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    Home » Air Fryer Recipes

    Rich and Savory Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

    Published July 21, 2023. Last modified July 21, 2023 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

    With a sweet and tangy maple syrup glaze and salty bacon, these savory maple bacon Brussels sprouts are sure to be a hit at your next meal. While the maple syrup balances out the Brussels sprouts' natural bitterness and caramelizes nicely, giving the dish a rich depth of flavor, the bacon pieces make the sprouts salty and savory and add a deliciously crispy crunch. It's a flavor party in your mouth.

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

    My Favorite Thing About This Recipe

    Call me crazy... but I LOVE the "burned" crispy leaves that separate from the sprouts when you trim and toss them! I usually toss them a little more than necessary just to have more of them, especially in the air fryer preparation. They add both texture and flavor.

    Reader Comments That Say It All

    "The bacon comes out crisp and candied, and the sprouts were perfectly tender and not overly crisped. Restaurant quality - for real." -Nicole

    "Best part for me - it was so simple!" -Kim

    "Amazing. My wife is not a Brussels Sprouts fan, yet she ate a pound of these in a single sitting. Love 'em!" -Brett

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

    Why This Recipe Works

    1. Sweet and Savory Combination. Maple syrup and bacon work well together to create a delicious contrast of tastes that goes well with the natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts and is highlighted by the acidity of the apple cider vinegar.
    2. Easy Prep. This recipe is great for both new and experienced cooks because it only takes a few simple ingredients and a short amount of time to get ready.
    3. Versatile Cooking Method. You can use either an air fryer or an oven, so you can change the recipe to fit your favorite way to cook using your favorite tools.
    Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts in a white bowl with yellow polka dots sitting on wood table.

    How to Make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

    Key Ingredients

    Brussels Sprouts - These small, compact veggies look like miniature cabbage and have a mildly bitter and nutty flavor. When cooked, they get tender and have a nice texture.

    Pure Maple Syrup - A natural sweetener that caramelizes while cooking to add richness to the Brussels sprouts.

    Apple Cider Vinegar - Balances the sweetness of the maple syrup with a tangy and slightly acidic flavor, making the overall taste brighter. This is the key to this recipe!

    Bacon Pieces - Salty and savory, bacon adds a rich flavor to Brussels sprouts. During cooking, it also gets deliciously crispy, which gives this dish the perfect texture. I use and recommend thick-cut bacon for the air fryer and regular-cut for the oven.

    ingredients to make maple bacon Brussels sprouts

    What You'll Need to Prep (15 minutes)

    Soaking Brussels Sprouts

    • Fill a large bowl or sink with cold water.
    • To get rid of any dirt or debris, put the Brussels sprouts in the water and gently swirl them around.
    • Several minutes of soaking will help any stubborn dirt or impurities come loose from the Brussels sprouts.
    • After soaking, take the Brussels sprouts out of the water and pat them dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
    Large stainless steel bowl with Brussels sprouts soaking in water.

    Trimming and Halving Brussels Sprouts

    • Look over the sprouts and peel off any tough or discolored outer leaves, then throw them away.
    • It's up to you whether you want to cut the sprouts higher or lower on the stem. If you trim higher, more free leaves will fall off. These loose leaves will get crisper as they cook and give the dish a different flavor and texture. (My favorite part!)
    • Once the Brussels sprouts have been trimmed, cut each one in half lengthwise from top to bottom.
    One trimmed Brussels sprout cut in half lengthwise next to the loose leaves on a wooden cutting board.

    Slicing Bacon

    • Put two or three bacon slices on top of each other and make sure they are aligned evenly.
    • Hold the bacon slices on the cutting board firmly with one hand. Using your other hand and a sharp knife, carefully cut the stacked bacon slices into ½-inch pieces by cutting them crosswise.
    • After you cut the first stack, separate the sliced pieces. You can put the pieces right into the bowl with the Brussels sprouts and dressing, or you can set them aside until ready to use.
    Four slices of bacon cut crosswise into ½-inch pieces on wood cutting board.

    Cooking Directions

    • 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.

    *Use 2 tablespoons for cooking in the oven; ¼ cup for air frying.

    • 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.
    Uncooked maple bacon Brussels sprouts tossed in large mixing bowl.

    Air Fryer

    • Transfer the coated Brussels sprouts and bacon to the air fryer basket.
    • Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 8-12 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. Make sure to toss the contents of the basket at least once during cooking to ensure even browning.

    Oven

    • Preheat your oven to 425°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.)
    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 for this recipe?

    For the best texture and taste, you should use fresh Brussels sprouts, but you can also use frozen sprouts if you need to. Just make sure they are fully defrosted and dry before continuing with the recipe. While you can use frozen, keep in mind that the quality will be different with frozen Brussels sprouts.

    Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

    Yes! If you don't like bacon, you can leave it out and still enjoy the tasty Brussels sprouts with maple glaze. Even by themselves, the sprouts make a satisfying meal because of their crispy texture and sweet and tangy flavor.

    Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

    Yes; turkey bacon is a great choice for people who want a leaner option. However, turkey bacon is leaner, so it will cook differently. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

    How long will leftovers last?

    Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To warm them up again, just put them back in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes. Microwaving them works in a pinch.

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

    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

    ★ 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

    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 58 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?

    For the best texture and taste, you should use fresh Brussels sprouts, but you can also use frozen sprouts if you need to. Just make sure they are fully defrosted and dry before continuing with the recipe. While you can use frozen, keep in mind that the quality will be different with frozen Brussels sprouts.

    Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

    Yes! If you don't like bacon, you can leave it out and still enjoy the tasty Brussels sprouts with maple glaze. Even by themselves, the sprouts make a satisfying meal because of their crispy texture and sweet and tangy flavor.

    Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

    Yes; turkey bacon is a great choice for people who want a leaner option. However, turkey bacon is leaner, so it will cook differently. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

    How long will leftovers last?

    Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To warm them up again, just put them back in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes. Microwaving them works in a pinch.

    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
    Tried this Recipe? Tag us Today!Mention @The.Foodie.Eats or tag #TheFoodieEats!

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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

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