Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon or olive oil yet, you are seriously missing out! I can’t even begin to explain how these little green gems transform into golden, crunchy bites of deliciousness in just minutes. I remember the first time I made them—my friends couldn’t believe how flavorful and satisfying they were! Whether you’re serving them as a side dish for dinner or just snacking on them straight from the air fryer (trust me, I do this), they’re incredibly versatile. Plus, the combination of the Brussels sprouts’ natural nuttiness and the savory goodness of bacon or the lightness of olive oil is just heavenly. You’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for every occasion!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (or substitute with 2 tablespoons olive oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, but highly recommended for extra flavor!)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is key for getting that perfect crispy texture!
- While the air fryer heats up, grab a large bowl and toss your halved Brussels sprouts with the chopped bacon (or drizzle on that olive oil if you’re going that route). Don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper—you want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
- Once everything is well-coated, transfer the mixture into the air fryer basket. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer for even cooking. You want those little sprouts to have enough space to get crispy, not steamy!
- Now, cook them for about 15 to 18 minutes. Halfway through, give the basket a good shake to ensure they cook evenly. Trust me, this step makes a difference!
- When they’re done, if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle the Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar right before serving. It adds a lovely tang that balances out the richness of the bacon or olive oil. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 28 minutes!
- Crispy texture that will have you coming back for more.
- Flavor-packed with the savory goodness of bacon or the lightness of olive oil.
- Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a tasty appetizer.
- Healthier than traditional frying, yet still incredibly satisfying.
Tips for Success
To make sure your air fryer Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly crispy every time, here are a few handy tips! First, if you have larger Brussels sprouts, consider cutting them into quarters instead of halves. This helps them cook more evenly and get that lovely crunch. If you want them extra crispy, feel free to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time—just keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cooking in batches is totally worth it for that delightful texture! Lastly, if using bacon, make sure it’s chopped into small pieces to ensure it cooks through and crisps up nicely. Happy cooking!
Variations
Feeling adventurous? There are so many fun ways to switch up this recipe! For a little kick, try adding some red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika before cooking—wow, what a flavor punch! If you want to keep it vegetarian, just skip the bacon and toss in some garlic powder or nutritional yeast for an extra savory touch. You can also switch out the balsamic vinegar for a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving for a zesty finish. And if you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast these beauties in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for a similar crispy result. The possibilities are endless—get creative and enjoy!
Nutritional Information Section
While I love sharing my recipes, it’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The information provided here is an estimate and should be taken as a guideline rather than an exact measurement. For this recipe, one serving of crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon or olive oil contains approximately 150 calories, 10g of fat, and 6g of protein. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best results, you can use frozen ones in a pinch! Just make sure to thaw and dry them well before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can make them soggy.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can roast these Brussels sprouts in the oven at 425°F (220°C). Just spread them out on a baking sheet and cook for about 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through for that all-important crispiness.
How do I make these Brussels sprouts vegan?
It’s super easy! Simply replace the bacon with olive oil (as mentioned) and skip the balsamic vinegar if you prefer. You can also add some nutritional yeast for that savory flavor boost!
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the Brussels sprouts and toss them with olive oil or bacon ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for a few hours. Just remember to cook them fresh for that perfect crunch!
What should I serve these with?
These crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with roasted meats, like chicken or pork, or even as a delicious topping on salads. They also make for a fantastic appetizer at parties!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftover crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts (which is rare in my house!), storing them is super easy. Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the air fryer! Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re heated through and regain that fabulous crispiness. You could also use the oven, but the air fryer really brings back that crunch we all love! Just remember, the quicker you eat them, the better they taste—so dig in!
Serving Suggestions
These crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile and can enhance any meal! I love serving them alongside roasted chicken or pork chops for a delightful dinner. They also pair beautifully with a hearty grain salad or quinoa for a light and nutritious lunch. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider presenting them as a stunning appetizer with a dipping sauce on the side. You can even toss them into a fresh arugula salad for an added crunch. Trust me, no matter how you serve them, they’re sure to impress!
For more tips on cooking with Brussels sprouts, check out this Healthline article on their health benefits.
For a delicious pairing, consider serving these with garlic butter pasta for a comforting meal.
Lastly, if you’re interested in more air fryer recipes, visit this link for some great ideas!
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: 5 Irresistible Tips
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon or olive oil.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (or 2 tablespoons olive oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with chopped bacon (or olive oil), salt, and pepper.
- Place the mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- If using, drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time for larger or smaller Brussels sprouts.
- For extra crispiness, cook a few more minutes.
- Can be served as a side dish or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: air fryer, Brussels sprouts, bacon, olive oil, side dish
