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    Home » Air Fryer Recipes

    Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts (Oven or Air Fryer)

    Published July 21, 2023. Last modified March 21, 2025 By Gary White

    9.1K shares
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    Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts in a white bowl with yellow polka dots sitting on wood table.
    Brussels sprouts, roasted with bacon on backing tray with pinterest text overlay that says Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Air Fryer or Oven

    This maple bacon Brussels sprouts recipe is a game-changer for any meal. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, savory, and crispy goodness. Whether you're making it for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this easy side dish is bound to steal the spotlight.

    Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts in a white bowl with yellow polka dots sitting on wood table.

    Why I Love This Recipe

    I know this sounds crazy, but my favorite thing about these maple bacon Brussels sprouts are the crispy, caramelized leaves that fall off the sprouts when they cook! The air fryer really takes them up a notch, it makes them all little pieces of crunchy goodness. I have to admit, I sometimes stir the sprouts around way more than necessary just so I get more of these crispy bits.

    Maple bacon Brussels sprouts on a gray plate with a sliced sirloin steak.

    Why This Recipe Works

    1. Sweet & Savory Balance – The maple syrup adds caramelization and sweetness, while the bacon brings salty crunchiness, complementing the natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts.
    2. Easy Preparation – With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is simple enough for beginners yet flavorful enough for any occasion.
    3. Versatile Cooking Methods – You can roast these in the oven for deep caramelization or air fry them for maximum crispiness in less time.
    4. Apple Cider Vinegar Boost – A little acidity from the vinegar brightens the dish and enhances all the flavors.
    5. Thick-Cut vs. Regular Bacon – Using thick-cut bacon in the air fryer prevents burning, while regular-cut bacon crisps up beautifully in the oven.
    6. Crispy Leaf Magic – The loose leaves from trimmed Brussels sprouts turn into crunchy bites packed with flavor.
    Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts in a white bowl with yellow polka dots sitting on wood table.

    Reader Reviews

    • "The bacon comes out crisp and candied, and the sprouts were perfectly tender. Restaurant quality - for real!" – Nicole
    • "Best part for me - it was so simple!" – Kim
    • "Amazing. My wife isn’t a Brussels sprouts fan, yet she ate a pound of these in one sitting. Love 'em!" – Brett

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    • Spicy, Sweet, & Savory Chicken Wings
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    • Portobello Burger with Basil Pesto Mayo

    Ingredients for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

    ingredients to make maple bacon Brussels sprouts
    • 2 lbs. Brussels sprouts – The star of the dish! Trimmed and halved for even cooking.
    • ¼ cup pure maple syrup – Adds natural sweetness and enhances caramelization.
    • 2 Tbsp. olive oil (¼ cup for air fryer) – Helps crisp the Brussels sprouts while preventing burning.
    • 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar – Adds a touch of acidity to balance flavors.
    • 1 ½ tsp. sea salt – Brings out the natural flavors of the sprouts and bacon.
    • ½ tsp. black pepper – Adds subtle spice and warmth.
    • 8 slices bacon (thick-cut for air fryer, regular-cut for oven) – Provides a smoky, salty crunch.

    How to Make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

    1. Prep the Brussels Sprouts

    • Soak & Clean – Fill a bowl with cold water and let the Brussels sprouts soak for a few minutes. Swirl them around to remove dirt, then pat dry.
    Large stainless steel bowl with Brussels sprouts soaking in water.
    • Trim & Halve – Remove any tough or discolored outer leaves. Trim the stems as desired (trimming higher creates more crispy leaves!). Cut each sprout in half lengthwise.
    One trimmed Brussels sprout cut in half lengthwise next to the loose leaves on a wooden cutting board.

    2. Slice the Bacon

    • Stack two or three slices of bacon at a time.
    • Use a sharp knife to cut crosswise into ½-inch pieces.
    Four slices of bacon cut crosswise into ½-inch pieces on wood cutting board.

    3. Coat the Sprouts

    • In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
    • Add the Brussels sprouts and bacon pieces, tossing well to coat everything evenly.
    Uncooked maple bacon Brussels sprouts tossed in large mixing bowl.

    4. Cook (Choose Your Method)

    Air Fryer Method:

    1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
    2. Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon evenly in the basket.
    3. Cook for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
    4. Remove when the sprouts are golden brown and crispy.

    Oven Method:

    1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
    2. Spread Brussels sprouts and bacon on a lined baking sheet, cut side down.
    3. Roast for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and caramelized.
    Uncooked maple bacon Brussels sprouts spread out on baking sheet lined with foil.

