Made with just a few simple ingredients, this Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe is fast, easy, and delicious. Tossed with crispy bacon pieces (optional), it’s an ideal side that pairs well with many mains — and the sprouts often steal the show.
👩🏻🍳 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you need a quick side, these crispy air fryer brussels sprouts with bacon come together in under 20 minutes and require very little hands-on time. The air fryer crisps the outsides quickly, giving you roasted texture without a long oven roast.
This method yields a crunchy exterior and tender interior — ideal alongside weeknight dinners or holiday spreads. The recipe is versatile and easy to adapt, so you can tweak flavors to suit your family’s preferences.
🥘 Ingredients Needed
- Brussels sprouts – choose similarly sized sprouts so they cook evenly. Trim the stem end and halve each sprout.
- Olive oil – or substitute avocado oil.
- Seasoning – garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper give a balanced savory flavor.
- Bacon (optional) – thick-cut bacon adds smoky richness; omit for a vegetarian version.
🔪 Instructions
- Place the halved brussels sprouts in a large bowl and drizzle with oil.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; toss to coat evenly.
- If using, add diced bacon and mix well so the bacon distributes through the sprouts.
- Arrange sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry at a medium-high temperature for 10–12 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway through, until crisp and browned at the edges.
👪 FAQs
This recipe was tested in an XXL Philips air fryer, which doesn’t require preheating. If your model needs preheating, follow your device instructions.
Frozen sprouts are not recommended here; they require longer cooking and can release moisture that prevents crisping while the bacon may overcook.
Not usually. The sprouts are coated in oil and bacon releases fat while cooking, so spraying is typically unnecessary.
💭 Expert Tips and Tricks
- Avoid overcrowding the basket so the sprouts roast instead of steam.
- Shake or toss the basket midway through cooking for even browning.
- Adjust cook time based on sprout size and your air fryer model; smaller sprouts crisp faster.
📖 Substitutions and Variations
- Omit the bacon for a vegetarian dish.
- Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey before cooking for a caramelized, sweet glaze.
- Finish with shaved Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
🥫 Storage and Reheating
Cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness rather than using the microwave.
⏲️ Make Ahead Instructions
Cook the brussels sprouts ahead and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer just before serving to crisp them back up.
💡 What To Serve With This Dish
These sprouts pair well with many mains such as roasted or skillet chicken, mac and cheese, or a simple pasta. They’re also a great side for family favorites like pan-fried chicken tenders or slow-cooked chicken dishes.
🍞 More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges – quick and crispy with pantry staples.
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings – easy wings with excellent crispiness.
- Air Fryer Green Beans – a fast, flavorful vegetable side.
- Air Fryer Asparagus – tender, crisp spears seasoned simply.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
📋 Recipe Card
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1½ lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 3–4 strips bacon, diced (optional)
Instructions
- Add the halved brussels sprouts to a large bowl with the oil.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; toss to coat.
- Add diced bacon if using and toss to combine.
- Arrange sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, tossing halfway through, until edges are crisp and browned.
Notes
- Cook in batches to avoid steaming and ensure crisping.
- Shaking the basket during cooking promotes even browning.
- Cook times vary with sprout size and air fryer model.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.
Carmy is the blogger behind Carmyy.com and Onepotonly.com, where she shares simple, family-friendly recipes. Find her on Instagram and TikTok for more quick meal ideas.