This air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe combines the earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon and a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s a quick and easy side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the sprouts while adding a savory touch.
Using an air fryer ensures that the Brussels sprouts become perfectly crispy without excessive oil, making this dish a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Flavorful Ingredients for a Perfect Dish
The combination of Brussels sprouts and bacon creates a delightful balance of flavors.
Brussels sprouts, known for their earthy taste, become even more appealing when paired with the savory crunch of crispy bacon.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish, elevating the dish to a new level of deliciousness.
Preparation Made Simple
Preparing this dish is straightforward and quick.
Start by trimming the Brussels sprouts and cutting them in half, ensuring they cook evenly.
Mixing the halved sprouts with chopped bacon, olive oil, salt, and pepper creates a flavorful coating that enhances the overall taste.
Achieving Crispy Perfection
The air fryer is the secret to achieving that perfect crispy texture without excess oil.
Preheating the air fryer ensures that the Brussels sprouts cook evenly, turning golden brown while the bacon crisps up beautifully.
Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time allows for even browning, resulting in a satisfying crunch in every bite.
The Finishing Touch: Balsamic Glaze
Once the Brussels sprouts and bacon are cooked to perfection, the addition of balsamic glaze is key.
Drizzling the glaze over the hot sprouts allows it to adhere and enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
This final step not only adds a glossy finish but also brings a delightful sweetness that complements the savory elements.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy Brussels sprouts make an excellent side dish for various meals.
They pair wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even as a standalone snack.
Arranging them artfully on a white plate enhances their visual appeal, making them a perfect addition to any dining table.
Nutritional Benefits
Not only are these Brussels sprouts delicious, but they also offer nutritional benefits.
With a serving size of four, this dish contains a balanced mix of calories, fats, and proteins, making it a satisfying option.
Incorporating vegetables like Brussels sprouts into your diet contributes essential vitamins and minerals, promoting overall health.
Easy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
These Brussels sprouts are halved and tossed with bacon before being air-fried to crispy perfection. The addition of balsamic glaze at the end enhances the dish with a sweet and tangy finish. This recipe takes about 25 minutes and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the sprouts are well coated.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the sprouts are crispy and the bacon is cooked.
- Add Balsamic Glaze: Once cooked, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the Brussels sprouts and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving dish and enjoy hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 14g