    Tips For Making Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

    1. Choose fresh Brussels sprouts - Look for firm, compact sprouts with leaves that are a bright green color. Remove any leaves that appear wilted or have discolored spots.
    2. Properly trim and halve the sprouts - Take off any damaged leaves on the outside and trim the ends of the stems. Cut the sprouts in half lengthwise so they cook evenly.
    3. Toss well for an even coating - When you add the glaze to the sprouts and bacon, make sure to toss them well so that every piece is evenly covered. This keeps the taste the same all the way through.
    4. Adjust cooking time for desired crispiness - The cooking time can be changed based on how crisp you like your Brussels sprouts. Keep an eye on the sprouts and bacon while they're cooking, and change the time as needed to get the crispness you want.

    FAQs

    Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

    Fresh is best, but if using frozen, make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry to avoid sogginess.

    Can I make this vegetarian?

    Absolutely! Just omit the bacon, and the maple-glazed sprouts will still be deliciously sweet and crispy.

    Can I use turkey bacon?

    Yes, but since turkey bacon has less fat, it won’t crisp up the same way. Keep an eye on it while cooking.

    How long do leftovers last?

    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

    Maple bacon Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet lined with foil.

    ★ Did you make these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts?

    Please give them a star rating below! ★

    Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts in a white bowl with yellow polka dots sitting on wood table.

    Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts (Oven or Air Fryer)

    With a sweet and tangy maple syrup glaze and the salty flavor of bacon, these crispy maple bacon Brussels sprouts are sure to be a hit.
    4.94 from 59 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 269kcal
    Author: Gary White

    Ingredients

    • 2 lbs. Brussels sprouts trimmed, halved
    • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
    • 2 Tbsp. olive oil ¼ cup for air fryer
    • 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
    • 1 ½ tsp. sea salt
    • ½ tsp. black pepper
    • 8 bacon slices thick-cut for air fryer, regular-cut for oven, cut into ½-inch pieces

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 450°F or air fryer to 400°F .
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until all the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
    • Add the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts and the cut bacon slices to the bowl with the glaze. Toss well to ensure that every piece is evenly coated with the mixture.

    For Oven

    • Preheat your oven to 450°F (220°C).
    • Transfer the coated Brussels sprouts and bacon to a baking sheet or roasting pan, making sure the cut side of each sprout is down.
    • Place the pan in the preheated oven and cook for 30-40 minutes or until the sprouts are crispy to your liking. (Note: The more you cook Brussels sprouts, the more their natural bitterness comes out, so you may want to avoid overcooking them.)

    For Air Fryer

    • Transfer half of the coated Brussels sprouts and bacon to the air fryer basket.
    • Set the air fryer to 400°F (175°C) and cook for 8-12 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. After 5 or 6 minutes, make sure to toss the contents of the basket at least once during cooking to ensure even browning.
    • Repeat with the remaining sprouts and bacon.

    Video

    Notes

    Tips

      1. Choose fresh Brussels sprouts - Look for firm, compact sprouts with leaves that are a bright green color. Remove any leaves that appear wilted or have discolored spots.
      2. Properly trim and halve the sprouts - Take off any damaged leaves on the outside and trim the ends of the stems. Cut the sprouts in half lengthwise so they cook evenly.
      3. Toss well for an even coating - When you add the glaze to the sprouts and bacon, make sure to toss them well so that every piece is evenly covered. This keeps the taste the same all the way through.
      4. Adjust cooking time for desired crispiness - The cooking time can be changed based on how crisp you like your Brussels sprouts. Keep an eye on the sprouts and bacon while they're cooking, and change the time as needed to get the crispness you want.

    FAQs

    Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

    Fresh is best, but if using frozen, make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry to avoid sogginess.

    Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

    Absolutely! Just omit the bacon, and the maple-glazed sprouts will still be deliciously sweet and crispy.

    Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

    Yes, but since turkey bacon has less fat, it won’t crisp up the same way. Keep an eye on it while cooking.

    How long will leftovers last?

    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 711mg | Potassium: 686mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1153IU | Vitamin C: 129mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 2mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Stella

      April 28, 2018 at 11:26 am

      5 stars
      This is such a great idea! Great to prepare on a Sunday for days in the week when you don’t have time! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Chef Gary

        April 28, 2018 at 1:20 pm

        Thanks Stella! We love these so much.

