Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Introduction

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts are a delightful combination of crispy bacon and tender Brussels sprouts, perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. The air fryer gives them a fantastic crispy texture while keeping them tender on the inside. This easy recipe will have everyone craving their veggies!

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cleaned
• 8-10 slices of bacon, cut in half (use more or less depending on the size of your Brussels sprouts)
• Olive oil (for brushing)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Toothpicks or wooden skewers (for securing the bacon)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a quick and even cook.
2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
   • Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half if they are large.
   • Season them with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Wrap with Bacon:
   • Take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it around a Brussels sprout half. Secure it with a toothpick or wooden skewer.
   • Repeat this process for all the Brussels sprouts.
4. Air Fry:
   • Place the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket.
   • Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the Brussels sprouts are tender. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
5. Serve: Remove the toothpicks or skewers before serving, and enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts.

Tips

• If your Brussels sprouts are particularly large, you might need to parboil them for a few minutes before wrapping them in bacon. This helps ensure that the Brussels sprouts are cooked through without burning the bacon.
• Feel free to season these with your favorite spices. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.
• If you prefer a sweeter twist, you can drizzle a little maple syrup or honey over the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts before air frying for a sweet and savory flavor.
• Make sure to watch your bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts closely in the air fryer, as cooking times may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer.

Variations

• Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
• Instead of bacon, you can use prosciutto or thinly sliced pancetta for a different flavor profile.
• If you’re vegetarian or prefer a meatless version, wrap the Brussels sprouts in thin slices of smoked tofu or tempeh, then air fry until crispy.

These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. They’re sure to become a favorite appetizer or side dish for any occasion. Enjoy!