These air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon come out crispy at the edges, tender in the middle, and glazed with a little honey and garlic. Everything cooks together in one basket in about 20 minutes, and the bacon fat does most of the seasoning for you.
The first time I made them, my 16-year-old asked when I’d make them again. From a kid who used to push sprouts around the plate, that’s the only review I needed.
If you’re after a restaurant-style version, I have those too: my Copycat Bonefish Brussels Sprouts with maple, Copycat Ruth’s Chris Brussels Sprouts with honey butter, and Seasons 52 Caramelized Brussels Sprouts. This one is the everyday version: fewer steps, pantry ingredients, weeknight-fast.
Why this works
Cut side matters. Halved sprouts get a flat face that browns deeply against the hot air.
Bacon and sprouts cook together. As the bacon renders, its fat coats the sprouts and helps them brown.
Honey goes in halfway. Added at the start, honey can scorch at 400°F. Halfway through, it has just enough time to caramelize.
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts: 1 pound fresh, trimmed and halved. Pick firm, bright green sprouts; skip any that are yellow or soft. Quarter the very large ones so everything cooks at the same rate.
- Bacon: 6 slices regular-cut, chopped. Thick-cut won’t crisp in the same time. Turkey bacon works, but add a teaspoon more oil.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon jarred).
- Honey: Balances the salt and smoke. Maple syrup works too.
- Olive oil: Just a tablespoon, so the sprouts brown before the bacon fat renders.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Go light on salt. The bacon is already salty.
How to make air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon
Step 1: Preheat. Heat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes with the basket empty.
Step 2: Toss. In a large bowl, toss the sprouts, bacon, garlic, oil, salt and pepper. Set the honey aside.
Step 3: Air fry 10 minutes. Spread everything in a single layer, cut sides down where you can. Cook in two batches if your basket is under [5] quarts.
Step 4: Shake and glaze. Shake the basket, drizzle the honey over the top, and toss.
Step 5: Air fry 8 to 10 minutes more. They’re done when the bacon is crisp and the outer leaves are deep brown and a little charred at the edges.
Using parchment? Add it only once the food is on it. Loose parchment in an empty, preheating basket can blow into the heating element.
Tips for the crispiest sprouts
- Dry them well. Wet sprouts steam instead of crisp.
- Don’t crowd the basket. Air needs to move around each piece.
- Watch the last 3 minutes. Air fryers vary, and honey goes from caramelized to burnt fast.
- Serve right away. They lose their crunch as they sit.
Variations
- Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the sprouts for the last 2 minutes.
- Spicy: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Balsamic: Drizzle with balsamic glaze after cooking.
- Lemon: Finish with lemon zest and a squeeze of juice.
- Crunch: Top with toasted pecans, sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds.
- Vegetarian: Skip the bacon, use 2 tablespoons of oil, and add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
What to serve with them
They go with almost any main: Air Fryer New York Strip Steak (Keto, with Boursin), Air Fryer Rosemary Chicken Breast or Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer.
For a holiday table, pair them with air fryer mashed potatoes (no boiling) or my favorite Air Fryer Yankee Pot Roast
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? Yes, but they won’t get as crispy. Cook them from frozen (don’t thaw), skip the halving, and add 5 to 8 minutes. Pat off any ice first.
How do I make this vegan? Leave out the bacon, use maple syrup instead of honey, and add smoked paprika for the smoky flavor.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes to bring back the crunch.
Can I prep them ahead? Trim and halve the sprouts up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate them dry. Season and add oil just before cooking.
Why are my Brussels sprouts bitter? Overcooking brings out bitterness, and so do older sprouts. Buy firm, bright ones and pull them when the edges are brown, not black.
Do I have to preheat? It helps. A hot basket browns the cut sides right away instead of steaming them.
More air fryer vegetable sides
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon (Honey Garlic)
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprout, 450 g, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices bacon, about 5 oz / 150 g, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes with the basket empty.
- In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts, bacon, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Spread in a single layer in the basket, cut sides down where possible. Air fry 10 minutes. Work in batches if the basket is crowded.
- Shake the basket, drizzle with honey and toss to coat.
- Air fry 8 to 10 minutes more, until the bacon is crisp and the sprouts are deeply browned at the edges. Serve immediately.
Equipment
- parchment liners (optional)
Notes
- Parchment: Optional. Add it only after preheating, with food on top, so it can’t blow into the heating element.
- Large sprouts: Quarter any over 1.5 inches so they cook evenly.
- Frozen sprouts: Cook from frozen, whole, and add 5 to 8 minutes. They won’t get as crisp.
- Leftovers: Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes.
Nutrition
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