Longhorn Brussel Sprouts Recipe Air Fryer

So, you’re eyeing those crispy, savory Brussel sprouts from Longhorn and thinking, “I need that in my life, but, like, without leaving my couch?” My friend, you’ve come to the right place. We’re about to dive headfirst into making those legendary Longhorn-style Brussel sprouts right in your very own air fryer. Get ready to impress yourself (and maybe share, if you’re feeling generous).

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, let’s be real: we all want gourmet flavors without the gourmet effort. And that, my friends, is exactly what this recipe delivers. Think about it:

• It’s practically idiot-proof. Even I, a serial burner of toast, can nail this.
• Your air fryer does most of the heavy lifting, meaning less grease, less fuss, and more time for your Netflix binge.
• You get that perfect balance of crispy sprouts, salty bacon, tangy balsamic, and nutty Parmesan. It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited.
• It tastes like you slaved away in the kitchen for hours, but in reality, you probably spent more time choosing your outfit for the grocery store. Winning!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather ’round, my fellow food adventurer! Here’s your treasure map to deliciousness:

• 1 lb fresh Brussel Sprouts: Trimmed and halved. The fresher, the better. Don’t even *think* about those sad frozen ones for this.
• 4-5 strips Bacon: Chopped into small pieces. Because bacon. Enough said.
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Or avocado oil, if you’re feeling fancy. Just something to get those sprouts glistening.
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: The real stuff, please. Not that powdery “cheese food” imposter.
• 2-3 tbsp Balsamic Glaze: This is the secret sauce, the MVP, the magic potion. You can buy it or reduce your own balsamic vinegar if you’re feeling ambitious (and have patience).
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: Because garlic makes everything better. It’s science.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, apron on (or not, we don’t judge), let’s get cooking!

1. Prep Your Sprouts: Wash your Brussel sprouts, trim off the little woody ends, and then cut them in half lengthwise. If you have some super big ones, quarter them. We want even cooking here, folks.
2. Crisp Up That Bacon: While your air fryer preheats to 375°F (190°C), cook your chopped bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until they’re nice and crispy. Remove them from the pan and drain on a paper towel. Keep that glorious bacon grease, though!
3. Season Those Sprouts: In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussel sprouts with the olive oil (or a tablespoon of the reserved bacon grease for extra flavor – you’re welcome!), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every sprout is coated.
4. Air Fry Away: Place the seasoned sprouts in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket! You want them to get crispy, not steam. You’ll likely need to do this in 2-3 batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
5. Shake and Bake (Well, Air Fry): Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously every 5 minutes. You’re looking for tender-crisp sprouts with some lovely charred edges.
6. Combine and Conquer: Once all your sprouts are done, transfer them back to the large bowl. Add the crispy bacon bits and the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until it’s well combined.
7. Drizzle and Devour: Arrange your magnificent Brussel sprouts on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately and bask in the glory!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Listen, we all make mistakes. But let’s try to avoid these rookie errors, shall we?

• Overcrowding the Air Fryer: This is the cardinal sin of air frying. If you pile them in, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Patience, young padawan, patience!
• Forgetting to Shake the Basket: Those sprouts need a little dance party to ensure even browning. Set a timer, shake it up!
• Skipping the Preheating: Just like a conventional oven, your air fryer needs to be hot for optimal cooking. Don’t be lazy.
• Under-Seasoning: Brussel sprouts can handle flavor. Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Using Frozen Sprouts: While you *can*, they release a lot of water and won’t get that desirable crispy texture. Stick to fresh for this recipe.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling creative? Here are some ways to shake things up:

• Bacon Swap: Not a pork fan? Try turkey bacon or even some crispy pan-fried pancetta for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Cheese Please: Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese would be delightful substitutes for Parmesan. Or, if you’re a blue cheese lover, a sprinkle of crumbles at the end could be surprisingly good!
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes tossed with the sprouts before air frying will give them a nice kick.
• Sweet Glaze: If balsamic isn’t your jam, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey at the end can add a lovely sweetness. Just don’t overdo it!
• Nutty Addition: For extra crunch and flavor, toss in some toasted chopped pecans or walnuts with the bacon and cheese.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got (casual) answers!

1. “Can I make these in a regular oven if I don’t have an air fryer?”

   Absolutely! Toss them the same way, then roast on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized. It might take a bit longer to get that crisp, though.

2. “What if my sprouts aren’t getting crispy enough?”

   A few culprits here: too much oil, overcrowding the basket, or not shaking often enough. Also, make sure your sprouts are dry after washing – pat them down with a paper towel!

3. “Can I prep these ahead of time?”

   You can wash and halve the sprouts, and even cook the bacon, a day in advance. Store them separately. But for maximum crispiness, always toss and air fry just before serving. Nobody likes a soggy sprout.

4. “Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic vinegar?”

   Nope! Balsamic glaze is balsamic vinegar that has been reduced until it’s thick and syrupy. You can buy it or make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens. FYI, it’s way more intense and sweet.

5. “Can I use less oil?”

   You can try, but the oil helps them crisp up and prevents sticking. If you’re really trying to cut back, use a MIST of oil spray. But IMO, the full amount is worth it for flavor and texture.

6. “My bacon isn’t getting super crispy in the air fryer. Help!”

   Ah, for this recipe, I actually recommend cooking the bacon separately in a pan. Air fryers can cook bacon, but for those perfect, tiny crispy bits needed here, a skillet does a better job. Trust me on this one!

Final Thoughts

There you have it, folks! Your new go-to side dish, snack, or let’s be honest, main course. These Longhorn-style Brussel sprouts are ridiculously delicious and ridiculously easy. So go ahead, whip up a batch (or three), and treat yourself. You’ve earned it, culinary champion! Now go impress someone—or just yourself—with your new air-frying prowess!