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Home » Slow Cooker & Air Fryer

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts (Oven or Air Fryer)

By Gary White
This post may contain affiliate links.
Read my full disclosure here.

Published July 21, 2023. Last modified August 1, 2025 By Gary White

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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

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes

  • Cauliflower Wings
  • Spicy, Sweet, & Savory Chicken Wings
  • Parmesan-Ranch Chicken Tenders
  • Coffee & Spice Ribeye
  • 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! ★

📖 Recipe

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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Meet Gary

I'm Gary... husband, dad, recipe developer, and comfort food nerd. I believe in real food for real life. This blog? It’s where I share the recipes my family actually eats. Simple, soulful, and full of flavor. My goal is simple: help you cook food worth making again. More about me...

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