Air Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: A Quick & Easy Recipe
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! It only takes about 20 minutes to whip up, making it the perfect side dish for dinners when you're in a pinch. You'll be savoring these parmesan-coated Brussels sprouts with bacon in no time!
Air Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: A Quick & Easy Recipe
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Ingredients
Brussel sprouts: These small, green cruciferous vegetables are the star of the dish. They add a delicious earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Avocado oil: This healthy oil is perfect for cooking in the air fryer. It helps to coat the Brussels sprouts and gives them a nice crispy texture.
Bacon: Bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor to the dish. It also adds a delicious crunch that pairs perfectly with the Brussels sprouts.
Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle yet flavorful kick to the dish. It complements the earthy flavor of the Brussels sprouts and adds depth to the overall taste.
Salt: Salt helps to enhance the flavors of the dish and brings out the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts.
Pepper: Pepper adds a bit of heat and a touch of spiciness to the dish. It also helps to balance out the other flavors.
Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish. It also melts beautifully, creating a deliciously crispy crust on the Brussels sprouts.
How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Wash your Brussels sprouts. I like to use a salad spinner to immerse them in water, then drain and dry.
Trim the root ends of the Brussels sprouts, then cut them in half. If you have larger brussel sprouts, cut them into quarters so they are in even sizes.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes while prepping the ingredients.
Toss the Brussels sprouts, avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated into a large bowl.
Cut the bacon into small 1-inch pieces, I like to use scissors to do this! Add that into the bowl with the Brussels sprouts.
Finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and mix to coat again.
Transfer the brussel sprout mixture into the air fryer basket. Lay it in a single layer. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding if you notice it is too crowded.
Air fry for 15 minutes, flipping or shaking them halfway to make them crispy.
Enjoy!
Ingredient Swaps
Parmesan cheese: Use vegan parmesan cheese instead of regular parmesan cheese.
Bacon: If you don’t eat pork, try using turkey bacon or plant-based bacon instead. You can also omit the bacon as a whole.
Avocado oil: Swap for olive oil if you don’t have avocado oil on hand.
How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Drizzle with balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar on top to finish. The tangy sweetness of balsamic pairs perfectly with the savory bacon and Brussels sprouts.
Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey on top. The sweetness of maple syrup or honey complements the salty bacon and brings out the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts.
Sprinkle with flakey sea salt. This adds an extra pop of flavor and brings out the savory notes in the dish.
Tips for Cooking the Brussel Sprouts
Cut the Brussels sprouts into even sizes. In order for them to cook evenly, you will want to cut them into even pieces. This means the larger Brussels sprouts will be cut into 4 pieces and the smaller ones in half!
Preheat your air fryer! Keep the pan in the air fryer when you preheat it. This will allow the Brussels sprouts to sizzle when they are put on the tray and cook evenly!
Coat your Brussels sprouts well. Make sure to toss them really well before putting them into the air fryer. I like to toss all of the ingredients in a large bowl. You can also do this in a plastic bag and shake it around.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer! In order to get even cooking and the crispy texture, make sure to work in batches.
Shake the air fryer halfway through. This will allow for all pieces to get crunchy and crispy!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Pesto Salmon: Serve the air-fried Brussels sprouts alongside pesto-crusted salmon for a flavorful and healthy meal. The vibrant flavors of the pesto complement the crispy Brussels sprouts perfectly.
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon: The tangy and garlic-infused flavors of lemon garlic butter salmon pair wonderfully with the savory and crunchy Brussels sprouts.
Air-Fried Salmon Bites: For a fun and bite-sized option, serve the crispy Brussels sprouts with air-fried salmon bites. These little morsels of salmon make for a great appetizer or a main course, and the Brussels sprouts add a nice crunch to the dish.
Air-Fried Frozen Salmon: If you're in a time crunch, serving the air-fried Brussels sprouts with frozen salmon is a convenient and delicious option. The quick cooking time of the air fryer ensures that both the salmon and Brussels sprouts are ready in no time.
Persian Chicken: The bold flavors of Persian chicken, with its aromatic spices and tangy marinade, complement the earthy and crispy Brussels sprouts. This combination makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
FAQ
What temperature should I set the air fryer to for air frying brussel sprouts with bacon?
You should set your air fryer to 400°F for air frying Brussels sprouts with bacon. Preheat it for 3-5 minutes before placing the Brussels sprouts in the basket. This temperature will help the sprouts cook evenly and become crispy. Enjoy your delicious Brussels sprouts with bacon!
How long does it take to air fry brussel sprouts with bacon?
It takes about 15 minutes. To air fry, preheat your air fryer to 400F for 3-5 minutes while prepping the ingredients. Then, coat the Brussels sprouts evenly by tossing together the Brussels sprouts, avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Transfer the mixture into the air fryer basket, making sure it's in a single layer. Air fry for 15 minutes, flipping or shaking them halfway through to make them crispy.