Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts & Bacon

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Bacon (VIDEO)

I almost always make these air fryer Brussels sprouts around the holidays because they’re always such a hit at holiday parties and gatherings. But I really love them any time of the year! Hearty Brussels that are seasoned to perfection with garlic, then tossed together with smoky, delicious bacon. Top it all off with grated parmesan for a side dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

If you’re looking for a side dish or appetizer recipe that’s impressive but SO easy to make then you’ll love this one. Here’s a quick video for a rundown of how to air fry Brussels sprouts and bacon!

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Here’s what you’ll need for this Brussels sprouts recipe:

Brussels Sprouts – Wholesome Brussels sprouts are the main ingredient in this recipe. You can halve them or quarter them for a crispy texture on the outside, but a tender texture in the center!

Bacon – Delicious bacon brings this savory recipe to life! Easily make this recipe vegan by using vegan bacon (it’s actually pretty good!) or omit the bacon altogether.

Avocado Oil – Avocado oil, olive oil, butter, vegan butter, or any type of savory oil works great in this recipe.

Seasoning – A simple mix of garlic powder, salt, and pepper take this side dish to the next level!

Grated Parmesan – The final touch on this recipe is a sprinkle (or more) of grated parmesan. However, feel free to add any type of grated cheese or omit it completely!

How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

1. Trim and halve (or quarter) the Brussels sprouts.

2. Toss in a large bowl with oil, seasoning, and chopped bacon.

3. Add to preheated air fryer basket and cook 10-12 minutes.

4. Transfer Brussels sprouts and bacon, then repeat for each batch.

5. Top with parmesan cheese and enjoy!

Note: The total cook time depends on the size of the air fryer and how many single-layer batches you have to make!

Best Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Recipe Variations & Toppings

What else can you add to Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts? Here are some delicious ideas!

• Balsamic Vinegar – Toss about 2 Tablespoons of balsamic vinegar with the Brussels sprouts before adding to the air fryer.
• Goat Cheese & Cranberries – This is a great topping idea to add after the sprouts come are done being cooked!
• Honey – A drizzle of honey (or maple syrup) tossed with the sprouts before being cooked helps to caramelize them to perfection.
• Pepitas – If you’re sticking with the savory flavor route, then topping these sprouts and bacon with roasted pepitas can really bring this recipe to life!
• All Of The Above – Combine any of these ideas with this recipe to really play around with flavors and make it your own!

How to Store Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Once fully cooled, it’s best to store these crispy Brussels sprouts in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months!

More Delicious Side Dishes You’ll Love

• Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Goat Cheese
• Vegan Green Bean Casserole
• Baked Sweet Potatoes w/ Chickpeas & Broccoli Pesto
• Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad w/ Cranberries

More From Jar of Lemons

Did you make this recipe? Be sure to give it a rating below and tag your photos  @jar.of.lemons!

Crispy Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer FAQs

How Long to Cook Halved Brussel Sprouts in Air Fryer?

It takes about 10-12 minutes to cook Brussels sprouts in the air fryer.

Why did my Brussel Sprouts burn in the air fryer?

It’s important to flip the Brussels sprouts and bacon halfway through cooking to keep them from burning. For even better results, you may flip them 2-3 times instead!

Frozen Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

Another option is to use frozen Brussels sprouts! To cook frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer, simply place them in the basket from frozen. Cook for 20-25 minutes total, flipping 2-3 times in the process. The Brussels sprouts will be whole, but they should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!

Can I Make This Recipe Without Bacon?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon in the recipe and cook according to the directions below.

What Air Fryer Do You Use?

My air fryer is the Instant Pot Pro Crisp. I’ve never tried any of the others (yet), but I have to say that I DO love it! It’s a pressure cooker and an air fryer in one, which is really nice. And it cooks these Brussels sprouts to crispy perfection in no time at all!

Why won’t my brussel sprouts get crispy?

If your Brussels sprouts aren’t getting crispy, here are a few possible reasons:

• Crowding the Air Fryer Basket: This is the #1 reason why brussels sprouts may not get crispy! If they’re too close together or stacked, the hot air can’t circulate properly, leading to steaming instead of crisping. Cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Temperature and Cooking Time: The temperature might be too low, or they might not be cooking long enough. Ensure your air fryer is preheated to 400°F and cook for the full 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.
• Moisture Content: Excess moisture can prevent crisping. Make sure the Brussels sprouts are thoroughly dried after washing. Also, if the bacon releases too much fat, it can create a steamy environment. You might want to reduce the amount of bacon or cook it separately.