Cooking bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts with maple syrup in the air fryer makes them crispy, savory, and sweet. These bites are easy, flavorful, and satisfying.
Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!
Brussels sprouts weren't always my favorite vegetable, but wrapping them in bacon completely changed my mind. The salty bacon adds the perfect balance to the earthy flavor of the sprouts, and when you cook them in an air fryer, they turn out crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. It is one of those recipes that makes even the pickiest eaters go back for seconds.
They look fancy enough to impress guests, but they are surprisingly easy to put together. The maple syrup glaze adds just a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory bacon, making them addictive little bites. Whether you are making them for a holiday spread, a game-day snack, or just because you are craving something different, this recipe is one you will want to keep handy.
Ingredients
- Fresh Brussels sprouts - Provide a tender, slightly earthy base that balances perfectly with smoky, salty flavors.
- Maple bacon - Adds savory richness with a hint of sweetness while wrapping the sprouts in a crispy texture.
- Maple syrup - Enhances the caramelization of the bacon and gives a touch of sweetness to each bite.
- Kosher salt - Brings out the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts and bacon.
- Ground black pepper - Adds a subtle heat and depth that complements both the sprouts and bacon.
- Granulated garlic - Infuses a savory, aromatic flavor that ties the dish together.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Set at 14 minutes for 2 batches.
Wash and pat dry the Brussels sprouts. Trim the bottoms and cut them in half crosswise. Season with garlic, salt, and black pepper with cut side up.
Cut the bacon in half. Lay each piece on a plate and place Brussels sprouts on one side of the bacon, cut side down.
Wrap bacon around each of the Brussels sprouts.
Place onto lightly greased air fryer tray or basket, seam side down.
Air fry bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts until the bacon starts to brown. Remove from air fryer and lightly brush with maple syrup.
Air-fry for an additional 1 to 2 minutes and keep watch to avoid burning. Repeat for the second batch of Brussels sprouts.
Transfer the hot trays or basket onto a baking sheet and lightly blot the bacon with a paper towel. Serve and enjoy immediately.
Hint: Cook in batches so the air fryer is not overcrowded. This ensures the bacon gets crisp and the sprouts cook evenly.
Variations
Here are some easy customization ideas for this bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts recipe:
- Change the glaze - Swap maple syrup with honey, balsamic glaze, or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Add cheese - Sprinkle Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese on top after cooking for extra flavor.
- Switch the bacon - Try smoked bacon, turkey bacon, or even prosciutto for a lighter or different flavor profile.
- Spice it up - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or paprika to the seasoning for heat.
- Use flavored salts - Experiment with garlic salt, smoked salt, or herb-infused salts for a unique touch.
- Make it festive - Add a light brushing of cranberry sauce or pomegranate molasses during the last minute of cooking for a holiday-ready version.
Tips
Top tip: Always preheat your air fryer and avoid overcrowding the tray so the bacon cooks evenly and turns perfectly crisp.
- Choose Brussels sprouts that are similar in size for even cooking.
- Pat the bacon dry before wrapping so it crisps up better.
- Place the wrapped sprouts seam-side down to keep the bacon from unrolling.
- Use a light brush of maple syrup or glaze halfway through cooking for extra flavor without burning.
- Keep an eye on the last couple of minutes since bacon can go from crispy to burnt quickly.
Serving suggestions
These tasty Brussels sprouts wrapped in bacon are a fantastic appetizer for parties and family gatherings. They are easy to serve on a platter with toothpicks so guests can grab them as finger food. If you are planning a brunch or holiday spread, you can balance the savory bites with something sweet, like my cranberry brie puff pastry bites.
For everyday dinners, try serving them as a side dish alongside roasted chicken, oven-baked steak, or even pasta for a simple yet upgraded meal. They bring a pop of flavor and texture that makes a meal feel more special without much extra work. Whether you are setting the table for a weeknight family meal or entertaining guests, these Brussels sprouts fit right in.
Storage
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing them to keep excess moisture from building up, which can make the bacon soggy.
When it comes to reheating, the best option is to air fry or bake so the bacon crisps back up. Simply place them in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes, or in the oven at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through. While you can use the microwave in a pinch, it may leave the bacon chewy.
FAQs
Thin-cut bacon works best because it cooks and crisps evenly without leaving the sprouts undercooked. Thick-cut bacon may take longer and can overwhelm the sprouts.
Absolutely. Bake them on a lined sheet pan at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the sprouts are tender.
Place the sprouts seam-side down on the tray, or secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed, to keep everything in place while they cook.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.
Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 9 pieces fresh Brussels sprouts
- 9 strips maple bacon maple-flavored bacon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon granulated garlic
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Set at 14 minutes for 2 batches.
- Wash and pat dry Brussels sprouts. Trim the bottom part and cut in half. Season Brussels sprouts with garlic, salt, and black pepper, cut side up.
- Pat dry bacon with paper towels and cut in half.
- Lay bacon on a plate and place Brussels sprouts on one side of the bacon, cut side down. Wrap sprouts with bacon and transfer onto the lightly greased tray, seam side down.
- Slowly insert tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch, if using an air fryer oven.
- Air fry until bacon starts to crisp up or after 5 to 6 minutes.
- Remove bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts and lightly brush with maple syrup.
- To save time, place the second batch of bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts into the cooking chamber for 5 to 6 minutes while the first batch is brushed with maple syrup.
- Return the sprouts to the cooking chamber. Air fry for 1 to 2 minutes and keep watch to avoid burning the bacon. Do the same for the second batch of sprouts.
- Transfer the air fryer trays onto a baking sheet and lightly blot the bacon with paper towel.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately.
Comments
No Comments