Brussel Sprout Recipes with Bacon Maple Air Fryer Bliss

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 15, 2025

brussel sprout recipes with bacon maple air fryer

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the incredible flavors that come alive when you mix brussel sprouts with crispy bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup! The first time I made this dish in my air fryer, I was blown away by how quickly those little green gems transformed into a caramelized, savory delight. Seriously, the air fryer is a game-changer! It locks in moisture while giving everything that perfect crispy finish—no soggy sprouts here!

brussel sprout recipes with bacon maple air fryer - detail 1

I remember hosting a cozy dinner party when I served these brussel sprout recipes with bacon maple air fryer, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about them. The sweet and salty combo is just divine, and it makes for an irresistible side dish or even a light main course. The best part? You can whip this up in under 30 minutes! It’s fancy enough to impress your guests but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple on your table, too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 28 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time!
Crispy Perfection: The air fryer gives these brussel sprouts a crispy texture that you just can’t achieve with traditional roasting.
Sweet and Savory Harmony: The combination of salty bacon and sweet maple syrup creates a flavor explosion that elevates the humble brussel sprout.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side dish for any meal or even as a light main course. You can easily customize it to fit your taste!
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients and gluten-free, this recipe allows you to enjoy comfort food without the guilt.

Ingredients List

1 pound brussel sprouts: Trimmed and halved for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
4 slices bacon: Chopped into small pieces to ensure crispy bits throughout the dish.
2 tablespoons maple syrup: Pure maple syrup, not the imitation stuff, for that authentic sweet touch.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil works best to help crisp up the sprouts and bacon.
Salt and pepper: To taste; don’t skimp on seasoning to enhance all those delicious flavors!

How to Prepare Instructions

Getting these brussel sprouts ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring this delightful dish in no time. Don’t forget to preheat that air fryer—trust me, it makes all the difference!

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for ensuring those brussel sprouts cook up nice and crispy!
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your trimmed and halved brussel sprouts, chopped bacon, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Give it a good toss to coat everything evenly. You want those flavors to mingle!
Add the Maple Syrup: Drizzle the maple syrup over the mixture and toss again until everything is beautifully coated. That sweet goodness is going to elevate your brussel sprouts!
Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the brussel sprout mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd them; this will help them crisp up nicely.
Cooking Time: Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking and gets everything perfectly crispy!
Check for Doneness: After about 15 minutes, check for your desired level of crispiness. If they need a little more time, pop them back in for a couple of extra minutes!
Serve Warm: Once they’re done, take them out and serve them warm. You’re going to love how delicious and caramelized they look!

Tips for Success

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about some pro tips to ensure your brussel sprouts with bacon and maple syrup come out absolutely perfect every time! It’s all about those little details that can make a big difference.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: If you want crispy sprouts, give them room to breathe! Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping, so cook them in batches if necessary.
Adjust Cooking Times: Every air fryer is a bit different. Keep an eye on your sprouts as they cook and adjust the time as needed. You want them golden brown and crispy, not burnt!
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative! Try adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. The flavor is all about what you love!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh brussel sprouts and quality bacon make all the difference. If you can, buy your ingredients from a local farmer’s market for the best flavor.
Let Them Rest: After cooking, let your brussel sprouts sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and gives them a chance to crisp up even more!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a brussel sprout cooking pro in no time. Happy cooking!

Variations

One of the best things about this brussel sprouts with bacon and maple recipe is how versatile it is! You can easily mix things up to suit your tastes or to use what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to consider:

Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans. They add a delightful nutty flavor and texture that perfectly complements the sweetness of the maple syrup.
Mix in Other Veggies: Feel free to throw in some diced sweet potatoes, carrots, or even cauliflower florets. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time a bit based on what you add!
Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper before cooking. This adds a nice kick that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch. You can add them before cooking for a more subtle flavor or sprinkle them on top right before serving for a fresh burst.
Zesty Citrus: A drizzle of fresh lemon or orange juice right before serving brightens up the dish and complements the maple syrup perfectly. It’s a refreshing twist!

Don’t hesitate to get creative and combine different ideas! This recipe is all about making it your own, so have fun experimenting with flavors and textures. You’re going to love the delicious results!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for this delicious brussel sprouts with bacon and maple recipe. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients used, and they can vary depending on specific brands or variations you might choose!

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 220
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 6g

These numbers make this dish a fantastic option for a guilt-free indulgence. So, enjoy every bite knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious and nutritious!

FAQ Section

Common Questions About Brussel Sprout Recipes with Bacon Maple Air Fryer

Q1: Can I use frozen brussel sprouts for this recipe?
I recommend using fresh brussel sprouts for the best flavor and texture. Frozen sprouts can turn mushy and may not crisp up as nicely in the air fryer. If fresh isn’t an option, just adjust the cooking time and keep an eye on them!

Q2: What if I don’t have maple syrup?
No worries! You can substitute honey or agave syrup for a similar sweetness. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be a bit different, but still delicious!

Q3: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply leave out the bacon and replace it with a plant-based bacon alternative or omit it entirely. You might want to add in some more seasoning or smoked paprika to keep that savory flavor!

Q4: Can I prepare the brussel sprouts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the brussel sprouts and mix them with the other ingredients in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. They’ll be just as tasty!

Q5: How do I know when my brussel sprouts are done?
You’ll want to look for a nice golden-brown color and a crispy texture. Do the toothpick test to check for tenderness; they should be easily pierced but not mushy. If they need a little more time, pop them back in for a few extra minutes!