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Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

crispy air fryer brussels sprouts with bacon - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts with smoky bacon, cooked in the air fryer for a delicious snack or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts (about 450 grams), trimmed and halved
  • 45 slices bacon, chopped (thick-cut preferred)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil (1530 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice from half a lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim off the tough stem ends of Brussels sprouts, remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves, and slice each sprout in half lengthwise.
  2. Chop the bacon slices into roughly 1-inch pieces; no need to cook beforehand.
  3. In a large bowl, combine halved Brussels sprouts and chopped bacon. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss well to coat evenly.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Spread the sprouts and bacon in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
  6. Cook for 12 minutes, then shake the basket or stir with tongs to turn the pieces for even cooking.
  7. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes until sprouts are deeply golden and crispy and bacon is cooked through but not burnt.
  8. If desired, add 2-3 more minutes for extra crispness, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Transfer to a serving bowl and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
  10. Serve immediately while hot for best texture.

Notes

Pat Brussels sprouts dry before air frying to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. Shake or stir halfway through cooking. Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or smoked salt and toasted nuts. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brussels sprouts, air fryer, bacon, crispy, snack, side dish, easy recipe, quick, healthy