“Deliciously Crispy: Indulge in Air-Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon. Discover the perfect blend of tender brussel sprouts and crispy bacon, effortlessly achieved with the magic of air frying. Elevate your side dish game with this irresistible combination that will leave your taste buds begging for more.”
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon are a delicious and flavorful vegetable dish that can be served as a side for any meal. The combination of crispy Brussels sprouts, rendered bacon fat, caramelized onions, and sweet dried cranberries creates a perfect balance of flavors.
Brussels sprouts are often considered a polarizing vegetable, but when cooked in the air fryer with bacon, they become irresistible even to those who claim to hate them. The air fryer method not only cooks the Brussels sprouts to a crisp texture but also infuses them with the smoky sweetness from the bacon and onions.
The peak season for Brussels sprouts is during the winter months when they become sweeter due to converting starches into sugars as the weather gets cooler. This makes them an ideal winter superfood.
To make the recipe, slice onions and bacon into thin pieces and halve the Brussels sprouts. Use a sweet onion for added natural sweetness. Place the onions and bacon in the air fryer basket along with some water in the pan below to prevent burning or smoking. Cook at 390°F for 7 minutes, stirring halfway through. Then add the Brussels sprouts and cook for an additional 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes for even cooking. Finally, transfer everything to a serving platter and sprinkle with dried cranberries.
These air fryer Brussels sprouts can be enjoyed on their own as a full meal or paired with other dishes like grilled bacon-wrapped scallops or crispy buffalo chicken wings.
Please note that this recipe is written for a larger 6-quart air fryer basket, so adjust accordingly if you have a smaller one. Also, adding water to the bottom of the air fryer basket holder is optional but helps reduce smoke and makes cleaning easier. Choose similar-sized Brussels sprouts for even cooking and start cooking the bacon and onions earlier to ensure crispness.
Overall, this air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable.
Brussels sprouts are a winter superfood!
Brussels sprouts are not only delicious, but they also pack a nutritional punch, especially during the winter months. These small green vegetables are loaded with vitamins and minerals, making them a perfect addition to your winter diet.
During the winter season, Brussels sprouts are at their peak in terms of flavor and sweetness. As the weather gets colder, the starches in the sprouts begin to convert into sugars, resulting in a sweeter and less bitter taste. This natural sweetness makes Brussels sprouts even more enjoyable for those who may not typically be fans of this vegetable.
In addition to their great taste, Brussels sprouts are also incredibly nutritious. They are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. These nutrients can help boost your immune system and protect your body against winter illnesses.
To make the most of these winter superfoods, try cooking them in an air fryer with bacon. The air fryer helps to crisp up the Brussels sprouts while infusing them with the smoky flavors of bacon. This combination creates a delicious side dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
How to make air fryer Brussels sprouts
To make air fryer Brussels sprouts, start by slicing an onion into thin sections and slicing bacon into small pieces. Halve the Brussels sprouts. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Add water to the pan of the air fryer below the basket to prevent burning or smoking. Place the onions and bacon in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add the Brussels sprouts to the basket and cook for another 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes for even cooking. If desired, cook for additional time for crispier sprouts. Transfer everything to a serving platter and sprinkle with dried cranberries.
Note: This recipe is written for a larger 6-quart air fryer basket. Adjust cooking times and quantities if using a smaller air fryer.
To make this recipe in a regular oven, toss bacon and onions on a rimmed baking sheet and cook at 425°F for 7 minutes. Then add Brussels sprouts and roast for 25 minutes, adding cranberries at the end.
Remember that nutrition information is only a guideline, calculated automatically by third-party software, and accuracy is not guaranteed.
Step 1: slice up the ingredients
Step 1: Slice up the ingredients
To prepare the air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon, you will need to slice up the necessary ingredients. Start by slicing the onion into thin sections, about 1/8″ thick. Next, slice the bacon into small pieces, approximately 1/4″ wide. Finally, halve the Brussels sprouts. It is recommended to use a sweet onion for added natural sweetness to the dish as it caramelizes while cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the air fryer
Before cooking, it is important to prepare the air fryer. Add water to the pan of the air fryer below the air fryer basket. This step helps prevent burning and smoking from any oil or fat while cooking. The water also makes it easier to clean up any bacon grease after cooking.
