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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Bits Easy Crispy Recipe

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts cooked in an air fryer and topped with smoky bacon bits. Perfect as a flavorful side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped into small bits
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil (or reserved bacon fat)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound (450g) of Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim the stem ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise. Dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  2. Chop 4 slices of bacon into small pieces. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer bacon bits to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved sprouts with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or reserved bacon fat), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Place the seasoned sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12 minutes, shaking or stirring the basket halfway through cooking.
  6. Check for doneness; sprouts should be tender inside and golden brown with crispy edges. If desired, cook an additional 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
  7. Transfer the hot Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness. Dry Brussels sprouts thoroughly before cooking. Shake or stir halfway through cooking for even browning. Cook bacon separately and add at the end to keep bacon bits crispy. Optional additions include balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/air-fryer-brussels-sprouts-with-bacon-bits-easy-crispy-recipe/