Imagine transforming the once-dreaded brussels sprouts into a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone begging for seconds! Our Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe is about to revolutionize your vegetable game, turning these little green gems into crispy, flavor-packed bites of pure deliciousness. With minimal prep time and maximum taste, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be incredibly indulgent and satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound brussel sprouts, halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off the stem ends and slice each sprout in half lengthwise, ensuring they are cleaned and prepared evenly.
- Pat the halved brussels sprouts completely dry using paper towels. Moisture reduction is crucial for achieving crispy results in the air fryer.
- Chop the bacon into small, roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Smaller bacon bits will distribute more evenly and crisp up nicely.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the brussels sprouts with olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly and uniformly coated.
- Season the oiled brussels sprouts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 3-4 minutes to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Arrange the seasoned brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Sprinkle the chopped bacon pieces evenly over the brussels sprouts in the basket.
- Cook in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes to ensure even browning and prevent sticking.
- Check for doneness by looking for crispy edges and golden-brown color. The brussels sprouts should be tender inside with a crisp exterior.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the brussels sprouts and bacon from the air fryer. Let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow slight cooling and settling of flavors.
- Transfer to a serving dish and optionally garnish with additional fresh cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Dryness is Key: Ensure your brussels sprouts are completely dry before cooking. Excess moisture prevents the crispy exterior you're looking for.
- Don't Overcrowd: Give your sprouts space in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
- Shake Frequently: Toss the basket every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Bacon Placement: Distribute bacon pieces evenly to maximize flavor and crispiness.
- Temperature Matters: Stick to 375°F for the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior.
- Optional Upgrades: Experiment with additional seasonings like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
