Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon in the Air Fryer are the best and easiest way to cook this recipe! Only two ingredients needed to make this classic combination.

There are just certain recipes that work best in the air fryer, and this is one of them. I make Brussels sprouts all the time and I make bacon all the time, and this is my favorite way to put the two together.

I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to just make regular old roasted brussels sprouts, but this air fryer recipe is so darn easy and there’s a ton of BACON!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two ingredients. Bacon and Brussels sprouts are the whole shopping list.
• No extra oil or salt. The bacon fat crisps the sprouts and the bacon seasons them.
• It frees up the oven. On a holiday, when the oven is full, this side cooks on the counter.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

• Bacon: I use bacon ends and pieces rather than slices because it is cheaper. It’s usually the same quality bacon at less of a cost. Just thinly slice any thick chunks.
• Brussels sprouts: trim the ends and cut them in half. If you wash them, do it well in advance so they are fully dry.

Full amounts are in the recipe card below.

Why the Bacon Goes in First

Bacon takes longer to cook than Brussels sprouts. If you put the bacon in raw with the sprouts and cooked it until all of the fat was rendered, the sprouts would be cooked way too far.

So the bacon gets about 15 minutes on its own first. Then it’s chopped, tossed with the sprouts and finished together. I like my sprouts cooked just until they start to turn crispy and golden brown on the outside, but still tender and not mushy.

How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

It takes two rounds in the air fryer: the bacon first, then everything together.

Step 1: Add the bacon

Lay the bacon in the air fryer basket in a single layer. A little overlap is okay.

Step 2: Par-cook the bacon

Cook the bacon at 360°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket or turning it halfway through. You want it only partially cooked.

Step 3: Chop the bacon

Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Carefully pour off the excess grease from the air fryer.

Step 4: Trim the Brussels sprouts

While the bacon is cooking, trim the Brussels sprouts. Give the bottoms a fresh cut, then slice them in half lengthwise.

PRO TIP: If you like them really crispy, pull the outer leaves off when you trim the sprouts, and cook them too. The single leaves get completely crisp and are a nice addition.

Step 5: Toss and spread it out

Toss the sprouts and par-cooked bacon in a large bowl, then spread them in the basket. Keep it a thin layer so the hot air can reach every side.

Step 6: Air fry until golden

Cook at 400°F for about 20 more minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. Keep going until the bacon is fully cooked. Serve hot.

KRISSY’S RECOMMENDATION: The photos show the standard countertop air fryer I used to have. Now I make this in the air fryer basket of my big Breville toaster oven, which holds the whole recipe at once. In a smaller air fryer, cook it in two batches.

Common Problems to Avoid

• Soggy sprouts: crowded or wet sprouts steam instead of getting crisp, so make sure they’re fully dry and not piled up.
• Smoke from the air fryer: bacon grease collects in the bottom and can smoke at 400°F. Pour it off after the first round, like in step 3.
• Bacon burning in the first round: uncured bacon often cooks quicker than cured bacon. Check it at 10 minutes.
• Uneven sprouts: every air fryer cooks a little differently depending on the size and shape of the basket, so start checking a few minutes early.

★★★★★

“Yummy!!and so easy.. Only used pepper along with the bacon. When cooked I finished it off with a couple of spritzs of balsamic glaze. Absolutely delicious!”

Karen, reader review

Variations

• Balsamic glaze: a couple of spritzes over the finished sprouts, like Karen does. The balsamic is everything.
• Honey and balsamic: another reader adds a little honey and balsamic vinegar at the end.
• In the oven: my roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic bake on a sheet pan.
• On the stovetop: my sautéed Brussels sprouts are done in one skillet.

Making Ahead, Storing and Reheating

You can make this recipe for bacon and brussels sprouts at the beginning of the week as part of your meal prep. You can also make them the day before Thanksgiving and then just reheat them on the day of. They’re a great side next to my Thanksgiving turkey, homemade sausage stuffing and green bean casserole.

• To store: refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, and eat them within 3 to 4 days.
• To reheat: well… I actually think the best way is to throw them back in the air fryer. This will not only heat them up but will make them extra crispy. You can also spread them on a baking sheet and reheat in a 400 degree F oven for a few minutes, until they’re hot all the way through (165°F).
• In the microwave: I don’t advise it, as they will be softer and less crispy, however it doesn’t change the taste. Plus, it’s not always easy to bring the good ol’ air fryer into work when there’s a microwave readily available.

How do you know when Brussels sprouts are done in the air fryer?

They’re golden brown and crisp on the outside, and a fork slides into the center easily. Taste one to be sure.

Do you soak Brussels sprouts before air frying?

No. Soaking only adds water, and these need to go in dry. A quick rinse is plenty.

Can I coat the Brussels sprouts with olive oil first?

Yes, if you like. A light toss in olive oil before they go in is fine.

Is it better to make Brussels sprouts in the oven or the air fryer?

For this recipe I prefer the air fryer. It’s faster, and the hot air crisps the sprouts and bacon together. The oven is easier when you’re cooking for a big crowd.

More Brussels Sprouts and Air Fryer Recipes

If you love brussels sprouts as much as I do, you’ll also want to make these.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

Chicken and Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce

Air Fryer Bacon

More from my air fryer: air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer salmon and asparagus, air fryer pork chops and crispy air fryer breakfast potatoes.