        Reply
    2. Willa

      October 24, 2018 at 6:09 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely loved

      Reply
    3. Laura

      December 01, 2018 at 8:56 pm

      5 stars
      Simply delicious. My first Air Fryer recipe and it was a great one.

      Reply
    4. irene

      February 05, 2019 at 6:50 pm

      5 stars
      OMG I just made and ate them all OOPS 🙂
      Sooo GOOD you would have thought they were cooked in a well seasoned cast iron skillet!! Headed back to the store tomorrow for more sprouts. Thanks for the recipe!!

      Reply
    5. Jademoves

      February 09, 2019 at 5:07 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for this recipe! I use to hate brussells sprouts myself. This is really good. I didn’t have maple syrup the first time I made this so I added a little honey. It came out perfect!

      Reply
    6. Lizy R

      March 22, 2019 at 10:46 am

      5 stars
      This is considered a side dish. What would you eat this with?

      Reply
      • Gary

        March 24, 2019 at 7:46 am

        I love Brussels with a steak. But really, you can eat them with any protein.

        Reply
        • Pow

          May 14, 2021 at 8:29 pm

          THE best brussel sprout recipe out there! Pairs well with a lemon garlic butter pasta. YUM!

          Reply
    7. Lizy

      March 26, 2019 at 12:14 pm

      Should you preheat the air fryer first?

      Reply
      • Gary

        March 27, 2019 at 8:10 am

        No need to preheat.

        Reply
    8. Kim

      September 21, 2019 at 10:09 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! Excellent!

      Reply
    9. Torey

      October 28, 2019 at 5:59 am

      Do you cook the bacon ahead of time or put raw bacon in?

      Reply
      • Gary White

        October 31, 2019 at 10:40 am

        Raw.

        Reply
    10. Aly

      November 04, 2019 at 10:07 pm

      These look delicious! I'm wanting to make in my air fryer for Thanksgiving this year but would like to cut the recipe in half since there is just two of us, do you recommend decreasing the cook time at all? This will be my first time using our new air fryer. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Gary White

        November 05, 2019 at 10:07 am

        Yes, you probably want to reduce the time a little. I'm just not sure how much. Just keep an eye on them.

        Reply
    11. Cari

      December 04, 2019 at 10:35 am

      5 stars
      I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this recipe. I think I would eat it every single day if I could. The first time I tried it I made it as a side dish and it was so good I ate an entire place for my dinner!

      Reply
    12. Cari P

      December 04, 2019 at 10:36 am

      5 stars
      I want to take these for a pot luck at work and not sure if they would be good re-heated. Has anyone tried it or what is the best way?

      Reply
      • Gary White

        December 04, 2019 at 12:56 pm

        I think they will reheat just fine. If possible, use dry heat to warm them up, like a toaster. Microwave as a last resort.

        Reply
    13. Mrs Emma swan

      December 16, 2019 at 10:51 am

      Hi, my air flyer only goes up to 200? How long do you think I will need to do them for? Really want to try this for Christmas

      Reply
      • Gary White

        December 16, 2019 at 4:20 pm

        Hi Emma. This recipe is written for 350° Fahrenheit. I'm guessing you read this as 200° celsius? I apologize for the confusion. I will update the recipe card to state Fahrenheit. You would cook these at about 175° celsius.

        Reply
    14. M

      December 18, 2019 at 11:39 am

      4 stars
      good

      Reply
    15. Brett McKeever

      January 19, 2020 at 6:52 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing. My wife is not a Brussels sprouts fan, yet she ate a lb of these in a single sitting. Love em! Thanks

      Reply
    16. Ashley

      February 05, 2020 at 5:58 pm

      5 stars
      These are DELICIOUS!!!
      Recipe says to cook for 8-12 minutes. But I cooked them for 6 minutes, stirred them then cooked for 10 more minutes and they're perfect.
      Also, my husband and I are doing low carb diet so instead of maple , I used Cary's sugar free syrup abs maple extract.
      I will definitely be coming these again!

      Reply
    17. Kim Marlow

      April 16, 2020 at 6:31 pm

      5 stars
      This was the best recipe for brussel sprouts yet! I have a picky household and everyone wanted more. Best part for me - it was so simple!

      Reply
    18. AlisonH

      May 08, 2020 at 12:50 pm

      5 stars
      I was skeptical of all that maple syrup - but plunged in...These were delicious and easy! Also, the first air fryer recipe I've tried! Thank you!!!

