Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts And Bacon: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon is a delicious and healthy side dish or appetiser that can be served with any main course. The recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients. The sprouts are cooked in an air fryer, which gives them a crispy texture, and they are then tossed with bacon and seasonings. This dish can be made even more flavourful by adding ingredients like maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, parmesan cheese, or avocado oil.

Prepping the sprouts

Trimming and cutting

First, trim the ends of the sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. Then, cut them in half from stem to end. For any larger sprouts, cut them into quarters so that all the pieces are of a similar size and will cook evenly.

Soaking (optional)

If you like your sprouts a little softer in the middle, you can soak the sprouts in warm tap water for 10 minutes. This will make them a little more tender without becoming soggy. After 10 minutes, drain and lightly pat the sprouts dry with a towel.

Seasoning

Place the sprouts in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper and toss to coat evenly. For extra flavour, add a generous sprinkle of garlic powder, garlic parsley salt, or fresh garlic cloves.

Bacon

While the sprouts are cooking, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. You can also cook the bacon first and toss the sprouts in the leftover grease instead of oil.

Cooking the bacon

The first step is to cook the bacon in the air fryer. Lay the bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with only a little overlap, if any. You will want to cook the bacon for around 15 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the bacon halfway through. The bacon should be partially cooked at this stage.

Next, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. While the bacon is cooking, you can trim the Brussels sprouts. It is important to ensure they are thoroughly dry after washing.

Now, toss the trimmed sprouts and par-cooked bacon in a large bowl and then transfer to the air fryer. Continue cooking for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket every five minutes, until the bacon is fully cooked and the sprouts start to brown.

Trimming the sprouts

The next step is to trim off the root end of each sprout. This will help ensure even cooking and a crisp texture. You can also remove any brown or damaged outer leaves to improve the overall appearance and taste.

After trimming, cut the Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise. For larger sprouts, cut them into quarters. Aim for evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Don't discard the leaves that fall off during the trimming and cutting process; these leaves will become nice and crispy during cooking and add a delightful texture to your dish.

If you want your Brussels sprouts to be a little softer in the centre, you can soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes after cutting them. This step is optional, but it helps to tenderize the sprouts without making them soggy. After soaking, be sure to drain and pat them dry before proceeding to the next step.

Adding flavour

Seasoning

Brussels sprouts pair well with a variety of seasonings. For a simple option, season them with salt and pepper. For a more complex flavour profile, try using garlic powder, smoked paprika, or garlic parsley salt. You can also add some heat with red pepper flakes. Play around with different combinations of seasonings to find your favourite.

Cheese

Adding cheese to your Brussels sprouts and bacon can take the dish to the next level. Parmesan cheese is a popular choice, but you can also try feta or goat cheese. If you're using Parmesan, opt for a high-quality block of cheese and grate it yourself for the best flavour.

Sweetness

Adding a touch of sweetness can create a delicious contrast with the savoury Brussels sprouts and bacon. Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the sprouts before or after cooking. You can also try using balsamic vinegar, which will add both sweetness and tanginess to the dish.

Other ingredients

There are several other ingredients you can add to your Brussels sprouts and bacon to enhance their flavour. Try tossing in some cranberries, pepitas, or avocado oil. You could also cook your Brussels sprouts in bacon fat instead of oil for an extra savoury kick.

Serving suggestions

These air-fried brussels sprouts and bacon can be served as a side dish or appetiser. They pair well with most mains and are a great holiday option, freeing up oven space.

You can also experiment with toppings and additions to elevate the dish. Here are some ideas:

• Balsamic vinegar: Toss the sprouts with about 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar before placing them in the air fryer.
• Goat cheese and cranberries: Sprinkle on top of the sprouts after they are done cooking.
• Honey: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the sprouts before cooking to help caramelise them.
• Pepitas: Top the sprouts and bacon with roasted pepitas for an extra savoury touch.
• Parmesan cheese: Grate some high-quality parmesan cheese over the dish. Skip the pre-shredded variety and opt for a fresh block of parmesan.
• Bacon fat: Instead of olive oil or avocado oil, coat the sprouts with the grease left over from frying the bacon.
• Spices: Try using different spices like garlic salt, parsley salt, or your favourite seasoning salt.
• Steak: Try tossing the sprouts with some steak drippings for an infusion of meaty flavour.
• Feta cheese: Toss the cooked sprouts with a handful of feta cheese for a salty, tangy twist.
• Honey and red pepper flakes: For a sweet and spicy finish, drizzle honey over the sprouts and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Frequently asked questions