Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts are crispy, tender, and full of smoky flavor. Fresh Brussels sprouts are lightly seasoned with lemon pepper, wrapped in bacon, and air-fried until perfectly cooked. This easy recipe makes a delicious appetizer or side dish with just four simple ingredients.
Recipe Information
– Prep Time: 10 minutes
– Cook Time: 15 minutes
– Total Time: 25 minutes
– Servings: 4
– Cooking Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
– Course: Appetizer / Side Dish
– Freestyle SmartPoints: 1 per serving
Ingredients
– ½ pound fresh Brussels sprouts, halved
– 5 slices center-cut bacon
– Canola oil or olive oil cooking spray
– 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
– ½ teaspoon salt (only if the lemon pepper seasoning does not contain salt)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. Trim off the tough ends, remove any loose outer leaves, and cut each sprout in half lengthwise.
2. Season the Sprouts: Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Lightly spray them with canola or olive oil, using just enough to coat them.
3. Add Lemon Pepper: Sprinkle the lemon pepper seasoning over the Brussels sprouts. Toss well until every piece is evenly coated. Check whether your seasoning already contains salt before adding extra.
4. Prepare the Bacon: Stack the bacon slices together on a cutting board. Cut the slices in half lengthwise and then across the middle, creating four smaller pieces from each original slice.
5. Wrap the Brussels Sprouts: Take one piece of bacon and wrap it around a Brussels sprout half. Make sure the bacon covers the sprout securely without overlapping too much.
6. Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place each bacon-wrapped Brussels sprout into the air fryer basket with the bacon seam facing down. This helps keep the bacon in place while cooking. Arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding.
7. Air Fry: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook for 10–15 minutes, depending on the size of the Brussels sprouts and the thickness of the bacon.
8. Check for Doneness: Check the sprouts every 5 minutes. The bacon should become golden and crispy, while the Brussels sprouts should be tender when pierced with a fork.
9. Remove and Serve: Carefully remove the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts from the air fryer using tongs. Allow them to cool for 2 minutes before serving.
10. Enjoy: Serve warm as an appetizer, party snack, or delicious vegetable side dish.
Questions & Answers
Q1: How long does it take to make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts?
The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 25 minutes, including 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of air frying.
Q2: What temperature should I use?
Cook the Brussels sprouts at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10–15 minutes.
Q3: Can I use regular bacon instead of center-cut bacon?
Yes. Regular bacon works well, but the cooking time may vary depending on its thickness.
Q4: Do I need to boil the Brussels sprouts first?
No. The Brussels sprouts cook directly in the air fryer, so boiling is unnecessary.
Q5: Should I cut the Brussels sprouts in half?
Yes. Halving the Brussels sprouts helps them cook evenly and makes wrapping them with bacon easier.
Q6: Do I need toothpicks to secure the bacon?
No. Place the wrapped Brussels sprouts seam-side down in the air fryer basket. The bacon will shrink slightly as it cooks and stay in place.
Q7: Why should I dry the Brussels sprouts before seasoning?
Removing excess moisture helps the oil and seasoning stick properly and prevents the sprouts from becoming soggy.
Q8: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh Brussels sprouts are strongly recommended. Frozen sprouts contain more moisture and may not develop the same tender texture and crispy bacon.
Q9: How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are fully cooked?
The bacon should be golden and crispy, and the Brussels sprouts should be tender when pierced with a fork.
Q10: Can I use a different seasoning instead of lemon pepper?
Yes. Garlic powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, or your favorite all-purpose seasoning can be used.
Q11: Can I add Parmesan cheese?
Yes. Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts immediately after cooking for extra flavor.
Q12: Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely. Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture.
Q13: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes. You can wash, trim, season, and wrap the Brussels sprouts several hours ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Q14: How should I store leftovers?
Allow the Brussels sprouts to cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Q15: How do I reheat bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts?
Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 3–5 minutes. This helps crisp the bacon again.
Q16: Can I bake these in a regular oven?
Yes. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through.
Q17: What can I serve with this recipe?
They pair well with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, steak, pork chops, mashed potatoes, or other roasted vegetables.
Q18: Are these good for parties and gatherings?
Yes. Their small size makes them an excellent finger food for family dinners, holiday gatherings, and parties.
Q19: Can I make this recipe without cooking spray?
Yes. You can lightly toss the Brussels sprouts with a small amount of olive oil instead.
Q20: How many SmartPoints does each serving contain?
The original recipe lists 1 Freestyle SmartPoint per serving. SmartPoints values can vary with the specific bacon and seasoning brands used.