Air fry halved Brussels sprouts at 375°F (190°C) for 14–16 minutes with bacon on top, then toss with maple syrup — the outer leaves turn into crispy chips and the centers go sweet and tender. It’s the side that disappears first.
If you’ve only had boiled Brussels sprouts, this recipe is going to change your mind. In the air fryer, the outside leaves get crispy like little chips, the middle turns tender and sweet, and bacon cooks right on top, dripping flavor into everything. A splash of maple syrup at the end and it’s the side dish that disappears first.
Why the air fryer is perfect for Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts need high, dry heat to caramelize. In the oven that takes 30–40 minutes and a big sheet pan. In the air fryer it’s about 15 minutes, and you can do it while the turkey rests.
How to prep Brussels sprouts
- Trim the dry stem end.
- Pull off any yellow or loose outer leaves (toss the loose ones in too — they turn into crispy bits).
- Halve them through the stem. Very big ones? Quarter them so everything cooks at the same speed.
Read next: Air Fryer Candied Sweet Potatoes
The 3 rules for crispy sprouts
- Oil every cut side. Toss in a bowl, not in the basket, so the oil gets everywhere.
- Single layer. One pound fits a 5.8-qt basket nicely. More than that, do two batches.
- Shake halfway. It moves the bacon around and flips the sprouts so they brown evenly.
Flavor swaps
| Instead of maple bacon, try | What to add after cooking |
|---|---|
| Parmesan garlic | 2 tbsp grated Parmesan + 1/2 tsp garlic powder |
| Hot honey | 1 tbsp honey + pinch of chili flakes |
| Balsamic cranberry | 1 tbsp balsamic glaze + 2 tbsp dried cranberries |
| Asian-style | 1 tsp soy sauce + 1 tsp honey + sesame seeds |
Serve them with
Reheating leftovers
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes. They come back crispier than the microwave could ever manage.
Air Fryer Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon and a maple glaze. Outer leaves turn into little chips, the bacon cooks right alongside, and it's done in about 15 minutes.
You'll need: Air fryer
Ingredients
US cups and spoons with metric in brackets (1 US cup = 240 ml). A bigger batch may need two rounds in the basket: keep it to one layer.
Instructions
- Toss. In a bowl toss the sprouts with oil, salt and pepper until every cut side is shiny.
- Into the basket. Spread the sprouts in the basket, cut side down where you can, and scatter the bacon pieces on top.
- Air fry. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes. Shake the basket well.
- Keep going. Air fry 6–8 minutes more, shaking once, until the sprouts are tender inside with dark, crispy edges and the bacon is crisp.
- Glaze. Tip into a bowl, drizzle with maple syrup and vinegar and toss. Serve right away while crispy.
Notes
- Don't crowd the basket. For 2 lb (900 g), cook in two batches — crowded sprouts steam instead of crisping.
- Frozen sprouts: cook from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, shaking twice. They won't get quite as crispy, but they're still great.
- Vegetarian: skip the bacon and add 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped pecans for the last 2 minutes.
- Gluten-free as long as your bacon is.
- Why add maple at the end: sugar burns fast in an air fryer. Adding it after cooking keeps it glossy instead of bitter.
Air fryers vary by brand and size: start checking 2–3 minutes early. Recipe from shakethebasket.com/air-fryer-maple-bacon-brussels-sprouts/
FAQ
Why are my air fryer Brussels sprouts soggy?
Usually too many in the basket or not enough oil. Cook in a single, loose layer, toss well with oil, and shake halfway.
Do I need to preheat?
Not required. If you do preheat for 3 minutes, start checking 2 minutes earlier.
Can I make them ahead?
They're best fresh. You can trim and halve them a day ahead and keep them in the fridge, then cook just before serving.
