and big family dinners. It’s a hit every single time. I feel good knowing everyone’s eating their veggies—and everyone else feels good because, well, bacon.
Below is a photo of my husband doing the dishes after I made it. He’s always the designated dishwasher around here—he scrubs with love, I cook with love, and it all works out beautifully.
Avoid These Beginner Mistakes
If this is your first time air frying Brussels sprouts, here are a few things to know:
Not drying sprouts completely: If your sprouts are wet, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Pat them dry with a paper towel or let them sit on a towel in a single layer for 10 minutes.
Overcrowding the basket: Too many sprouts = not enough room for the hot air to circulate. Crowded sprouts won’t get that crispy outer shell we want.
Skipping the shake: A good shake ensures even cooking and helps avoid burnt spots. Just pull out the basket, give it a toss, and slide it back in.
Ingredients:
1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
4 strips bacon, chopped
1 tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup parmesan cheese
Optional: balsamic glaze, flakey sea salt, parmesan
Jazz’s Recommended Products for This Recipe
Larger Wonder Oven:
If you’re cooking for more than one or just want extra for later, the Larger Wonder Oven makes it easy. It fits more and still cooks everything evenly, which comes in handy for meals like this that you’ll probably want again tomorrow.Wonder Oven:
This is the one I use almost daily. It’s quick to preheat, easy to clean, and doesn’t take up much space. Great for smaller batches or if you’re just cooking for yourself.
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3–5 minutes while you get everything prepped.
2. Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water, then pat them completely dry with a towel. Trim off the stem ends and cut each sprout in half (or quarters if they’re on the larger side).
3. In a large bowl, toss together the sprouts, chopped bacon, avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything’s nicely coated.
4. Pour the mixture into your air fryer basket and spread it out in a single layer. If it looks a little crowded, cook in batches—totally worth it for that extra crisp.
5. Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to help everything cook evenly. You’re looking for golden, crispy sprouts and perfectly done bacon.
6. Serve hot, and if you’re feeling fancy, top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, some grated parmesan, or a pinch of flakey sea salt.
How to Clean Brussels Sprouts
Rinse under cold water to get rid of any dirt or grit.
Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
OR lay them out in a single layer on a towel for about 10 minutes to air dry.In a rush? A salad spinner works great too.
How to Trim and Cut Brussels Sprouts
Slice off the tough stem end.
Peel off any yellow or wilted outer leaves.
Cut smaller sprouts in half, and larger ones into quarters—this helps them cook evenly and get that crispy edge.
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
Oil Alternatives
Olive oil, avocado oil, or melted ghee all work great.
Skip butter or coconut oil—those have low smoke points and don’t love the air fryer.
Bacon Swaps
Try turkey bacon or prosciutto for a twist.
Going vegetarian? Just leave out the bacon and toss in a little smoked paprika for that savory depth.
How to Boost the Flavor
Drizzle with balsamic glaze or honey once they’re done.
Finish with flakey sea salt, lemon zest, or freshly grated parmesan.
Oil Alternatives
Olive oil, avocado oil, or melted ghee all work great.
Skip butter or coconut oil—those have low smoke points and don’t love the air fryer.
Bacon Swaps
Try turkey bacon or prosciutto for a twist.
Going vegetarian? Just leave out the bacon and toss in a little smoked paprika for that savory depth.
How to Boost the Flavor
Drizzle with balsamic glaze or honey once they’re done.
Finish with flakey sea salt, lemon zest, or freshly grated parmesan.
Presentation Tips (Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas)
Serve on a platter and top with a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
While they’re still hot, sprinkle on extra parmesan so it melts right in—yes please.
How to Store & Reheat
Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to get that crisp back.
Skip the microwave—they’ll go soggy and sad.
FAQs
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You’re looking at about 7 minutes to prep and roughly 13 minutes in the air fryer, so the whole thing comes together in about 20 minutes. It’s a quick and easy side that fits right into busy weeknights or even those holiday feasts when you want something tasty without the wait.
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Air frying is hands-down one of the best ways to get those sprouts perfectly crispy and golden without drowning them in oil. The hot, swirling air crisps up the edges while keeping the insides tender and delicious.
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Yes, please! A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just the right touch of heat, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or glaze after cooking gives a sweet and tangy pop that plays so well with the savory bacon and sprouts.
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Absolutely! Fresh sprouts work great, just make sure to rinse and dry them really well so they crisp up instead of steaming.
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Pop leftovers into an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes to bring back that crispiness. Skip the microwave if you want to avoid soggy sprouts!
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Totally! Air fryer asparagus and carrots are easy crowd-pleasers. Just keep an eye on cooking times since different veggies vary in size and texture.
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Toss your sprouts in a big bowl with oil and seasoning so everything’s coated just right. Spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and give them a good shake or flip halfway through cooking to keep that crispiness even.
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You can! Roast at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes on a baking sheet, flipping halfway. But honestly, air frying usually gets you crispier sprouts faster.
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Swap bacon for turkey bacon or prosciutto, or skip the meat altogether and add smoked paprika for a vegetarian twist. Finish with parmesan, flaky sea salt, or even a drizzle of maple syrup or lime juice for something a little different and fresh.
If you’re new to air fryer vegetable recipes, this is one of the best ways to dip your toes in. It’s a total win for brussel sprout lovers (and even those who aren’t yet). Crispy, salty, savory, and packed with zesty flavors, it’ll quickly earn a spot on your dinner table—any day of the week.
Air Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Elevate your side dish game with this delicious Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe. In just 20 minutes, you can create a crispy, flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- Optional: balsamic glaze, parmesan, flakey sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400F for 3-5 minutes while preparing the ingredients.
- Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water, then pat them dry really well with a towel. Trim the stem ends and cut each sprout in half (or quarters if they’re really big).
- In a large bowl, combine the Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer the brussel sprout mixture into the air fryer basket. Spread them in a single layer. If you notice it too crowded, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping or shaking them halfway. The sprouts should be golden and crispy, and the bacon cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and top with optional balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of parmesan, or flakey sea salt. Serve hot!
Notes
- The key to crispy sprouts is drying them well before cooking and not crowding the basket.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
