Description
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a delightful dish that transforms those little green veggies into a crunchy and savory treat! Brussels sprouts are often overlooked, but they’re packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, making them a fantastic addition to any meal. When you cook them in an air fryer, you get all that goodness with less oil compared to traditional frying methods, providing a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup or balsamic glaze, optional for finishing
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional for topping
- Lemon juice for serving, optional
Instructions
1. Start by prepping the Brussels sprouts. First, trim the stem end of each sprout to remove any woody parts. Next, peel away any yellow outer leaves that may not be fresh. Now, cut each Brussels sprout in half from top to bottom. Try to ensure that all pieces are roughly the same size to promote even cooking throughout.
2. Once your Brussels sprouts are prepped, it’s time to introduce them to the other flavors. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with sliced garlic, olive oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss everything thoroughly until each sprout is perfectly coated. This is where the magic begins! Afterward, fold in the pieces of thick-cut bacon, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully.
3. For perfect results, preheating your air fryer is essential. Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it heat up for about three minutes. This step helps ensure that your Brussels sprouts and bacon cook evenly and get that lovely crispiness.
4. Now, it’s time to air fry! Place the Brussels sprouts and bacon mixture into the air fryer basket. Make sure to arrange the ingredients in a single layer; overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking, so working in batches is often necessary. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 to 5 minutes. This step promotes even cooking and crisping. Keep a close eye on the mixture, and adjust the cooking time if it’s not reaching that golden-brown perfection.
5. Your Brussels sprouts should be deeply golden and charred around the edges, while the bacon needs to be fully crispy. If they aren’t quite there yet, you can pop them back in for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. You want that vibrant color – that’s how you know they’re ready!
6. Once your Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are done, transfer them to a serving plate immediately. To elevate the flavor profile, you can drizzle them with maple syrup or balsamic glaze. Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and, for an extra zest, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice before bringing them to the table. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Notes
To ensure that your Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips:
Avoid Overcrowding: Always leave enough space in the air fryer basket for the hot air to circulate. This guarantees even cooking and a crisp texture.
Preheat Properly: Preheating your air fryer is key to achieving a nice sear on the veggies and bacon.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to enhance your dish with additional spices like chili powder or herbs like thyme and rosemary for a flavor explosion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg