One way I can always convince my family to eat more vegetables is when they’re accompanied by bacon! These air fryer bacon wrapped brussel sprouts are a perfect appetizer or snack option since they’re easy, delicious, and always a crowd pleaser. I serve them all the time in the fall!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are the kind of appetizer that turns even the most skeptical veggie eater into a fan! The air fryer gives them irresistibly crisp edges on both the smoky, salty bacon and the tender, caramelized sprouts inside.
Each bite is a perfect balance of savory, salty, and slightly sweet, with the bacon fat rendering down to coat the sprouts in flavor. I also season my sprouts with a maple seasoning for extra flavor, but this recipe is super customizable too!
They’re incredibly easy to make yet look and taste gourmet, which makes them ideal for parties, holidays, or just a casual hangout. From game day snacks to Thanksgiving apps, or even as a side dish, they work for it all!
Air frying cuts down the cooking time compared to the oven, so you can enjoy this crunchy, smoky, and totally addictive snack with your favorite dipping sauce in no time! As an added bonus, they’re gluten free and low carb, so they work for a variety of dietary needs.
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Ingredients List
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ Tbsp maple seasoning (or another of choice)
- 12 slices bacon (regular, not thick cut bacon), cut crosswise into thirds
- Dipping sauce (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Fresh Brussels sprouts hold up best against the bacon. You could use frozen if you defrost and pat dry, but they will be mushier overall still
- I use this maple seasoning, which is perfect with Brussels! Other good options include: hot honey seasoning, 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar and honey or maple syrup (plus salt and pepper), onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, Dijon, or a sprinkle of cayenne or chipotle for some heat!
- You could definitely use maple flavored bacon for this recipe as well for a delicious twist!
- Dipping sauce is optional. I use a hot honey ranch (for a homemade hot honey ranch, check out my Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes recipe). Other good options include regular ranch, garlic parmesan sauce, balsamic glaze, honey mustard, garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, hot honey, buffalo sauce, or avocado lime crema!
Step By Step Instructions
- Toss your halved Brussels sprouts in a bowl with the olive oil and maple seasoning, stirring until well coated
- Wrap each sprout half in a piece of bacon, with the seam on the flat (cut) side of the sprout. You can either cook them seam side down without flipping (only the tops get crispy) or you can secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it from unraveling during cooking
- Place wrapped Brussels into your air fryer basket or rack seam side down, allowing some air space between each one
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip (assuming the bacon is secured with toothpicks, otherwise I just shift them a little) and cook an additional 5-10 minutes, or until desired level of crispiness is reached
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Alternate Oven Directions
No air fryer, or need a bigger batch for a party? No problem! Here’s how to make bacon wrapped Brussels in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with nonstick foil
- Season and wrap your sprouts as noted in steps 1-2 above, then place seam side down on the baking sheet
- Bake at 400°F for 30-40 minutes, until bacon is crisped to your liking!
Pairing Suggestions
Main Dishes
- Roast Chicken or Turkey – The smoky, savory sprouts balance perfectly with juicy poultry and classic herbs. Try my Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin!
- Grilled Steak or Filet Mignon – Bacon’s saltiness and the sprouts’ caramelized flavor complement rich red meat beautifully. Double down with Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Filet!
- Glazed Ham – The sweet glaze on ham plays wonderfully against the crispy bacon and earthy Brussels sprouts
Appetizers & Sides
- Charcuterie Board – Add the sprouts as a warm, savory bite among cheeses, cured meats, and nuts
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes make a great compliment for the salty, smoky bites
- Air Fryer Finger Foods – Pair with items like jalapeño poppers, stuffed mushrooms, or crispy cauliflower for a fun party spread. Try my Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers or Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower Wings for a quick option!
Drink Pairings
- Chardonnay or Pinot Noir – Both highlight the caramelized flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts and smoky bacon
- Bourbon or Whiskey Cocktails – The sweet oak notes balance out the salt and umami. My Maple Old Fashioned is a perfect compliment!
- Hard Cider or Amber Ale – A crisp, slightly sweet drink that cleanses the palate after each savory bite
Seasonal Ideas
- Fall Feast Pairing – Serve with roasted butternut squash and cranberry relish for a festive fall menu!
