Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
Brussels sprouts converted their last skeptics the day someone charred them with bacon, and the air fryer is the fastest route there: fifteen minutes, one basket, and every leaf that falls loose turns into a crispy chip. Cooking the bacon with the sprouts means the rendering fat bastes them as they roast — you get smoky, caramelized edges without a drop of extra oil beyond the starting toss. A splash of balsamic at the end cuts the richness and makes this the side dish people ask about at Thanksgiving.
Jump to Recipe ↓Ingredients
- 1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or glaze, to finish
Instructions
- Toss the halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Scatter the sprouts and raw bacon pieces together in the basket.
- Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking twice, until the sprouts are deeply browned at the edges and the bacon is crisp.
- Tip into a serving bowl, drizzle with balsamic, toss, and serve hot.
Ingredient Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon | Pancetta or diced ham | Ham won't render fat, so add an extra teaspoon of oil |
| Balsamic vinegar | Honey + squeeze of lemon | Sweet-sharp finish, same idea |
| Fresh sprouts | Frozen brussels sprouts | Don't thaw; add 4–5 minutes and expect softer texture |
| Olive oil | Maple syrup (1 tbsp, last 3 min) | For maple-bacon sprouts, add late so it doesn't burn |
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
Re-crisp at 375°F for 3–4 minutes in the air fryer; the microwave makes them smell like a cafeteria. Freezing isn't recommended — sprouts go mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to parboil brussels sprouts before air frying?
No — halved sprouts cook through in 12–15 minutes at 375°F. Very large sprouts can be quartered instead.
Why cut the sprouts in half?
The flat cut side sits against the hot basket and caramelizes — that browning is where all the flavor lives.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
You can, but raw bacon is better here: its fat renders over the sprouts as everything cooks. Add pre-cooked bacon in the last 3 minutes just to warm.
My sprouts burned before they softened — what happened?
They were probably cut too small or the temp too high. Halves at 375°F is the sweet spot; shake the basket twice so nothing sits against the heating element.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon — Quick Card
Prep 10 min · Cook 15 min · Serves 4
Nutrition Facts (estimated, per serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 210 kcal | 8g | 12g | 15g | 480mg |
