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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Bits Easy Crispy Recipe

air fryer brussels sprouts with bacon bits - featured image

A quick and easy air fryer recipe that delivers crispy Brussels sprouts with smoky bacon bits, perfect as a flavorful side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 1/2 cup bacon bits (about 60g), store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for drizzling after cooking)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound of Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim off the tough ends and slice each sprout in half lengthwise. Dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel.
  2. Place the halved sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  4. Arrange the sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket with the cut sides facing down.
  5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to brown all sides evenly. Watch closely after 8 minutes to avoid burning.
  6. Sprinkle 1/2 cup bacon bits over the sprouts and cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm the bacon bits.
  7. Optionally, drizzle 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup over the cooked sprouts for a subtle sweetness.
  8. Serve immediately while hot for the best crunch.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure sprouts crisp properly. Dry sprouts thoroughly before cooking to avoid sogginess. Add bacon bits near the end to prevent burning. Preheat the air fryer for best results. For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon bits with smoked paprika-roasted chickpeas or crispy tempeh.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brussels sprouts, air fryer, bacon bits, crispy, easy side dish, quick recipe, healthy, gluten-free