Home → Recipes → Air Fryer Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Jump to recipe

Air Fryer Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts — Are you looking for a delicious way to get your favorite veggies in without compromising flavor?

Look no further than these Air Fryer Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts! This tasty combination of savory and sweet will satisfy your cravings with just the right amount of crunchy bacon bits.

Brussels sprouts offer an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, and when prepared with our unique air fryer method, they also provide an incredibly indulgent experience that all ages will enjoy.

From kids who appreciate a bit of sweetness in their vegetables to adults who seek something extra in flavor- this recipe has it all! So if you’re ready for some deliciousness that’s also healthy, read on to find out how easy it is to make this mouthwatering dish!

The Best Air Fryer Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our “Best Air Fryer Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts” recipe. Perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts are paired with the savory allure of bacon, all enveloped in a tantalizing maple glaze.

This dish offers a delightful balance of sweetness and savory notes while showcasing what an air fryer can achieve. Whether you’re a Brussels sprouts skeptic or aficionado, this recipe promises to be a game-changer for your culinary repertoire. Dive in and let your taste buds be enthralled!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

For all these reasons and more, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, blending ease, health, and flavor in one perfect dish.

Easy and Quick: With the efficiency of the air fryer, you’ll have a delectable side dish ready in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of maple and bacon brings a sweet-savory dynamic that makes each bite memorable. The caramelization of the Brussels sprouts amplifies their natural nuttiness, creating a multilayered taste experience.
Healthy Twist: Using an air fryer reduces the oil needed, making this a healthier option without compromising on the crispy texture we crave.
Versatility: This dish is perfect for an everyday meal but elegant enough to impress guests during special occasions or festive seasons.
Kid-Friendly: Even if Brussels sprouts have been a hard sell in your household, the allure of maple and bacon might convert the little ones.
Innovative Approach: Using an air fryer for Brussels sprouts is a fresh take on the classic oven roasting, showcasing how traditional ingredients can be revitalized with modern methods.
Texture Delight: The sprouts become crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside, offering a delightful contrast in every mouthful.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Are you ready to enjoy a scrumptious and savory Air Fryer Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts dish? If so, we’ve got all the best ingredients to make it happen. Absolutely everyone in your family will be delighted by this sublime combination of sweet maple syrup and salty bacon on top of fresh and crunchy Brussels sprouts.

Plus, thanks to an air fryer, you can prepare this delicious dish with less fat than classic frying! So don’t miss out on this mouth-watering meal – carefully crafted with quality ingredients for maximum flavor!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below n the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, as well as the nutritional information.

Brussels Sprouts: These small, cabbage-like veggies are the star of the show. They’re rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Pick sprouts that are firm to the touch and bright green for this recipe, as these are the freshest.
Bacon: Adding a savory crunch and smoky flavor, bacon complements the natural taste of Brussels sprouts. Thick-cut bacon is recommended for a meatier bite.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup provides a natural sweetness that balances the saltiness of the bacon. Using real maple syrup over the artificial variety is preferable for an authentic flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps to give the Brussels sprouts a golden crisp when air fried. It also allows the seasoning to stick better to the sprouts.
Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavors and melds them together.
Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and aromatic element to the dish.
Garlic Powder (optional): Adds an extra depth of flavor, complementing the natural taste of the Brussels sprouts.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick! This ingredient can add a touch of heat and color to the dish.

How To Make Air Fryer Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Are you looking for a delicious, healthy side dish that comes together quickly and easily? If so, you’ll love this Air Fryer Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe! This savory-sweet dish is sure to become one of your favorites.

With just three main ingredients — maple syrup, bacon, and Brussels sprouts — this air fryer meal is ready in about 25 minutes. In addition to being full of flavor, it has the bonus of being low in calories and high in vitamins C and K. Moreover, the air fryer cooks these flavorful veggies with minimal oil usage – making it healthier than deep frying and an ideal choice when eating or cooking more healthily. All set? Let’s get cooking!

How To Make Air Fryer Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Preparation:
- Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Trim off any yellow or damaged leaves, cut off the stems, and halve them.
- Chop the bacon strips into small bite-sized pieces.

