Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Maple Syrup: Your New Favorite Side Dish

As autumn leaves begin to fall and the holidays approach, one side dish always takes center stage on my table: Brussels sprouts. They’re a vibrant, delicious, and always-popular choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and countless other celebratory meals. These air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple syrup are particularly special because they offer an irresistible combination of crispy texture, subtle sweetness, savory bacon, and incredible simplicity. This recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a truly unforgettable experience that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Let’s be honest, almost everything tastes better with bacon! But this recipe offers so much more than just a savory addition. Here’s why these air fryer maple bacon Brussels sprouts will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortless Perfection: The air fryer works its magic, ensuring both the bacon and Brussels sprouts achieve perfect crispiness with minimal effort on your part. No more greasy stovetop splatter or uneven roasting!
• Irresistible Flavor Profile: You get the best of all worlds – the earthy bitterness of Brussels sprouts, the salty crunch of bacon, and the sweet glaze of maple syrup, all harmonizing beautifully.
• Quick & Convenient: Ideal for busy weeknights or holiday meal prep, this dish comes together surprisingly fast, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients, making this a delicious way to enjoy your vegetables. Plus, air frying uses less oil than traditional methods.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even those who claim not to like Brussels sprouts often find themselves coming back for seconds of this flavorful dish. It’s a guaranteed hit!

If you’re a fan of delicious Brussels sprouts, you might also enjoy another super easy and tasty preparation with these honey and balsamic Brussels sprouts cooked in the microwave for a different texture and flavor profile.

Ingredients List for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

This simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe calls for just a few staple ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand. The key to its success lies in the quality of these components and the magical touch of the air fryer!

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts: Fresh, firm Brussels sprouts are best. Look for bright green ones with tightly packed leaves.
• 4 slices bacon, cut into ½” squares: Any good quality bacon will do. Cutting it into smaller pieces ensures even crisping and distributes flavor throughout the dish.
• 1 Tbsp olive oil: Helps coat the sprouts and bacon, promoting browning and crispiness without excessive grease.
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup: The star of the sweet-and-savory profile! Real maple syrup provides the best flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste (approx ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper): Adjust according to your preference, but these amounts provide a good baseline to enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Bacon and Maple Syrup

Achieving perfectly crispy, tender, and flavorful Brussels sprouts with bacon in your air fryer is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Prepare the Brussels sprouts: Begin by thoroughly washing your Brussels sprouts under cold water. Carefully remove any loose or yellowed outer leaves, then trim the tough ends of the stems. Cut each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise. This ensures they cook evenly and helps create those desirable crispy edges.

2. Season the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, maple syrup, and the ½-inch diced bacon pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. I typically use about ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper to start. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the sprouts and bacon are evenly coated in the delicious maple-oil mixture.

3. Load the air fryer: Carefully transfer the Brussels sprout and bacon mixture to your preheated air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer as much as possible. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook this in two or more batches to ensure optimal air circulation and crispiness.

4. Air fry to perfection: Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to pause the cooking cycle after about 10 minutes to open the basket and give the mixture a good stir or shake. This helps ensure even cooking and browning. Continue cooking until the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp and beautifully caramelized, and the bacon pieces are perfectly browned and crispy to your liking.
5. Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon from the basket. If desired, drizzle with a little extra maple syrup just before serving for an added touch of sweetness. Serve immediately as a fantastic side dish. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures!

