These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are easy to make in just 20 minutes, and loaded with flavor. Salty, crunchy & sweet, with some acidity from balsamic vinegar it's the perfect side dish for holiday dinners and busy weeknights.
Earthy, Crunchy, Salty, Sweet & Tangy!
Brussels Sprouts and bacon is a great flavor combo - and so easy to make in the air fryer. It's definitely my favorite way to cook them!
The air fryer helps crisp up both the sprouts and bacon, so you get a double-crispy side with earthy, salty flavors. Balsamic vinegar adds sweetness & acidity to balance the salty bacon, and a pinch of cayenne gives them just a tiny touch of heat.
We cook the bacon and sprouts separately to start to make sure we really get a good crisp. You can skip this step, but it is totally worth the extra 30 seconds it takes to mix it together after.
"This is such an easy and quick side but doesn't skimp out on flavor. Also such a fun way to eat veggies!" - Anya
Brussels Sprouts + Bacon + Seasonings
You can make this with fresh or frozen brussels sprouts. I cut them in half for this recipe, but if they are very big you can cut them in quarters instead. You can keep them whole as well, but they won't end up as crispy.
If you're using frozen brussels sprouts they will take about the same time to cook. However, they will not end up as crispy.
How to Make the Best Bacon & Brussels Sprouts
1. Prep the Sprouts
Start by prepping the sprouts. Cut off the stem, and remove any damaged outer leaves. Then cut them in half.
2. Season
Mix together the ingredients for the vinaigrette and pour over the sprouts. Mix well to coat.
3. Cook Separately
Place brussels sprouts and chopped bacon on either side of an air fryer basket, and air fry 10 minutes.
4. Mix & Cook Until Crispy
After 10 minutes, mix everything together and air fry 5 more minutes.
Do I Need to Soak or Blanch Brussels Sprouts Before Cooking?
Short answer: no, you don't!
Soaking brussels sprouts is usually done when serving them raw, to make the leaves less tough. Since we are roasting them, there is no need for this.
Some chefs recommend blanching and shocking (basically, boiling brussels sprouts for a few minutes and then placing them in ice water to cool quickly) the brussels sprouts in salted water before cooking. The point of this is to reduce the bitterness and allow the sprouts to keep their vibrant green color, as you then need to roast them for less time.
For some recipes soaking or blanching and shocking may be a good idea, but for this recipe I do not recommend it. We want the crispy roasted leaves which anyway will require a longer cook time. We also add sweetness to the sprouts, which will balance any bitterness.
Top Tips for the Best Sprouts
For crispy bacon, do keep the sprouts and bacon separate to start. You can skip this, but you will then not get as crispy bacon.
For even crispier bacon, air fry just the bacon first. Air fry 5 minutes at 350°F (180°C), then push to one side, add the brussels sprouts to the other side, and cook according to the recipe card instructions.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you overcrowd it neither bacon nor sprouts will end up crispy. You can have layers, but do not fill the basket. If needed, cook in batches.
What to Do with Leftovers
Leftovers: You can store leftovers and eat another day, but they will not be as crispy as they are straight out of the air fryer.
Storing: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: I do not recommend freezing leftovers as the texture will not be the same.
Reheating in the air fryer: Air fry for 5 minutes at 300°F (150°C), until heated through.
Reheating in microwave: Reheat leftovers in the microwave in 30-second increments, mixing between each segment, until heated through.
Main Dishes to Serve It With
- Duck Breasts with Orange Sauce (Best Sauce for Duck!)45 Minutes
- Air Fryer Skirt Steak50 Minutes
- Baked Lemon Pepper Salmon22 Minutes
- Air Fryer Ribeye Steak15 Minutes
More Quick & Easy Air Fryer Sides
Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic
Print RateIngredients
- ½ lb brussels sprouts cleaned, stem removed, and cut in half
- 4 oz bacon chopped small
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer by running it for 5 minutes at 350°F (180°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, black pepper and cayenne pepper.2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 Tbsp olive oil, ⅛ tsp ground black pepper, 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- Place the brussels sprouts in another bowl, and pour over the balsamic vinegar mixture. Mix well.½ lb brussels sprouts
- Place the brussels sprouts in one half of an air fryer basket, and the chopped bacon in the other half. If there is any balsamic mixture left over you can save this to pour over before serving.4 oz bacon
- Air fry 10 minutes at 350°F (180°C), then remove the air fryer basket and mix everything together.
- Air fry 5 more minutes at 390°F (200°C), until bacon and the edges of the brussels sprouts are crispy.
- If desired, pour over any remaining balsamic mixture from the bowl, then serve!
Equipment (may contain affiliate links)
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.
Anya
I made this air fryer brussel sprouts with bacon as a side to the Duck a l'orange (which is another recipe on this blog you have to check out). Making this side was so effortless and great to use the air fryer while my oven was being used to cook the duck. This is such an easy and quick side but doesn't skimp out on flavor. Also such a fun way to eat veggies!