Bacon Brussel Sprouts Recipe Air Fryer

So, you’ve reached that glorious point in life where you actually appreciate Brussels sprouts (gasp!). And you’ve also wisely figured out that bacon makes *everything* better. Combine that with the magic box we call an air fryer, and boom! You’ve just unlocked a cheat code for deliciousness. Welcome, my friend, to the easiest, crispiest, most addictive side dish you’ll ever make.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be real, who wants soggy sprouts or bacon that’s either burnt to a crisp or still awkwardly chewy? Not us, my culinary comrade! This Air Fryer Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe hits that *perfect* sweet spot of crispy sprouts and perfectly rendered, savory bacon. It’s fast, it’s fuss-free, and honestly, it’s practically idiot-proof. If I can nail this without setting off the smoke alarm, you totally can too. Consider it your new go-to for impressing guests (or just your hungry self).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your gladiators, err, ingredients! You won’t need a pantry full of obscure spices for this one.

• Brussels Sprouts: About 1 pound (around 450g). These are the tiny cabbage imposters that actually taste amazing when cooked right. Trim off those woody ends and halve ’em. No sad, outer leaves, please!
• Bacon: 4-6 slices, thick-cut if you’re feeling fancy. This is your co-star, bringing all the salty, smoky goodness. Duh.
• Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon or two. Because even deliciousness needs a little lubrication to get that perfect crisp.
• Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: The OG flavor duo. Don’t be shy, but remember bacon is salty, so season accordingly.
• Optional Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch, if you’re feeling a bit spicy and want to kick things up a notch. Live a little!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is so simple, you could probably do it with your eyes closed (but please don’t).

1. Prep Your Veggies & Meat: First things first, grab your Brussels sprouts. Give them a good rinse, trim the stem ends, and slice them in half. Now, take your bacon and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces (about ½-inch to ¾-inch chunks).
2. Season Like a Pro: In a medium bowl, toss those halved Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you’re feeling spicy, throw in those red pepper flakes. Don’t add the bacon yet!
3. First Fry the Bacon: Place your chopped bacon in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You want it crispy, not chewy! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 6-8 minutes, or until it’s about halfway crispy. Give the basket a good shake halfway through.
4. Combine & Conquer: Now, add the seasoned Brussels sprouts directly into the air fryer basket with the partially cooked bacon. Toss everything together right in the basket so the bacon fat can coat the sprouts. Genius, right?
5. Finish the Fry: Continue to air fry at 375°F (190°C) for another 8-12 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. You’re looking for tender-crisp sprouts and perfectly rendered, golden-brown bacon.
6. Serve It Up: Once everything is cooked to perfection, transfer your glorious creation to a serving dish. Taste, and add a tiny bit more salt or pepper if needed. Now, go forth and devour!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even easy recipes have pitfalls! Learn from my mishaps, so you don’t have to.

• Overcrowding the Basket: This isn’t a sardine can, folks. Give those sprouts and bacon room to breathe and crisp up. If your air fryer basket is too full, you’ll end up with steamed veggies and chewy bacon, not crispy goodness. Work in batches if you need to, **IMO**, it’s worth the extra few minutes.
• Forgetting to Shake: You’re not just admiring your food in there! Shaking the basket every few minutes is crucial for even cooking. Otherwise, you’ll have a mix of burnt, undercooked, and just-right pieces.
• Skipping the Bacon Pre-Cook: Adding raw bacon and raw sprouts at the same time is a recipe for disaster. The bacon won’t render properly, and the sprouts will be overcooked waiting for the bacon to catch up. Do the two-step cook!
• Not Trimming Properly: Those woody ends on Brussels sprouts are no fun. Give ’em a good trim, and peel off any yellow or loose outer leaves. You want fresh, green deliciousness.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling adventurous? Or just out of an ingredient? No stress!

• No Bacon? No Problem (kind of): If you’re vegetarian or just out of bacon, you can absolutely make delicious air fryer Brussels sprouts! Skip the bacon, and instead add a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a drizzle more olive oil to the sprouts for that smoky flavor.
• Spice It Up: Want more kick? Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to your sprouts when seasoning. A dash of balsamic glaze drizzled on top after cooking is also divine.
• Different Oils: Avocado oil or grapeseed oil are great alternatives to olive oil, especially if you want a higher smoke point, though olive oil works perfectly fine here.
• Maple Glaze: For a touch of sweet-savory, toss the cooked Brussels sprouts and bacon with a tablespoon of maple syrup during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Trust me on this one.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? You *can*, but they often release a lot of water and might not get as crispy. Fresh is definitely best for that ideal texture, FYI. If you must use frozen, thaw them first and pat them *very* dry before seasoning.
• What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can totally do this in a regular oven! Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes on a baking sheet, tossing halfway, until golden and tender-crisp. Just takes a bit longer, you impatient legend.
• My bacon isn’t crispy enough, but my sprouts are perfect! Help! Sounds like you might need to give your bacon a little more solo time in the air fryer at the beginning. Or make sure your bacon pieces aren’t too thick.
• Can I cook this ahead of time? You *can*, but it’s best served fresh for peak crispiness. If you must, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to crisp it back up. Microwaving will just make it sad.
• Should I really eat my veggies? When they taste this good, dressed in bacon, absolutely! It’s practically a health food. (Don’t quote me on that, though.)

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! A ridiculously easy, incredibly tasty recipe for Air Fryer Bacon Brussels Sprouts that’ll make even the most veggie-averse folks ask for seconds. Seriously, this dish is a game-changer. So go forth, wield your air fryer with confidence, and conquer your veggie-bacon cravings. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!