Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
Enjoy crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Bacon that are incredibly easy to prepare and ready in under 20 minutes.
These tiny cabbages are lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, mixed with bacon and olive oil, and topped with Parmesan for a savory finish! They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Brussels sprouts are the best vegetable to cook in an air fryer and make the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Sunday lunch, or Christmas dinner. They are quick to prepare, making them perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something on the table in no time.
Please continue scrolling down to find the recipe card below, which contains the complete list of ingredients with measurements, detailed recipe instructions, additional notes, and nutritional information.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brussel sprouts – For this recipe, use fresh Brussels sprouts. Prepare them by trimming the stalks, removing any outer leaves if needed, and cutting them in halves. If you prefer a softer texture on the inside, soak the Brussels sprouts in water for 10 minutes before roasting.
- Bacon – I prefer streaky bacon for added saltiness but you can choose your favorite cut. Omit it if you prefer to keep your side dish vegetarian.
- Olive oil – A touch of olive oil enhances the crispiness of the Brussels sprouts and adds extra flavor to the dish. Alternatively, you can use avocado oil or vegetable oil if you prefer.
- Parmesan cheese – Opt for a block of Parmesan and grate it freshly just before use. Feel free to substitute it with any hard cheese of your preference.
How to Cook Brussel Sprouts in Air Fryer?
Important Note
Before you start cooking, note that times may differ among air fryers. I develop my recipes using a Cosori 6.8 air fryer. If you’re using a different air fryer, view my recipes as a general guide and tweak the cooking time—add a bit more or cook slightly less as needed.
Air frying these crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon and parmesan is a straightforward process. To achieve the best results, you need to follow a few simple steps:
Dice the bacon into small pieces.
Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts, then cut them in half.
Optionally, soak the Brussels sprouts in water for 10 minutes if you prefer them soft rather than too crispy. Place the Brussels sprouts in a bowl and add salt, pepper, olive oil, and bacon.
Mix them well, then arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer’s basket.
Avoid overcrowding; if your air fryer is not large enough, cook them in batches. Set your air fryer to 180°C (360°F) and roast for 10 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy on the outside. Shake the basket halfway through cooking.
Sprinkle a generous amount of grated parmesan over the Brussels sprouts as soon as they are cooked.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts recipe is extremely easy to make and only requires a few ingredients and 17 minutes.
- You can prepare this wholesome side dish while your oven is busy – it’s the ideal accompaniment for large dinner gatherings and weeknight meals!
- It is versatile—you can exclude the bacon to make this dish vegetarian-friendly. Additionally, you can enhance the flavor by adding garlic or balsamic.
- The leftovers make for a fantastic snack, and you can store them in the refrigerator for up to five days!
Expert Tips From the Chef
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming the stalk, removing outer leaves, and halving larger ones for even sizing.
- Soak the Brussels sprouts in water for 10 minutes before roasting if you prefer them soft and tender.
- Place them in a single layer in the air fryer, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Shake the basket halfway through for crispiness.
- Adjust the timing and temperature as they may vary depending on your air fryer model.
Flavor Variations
- Give your Brussels sprouts a tasty upgrade by tossing them in a mix of honey, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes before air frying. The sweet and tangy glaze adds a delightful twist.
- Coat your Brussels sprouts with a combo of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of ginger and garlic powder before air frying. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor.
- Try tossing your Brussels sprouts in a mix of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar before air frying. The sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
- For a delicious Asian twist, coat your Brussels sprouts with homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce before air frying.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Bacon?
Just like Air Fryer Mini Pigs in a Blanket, Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts is a great side dish to serve during the festive season.
Serve this delicious side dish along with Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs or Air Fryer Marinated Salmon Recipe for a quick weeknight meal or with Slow Roasted Turkey Legs (With Gravy), or Beef Bourguignon for special occasions.
Storage and Reheating
Let the Brussels sprouts cool to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Avoid freezing leftover Brussels sprouts, as they tend to become mushy when reheated.
If you’d like to reheat your leftover Brussels sprouts in the air fryer, start by preheating it to 350°F (175°C).
Place the Parmesan Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Reheat for approximately 3-5 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket occasionally for even warming.
Check for your desired warmth and crispiness.
For reheating in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C).
Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can make this delicious Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts recipe with frozen Brussel Sprouts.
However, they won’t be as crispy because of the water content.
Also, you need to increase the cooking time.
The air fryer is quicker than the convection oven and will crisp your food faster and better.
They are also perfect for making healthy versions of deep-fried food such as Fish Sticks in Air Fryer.
If the Brussels sprouts are not becoming crispy, it could be due to excess moisture or overcrowding.
Make sure the sprouts are well-dried before cooking and avoid overloading the basket. Give an extra couple of minutes if necessary.
Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Please give us a five-star rating and leave a comment below.
I hope you enjoy the process of preparing these golden and crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and parmesan just as much as you enjoy eating them! 🙂
Bon appétit!
Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
- 500 g brussel sprouts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 120 g bacon
- ⅓ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 40 g parmesan cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Dice the bacon into small pieces.
- Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts, then cut them in half.
- Optionally, soak the Brussels sprouts in water for 10 minutes if you prefer them soft rather than too crispy.
- Place the Brussels sprouts in a bowl and add salt, pepper, olive oil, and bacon.
- Mix them well, then arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer's basket. Avoid overcrowding; if your air fryer is not large enough, cook them in batches.
- Set your air fryer to 180°C (360°F) and roast for 10 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy on the outside. Shake the basket halfway through cooking.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of grated parmesan over the Brussels sprouts as soon as they are cooked.
Notes
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming the stalk, removing outer leaves, and halving larger ones for even sizing.
- Soak the Brussels sprouts in water for 10 minutes before roasting if you prefer them soft and tender.
- Place them in a single layer in the air fryer, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Shake the basket halfway through for crispiness.</li>
- Adjust the timing and temperature as they may vary depending on your air fryer model.
