Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Caramelized, crispy-edged air fryer Brussels sprouts tossed with salty bacon and a little Parmesan — the side dish that turns Brussels-sprout skeptics into believers. The air fryer blisters the leaves while the bacon crisps right alongside.
It's fast, mostly hands-off, and hits that sweet-salty-savory note everyone loves. A holiday-worthy side you'll want all year.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prep
Trim the stems and halve the Brussels sprouts. Toss with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper, then stir in the diced bacon.
Air fry
Spread in the basket and air fry at 380°F for about 14 minutes, shaking halfway, until the sprouts are browned and crisp and the bacon is rendered.
Finish
Toss with the Parmesan while hot and serve.
- Cut-side down gives you the best caramelization.
- Shake the basket so the bacon and sprouts crisp evenly.
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze at the end is fantastic.
Frequently asked
How long do Brussels sprouts take in the air fryer?
Halved sprouts take about 14 minutes at 380°F, shaking once, until browned and crisp-tender.
Do I need to boil the sprouts first?
No — the air fryer cooks them through and crisps them in one step. Just halve and season.
Why are my Brussels sprouts not crispy?
Too crowded or not enough oil. Use a single layer and toss them well before cooking.