Step 3: Cook bacon and onions in the air fryer
Place the sliced onions and bacon in the air fryer basket and cook at a temperature of 390°F for approximately 7 minutes. Stirring halfway through ensures even cooking and allows the bacon fat to render and onions to caramelize, providing a golden brown color.
Step 4: Add Brussels sprouts and continue cooking
After 7 minutes, add the halved Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket with bacon and onions. Cook for an additional 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes for even cooking. The Brussels sprouts will continue to get crispy as they cook in the air fryer.
Step 5: Transfer and garnish
Once cooked to your desired crispiness, transfer everything from the air fryer basket to a serving platter. Sprinkle dried cranberries over the dish as a final touch before serving.
Enjoy!
These deliciously crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon make for a perfect side dish or can be enjoyed on their own as a full meal. The combination of the rendered bacon fat, caramelized onions, and sweet cranberries adds a burst of flavor to the roasted Brussels sprouts.
Step 2: add water
Step 2: Add Water
To prevent any oil or fat from burning and smoking up your kitchen while cooking, add water to the pan of the air fryer below the air fryer basket. You only need a couple of tablespoons of water to coat the bottom sufficiently. This will help keep the bacon fat from burning and create a more pleasant cooking environment.
Adding water also makes cleaning up easier after you finish cooking. The water helps to loosen and dissolve any bacon grease that may have accumulated in the bottom of the air fryer. So, make sure to add this step before moving on to the next!
So, fill up that pan with a small amount of water, place it in the air fryer below the basket, and you’re ready for the next step!
Step 3: cook
Step 3: cook
To start cooking the air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon, remove the air fryer basket from the basket holder and pour 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of the basket drawer. Then, replace the basket.
Next, add the sliced bacon and onion slices to the air fryer basket. Cook them for 7 minutes at a temperature of 390°F. After about 3 to 4 minutes, give them a stir to ensure even cooking.
Once the initial cooking time is up, add the halved Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket. Stir them around to coat them with some of the bacon fat. Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the Brussels sprouts for seasoning.
Continue cooking for another 15 minutes, making sure to stop and stir everything every 5 minutes. This will help prevent any burning or uneven cooking.
If you prefer your bacon and Brussels sprouts to be crispier, you can cook them for an additional 3 to 5 minutes in the air fryer.
Once cooked to your desired level of crispiness, transfer everything from the air fryer basket to a serving platter. Sprinkle dried cranberries over the dish for an added touch of sweetness.
Now, your delicious air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon are ready to be enjoyed as a side dish or even as a full meal on their own!
Step 4: add the Brussels sprouts to the air fryer
Step 4: Add the Brussels sprouts to the air fryer. Once the bacon and onions have cooked for 7 minutes, it’s time to add the Brussels sprouts. Give them a good stir to coat them with some of the bacon fat. Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the sprouts for added flavor.
Continue cooking the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer for another 15 minutes. Remember to stop and stir them every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. The Brussels sprouts will start to get crispy as they cook, but if you prefer them even crispier, you can cook them for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Once the Brussels sprouts are done cooking, transfer everything from the air fryer basket to a serving platter. To add a touch of sweetness, sprinkle dried cranberries over the dish. The cranberries will balance out the savory flavors of the bacon and onions.
Now your air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon are ready to be enjoyed as a delicious side dish or even as a full meal on their own!
Step 5: transfer to a serving dish
Step 5: Transfer to a serving dish
Once the Brussels sprouts and bacon are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it’s time to transfer them to a serving dish. Using a spatula or tongs, carefully scoop up all of the deliciously crispy Brussels sprouts, bacon, and caramelized onions from the air fryer basket.
Place them onto a serving platter or a large plate, spreading them out evenly. The vibrant green color of the Brussels sprouts will pop against the golden brown bacon and onions.
Next, sprinkle dried cranberries over the top of the dish. These little bursts of sweetness will add an extra layer of flavor and balance out the savory bacon.
Gently toss everything together using salad tongs or two forks. This will ensure that all of the ingredients are well mixed and that each bite is packed with flavor.
Now your air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon are ready to be served as a side dish for your perfect dinner. Enjoy!
In conclusion, air-fried Brussels sprouts with bacon offer a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. This cooking technique preserves the natural flavors of the sprouts while adding a crispy texture. With the added savory taste of bacon, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for both vegetable enthusiasts and bacon lovers alike.
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