Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts Recipe
These air fryer bacon wrapped brussel sprouts are crispy, smoky, sweet, and incredibly easy to make in the air fryer. The bacon crisps beautifully while the brussel sprouts become tender inside with roasted caramelized edges.
They work perfectly as:
- party appetizers
- holiday side dishes
- game day snacks
- low carb appetizers
- quick vegetable sides
The combination of salty bacon and roasted brussel sprouts creates rich flavor without needing many ingredients.
If you want more appetizer ideas like this, browse these air fryer snacks and appetizers for easy parties.
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You can also make these crunchy air fryer bagel chips easy crispy snack for dips and party platters.
For spicy appetizer ideas, try these air fryer bacon wrapped jalapenos easy crispy snack.
You can also make these air fryer bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers recipe for cheesy game day snacks.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
These brussel sprouts are one of the easiest savory appetizers you can make in the air fryer.
Crispy Bacon Texture
The air fryer helps crisp the bacon evenly without deep frying.
Tender Roasted Brussel Sprouts
The sprouts become soft inside with roasted crispy edges.
Great for Holidays and Parties
These appetizers work well for:
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas dinners
- football parties
- appetizer platters
Sweet and Savory Flavor
Many recipes use maple syrup or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most ingredients are simple and easy to find.
Brussel Sprouts
Fresh brussel sprouts work best because they roast evenly and hold their shape.
Bacon
Thin bacon usually crisps faster and wraps more easily.
Optional Glazes and Seasonings
Popular additions include:
- maple syrup
- balsamic glaze
- brown sugar
- garlic powder
- black pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
Air fryer bacon wrapped brussel sprouts usually cook at 380°F to 400°F for about 12 to 16 minutes depending on bacon thickness.
Step 1: Prepare the Brussel Sprouts
Trim the ends and remove damaged outer leaves.
Larger brussel sprouts can be sliced in half for faster cooking.
Step 2: Wrap With Bacon
Wrap each sprout with a strip or half strip of bacon.
Secure with toothpicks if needed.
Step 3: Add Seasoning or Glaze
Brush lightly with:
- maple syrup
- balsamic glaze
- oil
if desired.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating helps the bacon crisp more evenly.
This guide on how to preheat an air fryer explains the process.
Step 5: Air Fry Until Crispy
Cook at 380°F to 400°F for about 12 to 16 minutes until:
- bacon crisps
- brussel sprouts become tender
- edges caramelize slightly
Shake or rotate halfway through cooking if needed.
Best Temperature and Cook Time for Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
Different air fryer models may cook slightly differently.
| Type | Temperature | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thin bacon sprouts | 380°F | 12 to 14 minutes |
| Thick bacon sprouts | 380°F | 14 to 16 minutes |
| Extra crispy bacon | 400°F | 13 to 15 minutes |
Ninja Foodi and Ninja air fryer models sometimes cook slightly faster because of stronger airflow.
If your recipes cook unevenly, this guide on air fryer cooking time adjustments may help.
Tips for Crispy Bacon and Tender Brussel Sprouts
Small adjustments improve flavor and texture.
Use Thin Bacon
Thin bacon crisps much faster.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Good airflow helps crisp the bacon evenly.
Use Similar Sized Brussel Sprouts
Even sizing helps everything cook consistently.
Brush With Maple Syrup Carefully
Too much glaze can burn quickly near the end.
If your appetizers struggle to crisp properly, these tips for crispy results in the air fryer may help.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
These brussel sprouts are easy to customize.
Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Maple syrup adds sweet caramelized flavor.
This naturally supports:
- bacon wrapped brussel sprouts maple syrup
Balsamic Brussel Sprouts
Balsamic glaze adds tangy sweetness.
This naturally supports:
- bacon wrapped brussel sprouts with balsamic glaze
- air fryer brussel sprouts with bacon and balsamic
Keto Brussel Sprouts
These naturally fit low carb and keto appetizer plans.
Ninja Foodi Brussel Sprouts
Ninja Foodi models may cook slightly faster because of stronger airflow.
This naturally supports:
- Ninja Foodi air fryer bacon wrapped brussel sprouts
What to Serve With Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
These appetizers pair well with:
- ranch dressing
- balsamic glaze
- cheese dip
- roasted meats
- party platters
For more appetizer ideas, browse these easy air fryer party snacks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Why Isn’t My Bacon Crispy?
Thick bacon or overcrowding can reduce crispiness.
Why Are My Brussel Sprouts Burnt?
Very high heat or excessive glaze can burn the outer leaves quickly.
Why Are the Centers Still Hard?
Large brussel sprouts sometimes need slightly longer cooking time.
Why Are My Sprouts Cooking Unevenly?
Different sprout sizes can change cooking speed.
If your appetizers struggle to crisp properly, these air fryer crispiness tips may help.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Best Way to Reheat Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
The air fryer reheats them very well because it restores bacon crispiness.
Reheat at 350°F for about 3 to 4 minutes.
This guide on how to reheat leftovers in the air fryer explains more reheating tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do bacon wrapped brussel sprouts cook in the air fryer?
Most cook in about 12 to 16 minutes depending on bacon thickness.
What temperature should bacon wrapped brussel sprouts cook at?
Most recipes work best between 380°F and 400°F.
Do brussel sprouts get crispy in the air fryer?
Yes. The air fryer helps create crispy roasted edges while keeping the centers tender.
Can you make maple bacon brussel sprouts in the air fryer?
Yes. Maple syrup works very well for sweet and savory flavor.
Why isn’t my bacon getting crispy?
Crowded baskets and thick bacon usually reduce crispiness.
Can you reheat bacon wrapped brussel sprouts in the air fryer?
Yes. The air fryer is one of the best ways to reheat them while keeping the bacon crispy.
Conclusion
These air fryer bacon wrapped brussel sprouts are crispy, smoky, sweet, and perfect for holidays, parties, and quick savory appetizers. The air fryer helps crisp the bacon while roasting the brussel sprouts evenly with less cleanup.
Once you try them, they quickly become one of the easiest crowd pleasing appetizers and side dishes to make for gatherings and family dinners.