Marinate:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Mix well to ensure the sprouts and bacon are well coated.

Preheat Air Fryer:
- Turn on your air fryer and preheat to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes. Most modern air fryers have a preheat setting, but if yours doesn’t, just set it to the desired temperature and let it run empty for a few minutes.
Cooking:
- Once preheated, carefully transfer the Brussels sprouts and bacon mixture to the air fryer basket, spreading them out in an even layer. It’s essential not to overcrowd the basket; depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry the mixture for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. This will help the Brussels sprouts get crispy on all sides and allow the bacon to cook uniformly.

Check and Serve:
- At around the 15-minute mark, check the Brussels sprouts for desired crispiness. If they need more time, continue to cook, checking every 2-3 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Once cooked to your liking, carefully remove the Brussels sprouts and bacon from the air fryer.
- For an added kick, sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your crispy Air Fryer Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts!

Pro Tips For The Best Air Fryer Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Achieving that perfect balance of crispy, savory, and sweet in the Air Fryer Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts can benefit from a few professional pointers. Here are some pro tips:

Uniform Sizing: Ensure all the Brussels sprouts are halved to the same size. This guarantees even cooking, so you won’t have some pieces overcooked while others remain undercooked.
Dry Thoroughly: After washing the Brussels sprouts, dry them completely. The drier the sprouts, the crispier they’ll get in the air fryer.
Thick-Cut Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon when possible. It remains juicy and offers a more substantial bite than regular bacon, which can sometimes become too crispy or burnt.
Layering: Don’t stack the Brussels sprouts too high in the air fryer basket. They should be close to a single layer for the best results. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
Shake It Up: Periodically shaking the air fryer basket ensures that hot air circulates evenly around the Brussels sprouts, leading to an even crisp.
Maple Syrup Quality: Always choose pure maple syrup over imitation varieties. The flavor is richer and more authentic, making a significant difference in the dish’s outcome.
Add Bacon Later: If you notice the bacon cooking faster and don’t want it too crispy, you can start by air frying the Brussels sprouts for a few minutes before adding the bacon.
Temperature Check: If you’re new to your air fryer or using a different model, start at a lower temperature and increase if necessary. This ensures you don’t end up with burnt sprouts.
Season to Finish: After cooking, taste the Brussels sprouts and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes a pinch of salt or an extra drizzle of maple syrup at the end can elevate the flavors.
Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Add crushed pecans for crunch, or sprinkle with parmesan for a cheesy finish.
Resting Time: Let the Brussels sprouts sit for 2-3 minutes after taking them out of the air fryer. They will continue to crisp up a bit as they cool.

With these tips in mind, you’re on your way to achieving the most delectable Air Fryer Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts!

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Yes, preheating your air fryer helps achieve a consistent cooking temperature from the start, ensuring even cooking. It typically takes 2-3 minutes to preheat.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can. However, fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best results. If you use frozen, make sure to increase the cooking time by a few minutes and check for desired doneness.

Why are my Brussels sprouts not crispy?

There could be excess moisture on your sprouts, or the air fryer may be overcrowded. Dry the sprouts well after washing and cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a leaner option, but remember it might not be as crispy or flavorful as traditional pork bacon. Adjust cooking times as needed.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 2-3 days for the best quality.

How can I reheat leftovers to maintain crispiness?

Reheating in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes is ideal. This will help retain the crispy texture better than a microwave.

Can I add other seasonings or ingredients?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can add ingredients like crushed pecans, grated parmesan, or even dried cranberries for a different twist.

Do I have to use maple syrup?

While maple syrup adds a sweet balance to the savory bacon, if you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the quantity or omit it. Alternatively, honey can be used as a substitute.

Why is my bacon burning before my Brussels sprouts are done?

This can happen due to the bacon’s thickness or if the pieces are too small. Try using thicker bacon cuts or adding the bacon a few minutes after starting the Brussels sprouts.

Can I make this recipe in a conventional oven?

Yes, you can roast the Brussels sprouts and bacon in an oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and roast for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are crispy and the bacon is cooked.

More Air Fryer Recipes