- Holiday Party Option – Combine with mini meatballs or Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates on a holiday platter
Recipe FAQs
Can I Substitute The Bacon With Prosciutto?
Yes! Prosciutto can be used instead of bacon for a lighter, crispier wrap. It cooks faster, so reduce air fryer time by around 5 minutes to prevent burning. You may also want to cook your sprouts for a few minutes before wrapping if they’re large to ensure they cook fully.
Is This Recipe Keto?
Yes, it’s naturally keto-friendly. The combination of bacon and Brussels sprouts keeps carbs low while delivering plenty of fat and flavor. Just make sure you don’t add any seasonings that would add too many carbs.
Is It Better To Roast Or Air Fry Brussels Sprouts?
Air frying is faster and gives a crispier texture with less oil, while roasting develops a deeper caramelized flavor. Both are great options depending on your desired texture and time available.
Tips For the Best Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
- Try to cut the sprouts in a similar size for the most even cooking. This may mean leaving smaller Brussels sprouts whole, or cutting very large ones into quarters instead
- The amount of bacon you’ll really need depends on the number of sprouts you have (which varies by their size)
- I make this recipe in my Ninja air fryer (and I do not preheat it). Other air fryers can vary slightly, so adjust cooking times as needed based on appliance, sprout size, and bacon browning preferences. Second batches, if needed, usually require 2-3 minutes less for cooking time
Storage and Reheating
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Let the Brussels sprouts cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days
- Separate Layers: If stacking, place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and sogginess
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing changes the texture and can make the bacon rubbery once reheated
Reheating Tips
- Air Fryer (Best Option): Reheat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until the bacon re-crisps. This keeps them closest to freshly cooked texture
- Oven: Warm in a preheated 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes on a baking rack or sheet to restore crispiness
- Microwave (Quickest): Use short 20–30 second bursts to avoid overheating. This method will soften the bacon though (not crispy anymore)
- Brussel Sprouts With Balsamic Honey Glaze
Final Thoughts
These delicious air fryer bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are the perfect combination of savory, salty, and crispy! I make mine with maple BBQ seasoning for a touch of sweetness, but it’s a super customizable recipe so you can create all sorts of combinations.
Thanks to the air fryer, they’re incredibly easy to make, and work as a snack or easy appetizer (or even a side dish) – especially when you’re trying to get your family to eat their veggies. After all, everything is better with bacon!
This recipe is also gluten free and low carb without even trying (just watch the seasonings you add if you’re on a restricted diet), so it works for a variety of different needs. For more great ways to get your veggies, check out all of my Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts recipes!
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon)
- Paring knife (or similar)
- Toothpicks (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ Tbsp smoky maple seasoning (or another of choice – see notes)
- 12 slices bacon, cut crosswise into thirds (regular, not thick cut bacon)
- Dipping sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Toss your halved Brussels sprouts in a bowl with the olive oil and maple seasoning, stirring until well coated1 pound Brussels sprouts, 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 ½ Tbsp smoky maple seasoning
- Wrap each sprout half in a piece of bacon, with the seam on the flat (cut) side of the sprout. You can either cook them seam side down without flipping (only the tops get crispy but the bottom will still be cooked) or you can secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it from unraveling during cooking12 slices bacon, cut crosswise into thirds
- Place wrapped Brussels into your air fryer basket or rack seam side down, allowing some air space between each one
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip (assuming the bacon is secured with toothpicks, otherwise I just shift them a little to avoid cold spots) and cook an additional 5-10 minutes, or until desired level of crispiness is reached
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!Dipping sauce
Notes
- Fresh Brussels sprouts hold up best against the bacon. You could use frozen if you defrost and pat dry, but they will be mushier overall still
- I use maple seasoning, which is perfect with the other flavors in this dish. Other good seasoning options include: hot honey seasoning, 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar and honey or maple syrup (plus salt and pepper), onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, Dijon, or cayenne or chipotle for some heat!
- You could definitely use maple flavored bacon for this recipe as well for a delicious twist. The amount of bacon you need in total really depends on the size (and therefore how many) sprouts you have
- Dipping sauce is optional. I use a hot honey ranch, but other good options include ranch, garlic parmesan sauce, balsamic glaze, honey mustard, garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, hot honey, buffalo sauce, or avocado lime crema!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, size, and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or seasonings added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
