Olivia Carter
Looking for a quick and delicious way to cook Brussel sprouts? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! With this recipe, you can elevate the humble Brussel sprout to a whole new level by adding the irresistible smoky flavor of bacon. The result? Crispy, tender sprouts with a perfect balance of savory and salty goodness.
Why use an air fryer, you ask? Well, not only does it cook food faster and more evenly than traditional methods, but it also requires little to no oil. That means you can enjoy a guilt-free dish that is packed with flavor and nutrients.
So, let’s get started on making this mouthwatering dish! All you need are some fresh Brussel sprouts, a few slices of bacon, and your trusty air fryer. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delectable side dish that will leave your guests begging for more.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking your brussel sprouts with bacon in the air fryer, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare them properly.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 pound of brussel sprouts
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to choose fresh brussel sprouts that are firm and bright green. Cut off the tough ends and remove any yellowed outer leaves. Rinse the brussel sprouts under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Next, prepare the bacon by cutting it into small pieces. You can use regular bacon or turkey bacon depending on your preference. If you’re using regular bacon, it’s a good idea to place it in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes beforehand to make it easier to cut.
Once the brussel sprouts and bacon are ready, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Wash and Trim the Brussel Sprouts
Before cooking Brussels sprouts, it’s important to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Start by rinsing the sprouts under cold water. You can use your hands to rub off any dirt or grime. Place them in a colander to drain.
Next, you’ll want to trim the Brussels sprouts. Use a sharp knife to cut off the tough base of each sprout. You can also remove any yellow or wilted outer leaves. Discard any Brussels sprouts that are discolored or have visible signs of damage.
Once you’ve washed and trimmed the Brussels sprouts, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. This simple preparation step ensures that your sprouts are clean and free from any unwanted debris, allowing them to cook evenly and taste their best.
Cut the Bacon into Small Pieces
Before cooking the brussel sprouts in the air fryer, you’ll need to prepare the bacon. Start by taking several slices of bacon and cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces. This will allow the bacon to cook faster and evenly, ensuring that each piece is crispy and delicious.
When cutting the bacon, you can use a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Make sure to remove any excess fat or rind from the bacon slices before cutting them. This will help prevent the bacon from becoming too greasy during cooking.
Once the bacon is cut into small pieces, set it aside and pat it dry with a paper towel. This will remove any excess moisture, which can interfere with the cooking process.
By cutting the bacon into small pieces, you’ll be able to incorporate it evenly throughout the brussel sprouts, allowing for maximum flavor in every bite. Plus, the smaller size will ensure that the bacon cooks quickly and crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you start cooking your Brussels sprouts with bacon in the air fryer, it’s important to preheat the device. This ensures that the air fryer is ready to cook at the desired temperature, resulting in perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts.
Step 1: Plug in and Preheat
First, plug in your air fryer and make sure it’s placed on a heat-resistant surface. The air fryer should be positioned in a well-ventilated area, away from any flammable objects.
Next, turn on the air fryer and set the temperature to the recommended cooking temperature for Brussels sprouts. In most cases, this will be around 400°F (200°C).
Allow the air fryer to preheat for about 3-5 minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature. The preheating process will vary depending on the model and brand of your air fryer, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific preheating times.
Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your Brussels sprouts and bacon. Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water and trim off any discolored leaves or stems.
Next, pat the Brussels sprouts dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
Take the bacon slices and cut them into small pieces, approximately 1/2 inch wide. This will allow for easy mixing with the Brussels sprouts and ensure that every bite has a delicious bacon flavor.
Step 3: Preheating Complete
Once the air fryer has preheated and reached the desired temperature, it’s time to start cooking!
Carefully open the air fryer basket and place the prepared Brussels sprouts and bacon inside. Use a spatula or tongs to toss the ingredients together, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
Close the basket and set the timer for the recommended cooking time. Brussels sprouts typically take around 12-15 minutes to cook in the air fryer, but this can vary depending on the size and desired level of crispiness.
| Preheating Temperature | Preheating Time | Recommended Cooking Temperature | Recommended Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400°F (200°C) | 3-5 minutes | 400°F (200°C) | 12-15 minutes |
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the Brussels sprouts with bacon from the air fryer basket and transfer them to a serving dish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook the Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
To cook the Brussel sprouts with bacon, follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the Brussel sprouts under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Trim off the outer leaves, if desired.
