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This recipe combines deliciously crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon and a tangy lemon balsamic dressing, and cooks up quickly in an air fryer. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is quick and easy to put together and the perfect side dish. It’s one of those simple air fryer recipes that makes weeknight dinners a little easier and tastier.
Brussels Sprouts are the “It” vegetables of the decade. They are so tasty when properly prepared, but did you know they are a nutrient power house? These cruciferous veggies pack in the fiber, are rich in antioxidants, and even have Omega 3 fatty acids! As a nutritionist, I make sure I eat a good amount of Brussels sprouts every week.
Restaurant Quality Brussels sprouts at home!
If you’re anything like me, you always make it a top priority to order Brussels sprouts as an appetizer, side, or main course in whatever restaurant you visit. They always seem perfectly crispy with the right amount of tang and flavor. I can usually eat my weight in Brussels at most good restaurants. And then I wonder, how can I make it taste this good at home??
My kids also ask the same thing….. So I’ve been working on it. My air fryer seemed like the logical choice. I am absolutely loving crispy Air Fryer Recipes lately.
And I have great news!!! Air fried brussels sprouts with some crumbled bacon couldn’t be any easier and more delicious.
Allow me to introduce you to your new favorite Brussels sprouts recipe: AIR FRYER BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON!!!!
It should be noted that there is a lot more to this recipe than just the Brussels and the bacon. We have crispy red onion, a balsamic topping, chopped avocado, and all topped with some fresh basil.
The best way to describe how much I love this recipe is that I am currently counting down the hours until I make these Brussels Sprouts in my air fryer again. THAT GOOD YOU GUYS.
How to make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
So to start, you’ll need an air fryer. This is the one I have, and I love it! Also of note, you can make this on the stovetop, but the texture will be a little different.
- Create a “dressing” that contains lemon, oil, balsamic, garlic powder, and salt to coat the Brussels. They will cook on their own for about 10 minutes at 370 in the air fryer.
- Then we top with bacon and onion, and cook another 8-10 minutes! I love the hands off approach to this recipe, not having to worry about standing over a stove.
- To finish off, we’ll toss the crispy mixture with avocado chunks, fresh basil, and then top with some more balsamic.
Stovetop Instructions:
No air fryer? No problem! To make this on the stovetop, start by cooking the bacon to desired crispiness and set aside. Use 1 tbsp leftover bacon grease, and cook the Brussels sprouts for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy. Add in the onion, then pour in the dressing ingredients. Place a lid on top of your pan, and cook for another 3 minutes to let the steam soften the brussels. Remove from heat and top with avocado, basil, and bacon.
Are you ready to dig in?? Enjoy!
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, cut in half or quarters
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp lemon juice, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 4 slices bacon, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 large avocado, diced
- fresh basil
- salt + pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk together oil, balsamic, 2 tbsp lemon juice, garlic powder and salt. Use 3 tbsp of the mixture to coat the brussels and toss until evenly combined.
- Place the brussels in the basket of the air fryer. Set the temperature to 370 and the timer to 20 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, gently toss the brussels sprouts. Now top with onion and bacon. Cook for another 10 minutes (may need to check after 8 minutes), and remove to a bowl.
- Add avocado and fresh basil to the brussels sprouts, then toss with the remaining balsamic mixture. Sprinkle additional tbsp of lemon juice on top. Serve hot!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hi, How do I make this in an Emeril air fryer? Thank You
How big is a serving size? 1 cup? Or how many OZ?
Yes, right around 1 cup.
I’m so confused.. why does the recipe say 3tbs of lemon juice but the sauce only has 2 in it.. what do I do with the other tbs of lemon?
Sorry for the confusion Megan! The initial sauce has 2 tbsp of lemon, and the other tbsp is to sprinkle on top once the dish is complete.