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.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Servings

Calories 269kcal

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

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.