What to Serve With Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

These versatile air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple syrup make an excellent accompaniment to a wide variety of main courses. Their savory, sweet, and slightly bitter profile complements many proteins and starches. Here are some fantastic pairing suggestions:

• Pork chops: The saltiness of the bacon and sweetness of maple syrup beautifully cut through the richness of pork chops.
• Steak: A classic pairing, the robust flavors of steak are wonderfully balanced by the earthy Brussels sprouts.
• Chicken: Whether roasted, grilled, or fried, chicken benefits from the added depth of flavor these sprouts provide.
• Salmon: The sweet and savory notes in the sprouts pair exceptionally well with flaky, rich salmon.
• Roast beef: A hearty and comforting combination, perfect for a Sunday dinner or holiday feast.
• Meatloaf: Add a touch of elegance to a comforting meatloaf dinner with this flavorful side.
• Ham: The combination of ham and bacon creates an extra layer of savory goodness, especially during holidays.
• Turkey: A quintessential side for Thanksgiving or any festive turkey meal.
• Short ribs: The rich, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs are perfectly complemented by the tender-crisp sprouts.
• Potatoes: Roasted, mashed, or baked, potatoes are a classic starch pairing.
• Gnocchi: The soft texture of gnocchi contrasts nicely with the crispiness of the sprouts.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta provides a smooth base for these flavorful vegetables.
• Corn fritters: For a more casual and comforting meal, corn fritters offer a delightful texture and sweetness.
• Quiche: A brunch or light dinner option that gets a savory boost from the bacon Brussels sprouts.

I particularly like to pair these Brussels sprouts with recipes that also feature ham, bacon, prosciutto, or similar cured meats, as it really ties all the flavors together for a cohesive and delicious meal. Try your air fryer Brussels sprouts alongside my easy recipes for:

• Microwave Gnocchi: A quick and easy accompaniment that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the sprouts.

Recipe Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

To ensure your air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every single time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Avoid Overcrowding: This is arguably the most important tip for air frying anything! Make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket. When too many ingredients are crammed in, they steam instead of crisping, leading to uneven browning and a softer texture. If necessary, cook in smaller batches to allow sufficient air circulation around each sprout and piece of bacon.
• Know Your Air Fryer: Cooking times can vary significantly between different air fryer models and brands. For instance, this recipe as pictured took 18 minutes in my Ninja Foodi Dual Zone air fryer (without preheating). Always adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed for your specific air fryer. Pay attention to the size of your Brussels sprouts (smaller ones cook faster) and your desired level of crispiness for the bacon and sprouts. Regularly check and shake the basket.
• Shake and Stir Frequently: Don’t just set it and forget it! Shaking the air fryer basket every 5-7 minutes during cooking helps to redistribute the sprouts and bacon, ensuring all sides are exposed to the hot air for even browning and crisping.
• Preheat for Best Results: While some air fryers don’t strictly require preheating, doing so for a few minutes can help achieve crispier results faster, as the ingredients hit an already hot cooking environment.

Storage and Reheating Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Proper storage and reheating ensure you can enjoy your delicious leftovers while maintaining quality and safety.

• Store leftovers: Any remaining air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in your refrigerator. For the best flavor and texture, they should be consumed within 2-3 days. While still safe to eat beyond this, the quality may start to diminish.
• Reheat in the Air Fryer: For the best results and to regain that delightful crispiness, reheat your Brussels sprouts in the air fryer. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes at 380°F (195°C). Make sure to stir or shake the basket at least once during reheating. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) to meet the food safety recommendation for pork products (the bacon).
• Reheat in the Microwave: Note that you can also reheat the leftovers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high. However, be aware that reheating in the microwave will cause the bacon to lose its crisp texture and the sprouts may become softer. It’s a convenient option, but not ideal for maintaining texture.

Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Making these irresistible air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple syrup is truly a simple yet incredibly satisfying way to get a phenomenal side dish on the table any time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease, proving that you never have to sacrifice flavor for convenience. These roasted Brussels sprouts are not just delicious; they are a delightful symphony of textures and tastes that will elevate any meal.

Pair them with a hearty starch or carb-based side and your protein of choice for a perfectly balanced and flavorful meal. I also love to serve them after an appetizer like my easy Air Fryer Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops – the flavors complement each other beautifully, setting the stage for a wonderful dining experience!

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a festive holiday celebration, these maple bacon Brussels sprouts, perfectly cooked in your air fryer, are sure to please everyone at your table. Get ready for rave reviews!