Easy Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

This is the kind of snack that makes me do a little happy dance in the kitchen: caramelized, smoky bacon wrapped around little Brussels sprouts that get crisped up in the air fryer until they’re charred in the best way. It’s simple, ridiculous, and dangerously easy to eat half a batch standing at the counter. Try it because it turns a sometimes-boring veggie into party food and because bacon makes everything feel like a hug.

My husband is the official taste-tester and refuses to let me call these a “side” — he eats them like finger food and has actually been known to bring a Tupperware of leftovers to work. Our toddler tried one, made a face, and then stole four more when she thought we weren’t looking. This recipe became a weekend staple because it’s fast enough for last-minute guests and forgiving enough for my half-asleep weeknight cooking. Once I wrapped the bacon backward and they still turned out delicious — proof that perfect technique is optional, enthusiasm is not.

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I love recipes that let me be messy and still get applause. Wrapping bacon around tiny sprouts is one of those joyful, slightly chaotic things — expect a few slips, some bacon that stretches like taffy, and at least one sprout that insists on popping its wrapper off mid-air fryer. I once tried to speed things up by using really thick bacon and ended up with undercooked centers and a smoky alarm. Lesson learned: thinner bacon = happier life. Also, if you like a sticky finish, toss them in a honey-balsamic glaze at the end; it makes them sticky in the best, slightly naughty way.

Shopping Tips

– Vegetables: Choose small, firm Brussels sprouts with tight leaves; big floppy ones tend to be bitter and fall apart.
– Protein: Buy thin-cut bacon if you can — it wraps more easily and crisps faster. Center-cut works fine for less grease.
– Fats & Oils: A little neutral oil helps the bacon brown evenly; no need to go overboard.
– Spices: Keep smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes on hand — they lift the whole thing without drama.
– Crunch Extras: If you like a finishing crunch, grab toasted pecans or chopped crispy shallots to sprinkle on right before serving.

Prep Ahead Ideas

– Trim and halve Brussels sprouts the day before and store them dry in an airtight container or zip bag; it speeds up assembly.
– Cut bacon into wrapping lengths ahead of time and keep them on a plate covered with plastic — saves fumbling when you’re ready to wrap.
– If you like a glaze, whisk it and store in the fridge; rewarm briefly before tossing so it spreads easily.
– Use shallow containers or silicone trays to organize wrapped sprouts so you can transfer straight to the air fryer without wrecking the house.

✔Time-Saving Tricks

– Buy pre-washed, trimmed Brussels sprouts if you’re short on time—just pat them dry and go.
– Use thin-sliced bacon to reduce cooking time and avoid halfway-done bacon panic.
– Work in assembly lines: wrap a handful, lay them on a tray, then do the next batch while the first cooks.
– Don’t rush the final crisping — a little extra time in the air fryer pays off with crackly bacon.

✔Common Mistakes

– Overcrowding the air fryer basket: I did this once and ended up with soggy bacon and sad sprouts; give them space to breathe.
– Using thick bacon without adjusting cook time: results in undercooked centers or charred edges — thin bacon is forgiving.
– Skipping the dry step: wet sprouts steam instead of crisp, so always pat them dry.
– Glazing too early: sugar-heavy glazes can burn; add them at the end or brush on during the last minute.

What to Serve It With

– A bright, zippy salad to cut the richness — think lemony arugula or a simple apple-fennel slaw.
– Hearty mains like roast chicken or pork tenderloin for a cozy dinner.
– Crispy roasted potatoes or a tray of roasted root veggies for a proper sheet-pan spread.
– Crusty bread to mop up any glaze or bacon grease (no shame).

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Tip: use a toothpick if wrapping is fussy—pull it before serving.
– Tip: rotate the basket halfway for even crisping if your air fryer cooks hot spots.
– Oops moment: forgot to dry sprouts — toss in a hot pan for a minute to evaporate excess moisture.
– Quick fix: bacon undercooked? Finish under the broiler for a minute, watching like a hawk.

✔Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in the fridge in an airtight container for a few days. They’re OK cold (my husband eats them like that), but popping them back in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes brings the crisp back to life. For breakfast? Absolutely — chop and toss into scrambled eggs or breakfast hash. No shame in love for bacon-wrapped everything.

✔Variations and Substitutions

– Pancetta or prosciutto swap: both add great flavor but watch prosciutto — it crisps faster and can get brittle.
– Maple or honey glaze: adds sweetness; apply at the end to avoid burning.
– Vegetarian option: use smoked tempeh strips or thick-cut mushrooms instead of bacon for a smoky vibe.
– Spice it up: chili paste or sriracha in the glaze for heat, or sprinkle flaky sea salt at the end for contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Salty, crispy bacon hugs tender Brussels sprouts for a quick, crowd-pleasing bite. The air fryer makes them golden in minutes.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes minutes

Total Time: 31 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.25 lb fresh Brussels sprouts trim ends; halve larger ones
• ▢ 8 oz bacon thin-cut works best
• ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 1 tbsp maple syrup for a light glaze
• ▢ 0.75 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ 0.5 tsp kosher salt reduce if bacon is very salty
• ▢ 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes.
• Trim the Brussels sprouts and halve any larger ones so pieces are similar in size.
• Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl.
• Cut bacon crosswise into shorter strips. Wrap each sprout with bacon, tucking the end underneath.
• Lightly brush or drizzle the wrapped sprouts with maple syrup.
• Arrange seam-side down in a single layer in the air-fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes.
• Flip and air-fry 4–6 minutes more, until bacon is crisp and centers are tender.
• Rest 2 minutes to set, then serve hot.

Notes

Variation: Swap maple syrup for a teaspoon of Dijon mixed with a teaspoon of honey for a sweet-tangy glaze. Serving tip: Finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt or a squeeze of lemon to brighten the richness. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; re-crisp in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.

This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.