      Reply
    19. Marilynne Wickman

      September 14, 2020 at 2:54 pm

      There are many ways to enjoy Brussel sprouts but this is by far my favorite. Just the right amount of sweetness from the maple syrup to downplay the bitterness of the sprouts. Bacon livens it up to perfection. Never tried the oven method, just the air fryer. This recipe takes a bit more time than some but I guarantee you'll b hooked.

      Reply
    20. Alyssa Abrams

      November 01, 2020 at 7:28 pm

      5 stars
      So amazing

      Reply
    21. Ginger Hohm

      November 22, 2020 at 12:27 am

      Love this recipe. I make brussel sprouts often in my air fryer, but never thought to add the maple syrup. I also mix in one half sliced onion. Super yum!

      Reply
    22. Nicole

      November 26, 2020 at 10:10 pm

      5 stars
      First, the photos in this recipe don't come up for me. But that is beside the point. This is hands down the best way I have ever made Brussel sprouts ever. I didn't think this recipe could be as good as the reviews until, it was! The bacon comes out crisp and candied, the sprouts were perfectly tender and not overly crisped. Restaurant quality - for real. It was the star of the thanksgiving table. THANK YOU!

      Reply
    23. Kali

      November 27, 2020 at 5:52 pm

      5 stars
      Made these for thanksgiving and my whole family raved about them! They were amazing and so easy! I did them in the air fryer in two batches for 12 minutes each. Will definitely keep this in mind next time I need to make Brussels sprouts! Thanks for the recipe

      Reply
    24. June

      January 24, 2021 at 3:46 pm

      5 stars
      So easy and super yummy. The crispy charred leaves & bacon and salty & acidic work great together.

      Reply
    25. Catherine

      January 26, 2021 at 1:58 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe. I hate brussel sprouts but this makes them so good!

      Reply
    26. McKay

      February 03, 2021 at 8:52 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious, family enjoyed

      Reply
    27. Phylicia

      February 22, 2021 at 5:15 am

      So so good!! These were a huge hit - I paired with steak and lobster mashed potatoes to complete a fancy homemade anniversary dinner. This will for sure become a staple recipe for us! Can't believe I waited this long to try this in the air fryer. Thanks for this great recipe!!

      Reply
    28. Jeanne

      April 07, 2021 at 10:33 am

      2 stars
      While I think this recipe has great potential it certainly wasn't a hit for me! I chose to use the oven method option and the result was an overly sticky and sweet dish. My thoughts are, if this recipe was done in an airfryer so the brussels weren't submersed in a pool of fatty syrup it would have turned out much better, probably even great! If I were to use the oven method again, I would cut down on the oil/maple syrup mixture to about one third of what is called for.

      Reply
    29. Joan Farquharson

      April 23, 2021 at 9:24 am

      5 stars
      This was so amazing! My daughter who isn’t a big fan of vegetables cleared the Brussel sprouts off of her plate!

      Will definitely make this again

      Reply
    30. Leisa Kaszczuk

      June 20, 2021 at 7:50 pm

      Just wondering...Do you leave the Crisper Plate in the basket when you cook the Brussels Sprouts???

      I have the Ninja AF100 Air Fryer and was was wanting to make these using this recipe but adding fresh garlic and onions to the mixture. I hope that would cook evenly and not burn!!😊

      Do you have a recipe for making Fried Squash in the Air Fryer??

      Respectfully yours,

      Leisa

      Reply
      • Gary White

        June 21, 2021 at 8:59 am

        I'm not familiar with the crisper plate or the Ninja Foodi. And as of now, I have not written a recipe for air fryer squash.

        Reply
    31. Stephanie

      May 01, 2022 at 12:45 pm

      Silly question, can I use bacon bits? I know the real thing would be much better, but just curious.

      Reply
      • Gary White

        May 03, 2022 at 11:09 am

        Ya know what, I've never cooked pre-cooked bacon bits before. So I'm not sure how they might respond in an air fryer.

        Reply
    32. Michelle G.

      May 22, 2022 at 1:08 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious!! My new favorite, I’ve made it twice already!

      Reply
    33. Mom

      October 17, 2022 at 5:42 pm

      5 stars
      My first time eating Brusselsprouts…. Pretty great!

      Reply
    34. Christina T

      May 30, 2024 at 2:02 am

      5 stars
      I love this recipe! This is my favorite way to eat brussel sprouts. I made this for my friend who doesn't enjoy brussel sprouts and she loved them as well. Whenever I make this dish for friends/family, they always ask for the recipe. These brussel sprouts are quick and easy to make and pair nicely with many dishes.

      Reply
    4.94 from 59 votes (34 ratings without comment)

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