3. Cut the bacon into small pieces or dice it, depending on your preference. You can use any type of bacon you like, such as regular, thick-cut, or turkey bacon.
4. Place the Brussel sprouts in a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. Toss the Brussel sprouts until they are well coated with the oil and seasonings.
5. Add the bacon pieces to the bowl and toss them with the Brussel sprouts, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
6. Transfer the Brussel sprouts and bacon mixture to the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook the Brussels sprouts and bacon in batches.
7. Place the basket in the preheated air fryer and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the Brussel sprouts are tender-crisp and the bacon is crispy. Shake the basket or stir the mixture halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
8. Once cooked, remove the Brussel sprouts with bacon from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Serve hot as a delicious side dish or a tasty appetizer.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked Brussel sprouts with bacon straight from the air fryer!
Arrange the Brussel Sprouts in the Air Fryer Basket
Once you have prepared your brussel sprouts and bacon for cooking, it’s time to arrange them in the air fryer basket. Make sure that the brussel sprouts are in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
If you have a large batch of brussel sprouts, you may need to cook them in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This will allow the hot air to circulate around the sprouts more effectively, resulting in crispy and evenly cooked sprouts.
Here are a few tips for arranging the brussel sprouts:
- Place the brussel sprouts in the basket in a single layer, without overcrowding.
- Spread the bacon evenly over the brussel sprouts.
- If your air fryer has a rotating basket or paddle, make sure the brussel sprouts are evenly distributed to ensure they cook evenly.
Properly arranging the brussel sprouts in the air fryer basket is essential for achieving the desired crispy texture and ensuring that the bacon is cooked to perfection.
Remember: Different air fryer models may have different instructions for arranging the food, so make sure to consult your specific air fryer’s manual for any additional guidance or recommendations.
Sprinkle the Bacon Pieces over the Brussel Sprouts
Once your brussel sprouts are evenly coated in olive oil and seasoned, it’s time to add the bacon! Grab the cooked bacon pieces and sprinkle them generously over the brussel sprouts. Make sure to distribute the bacon throughout the dish so that every bite gets a taste of that delicious smoky flavor.
If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can cook it separately and crumble it over the top of the brussel sprouts. This will give the dish an added crunch and texture. However, if you like your bacon chewier, simply chop it into small pieces and scatter it over the sprouts.
The bacon will not only enhance the taste of the brussel sprouts, but it will also add a savory and salty element to the dish. It pairs perfectly with the earthy flavors of the sprouts and creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| – 1 pound of brussel sprouts | 1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). |
| – 4 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped | 2. Trim the brussel sprouts and cut them in half. |
| – 2 tablespoons of olive oil | 3. In a bowl, toss the brussel sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. |
| – Salt and pepper to taste | 4. Place the brussel sprouts in the air fryer basket. |
Questions and Answers
Can I cook Brussels sprouts with bacon in an air fryer?
Yes, you can definitely cook Brussels sprouts with bacon in an air fryer. In fact, it’s a popular and delicious way to prepare them.
What is the best way to cook Brussels sprouts with bacon in an air fryer?
The best way to cook Brussels sprouts with bacon in an air fryer is to first preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Then, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Next, wrap each Brussels sprout with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Place the wrapped Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the Brussels sprouts are tender.
How long does it take to cook Brussels sprouts with bacon in an air fryer?
It usually takes about 15-20 minutes to cook Brussels sprouts with bacon in an air fryer. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the Brussels sprouts and the desired level of crispiness for the bacon.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen Brussels sprouts may take a bit longer to cook in the air fryer.
Are Brussels sprouts with bacon in the air fryer a healthy dish?
While Brussels sprouts are a nutritious vegetable, adding bacon to the dish does add some additional fat and calories. However, when cooked in an air fryer, the amount of added fat is significantly reduced compared to traditional frying methods. It’s still a delicious and relatively healthy dish, especially when enjoyed in moderation.
