Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Brussels sprouts, washed and trimmed
- Bacon slices, cut in half
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: balsamic glaze, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Prep Brussels Sprouts:
- Wash the Brussels sprouts and trim the stem ends.
- Cut any large Brussels sprouts in half so they are similar in size.
- Place the Brussels sprouts in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Wrap with Bacon:
- Take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it around each Brussels sprout.
- Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick, if needed.
- Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Air Frying:
- Place the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Air fry for about 15-20 minutes, flipping the Brussels sprouts halfway through the cooking time, until the bacon is crispy and the Brussels sprouts are tender.
- Serve:
- Remove the toothpicks before serving.
- Optional: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes:
- Bacon Selection: Choose bacon with a good balance of meat and fat. Thicker bacon works well for this recipe, as it won’t overcook before the Brussels sprouts are done.
- Brussels Sprouts Size: Try to choose Brussels sprouts that are relatively uniform in size, so they cook evenly.
- Toothpicks: Toothpicks help secure the bacon while cooking, but make sure to remind your guests to remove them before eating.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzling balsamic glaze over the finished dish adds a sweet and tangy flavor. You can make your own glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar with a bit of sugar until it thickens.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory and nutty taste. Sprinkle it over the dish just before serving.
- Variations: You can get creative with seasonings and add-ins. Consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder, red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, or even a touch of maple syrup for sweetness.
- Serving: These bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are great as an appetizer, side dish, or even a tasty snack.
Remember, cooking times can vary slightly based on the size and model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on the bacon and Brussels sprouts as they cook to ensure they reach your desired level of crispiness and tenderness. Enjoy your delicious and crispy bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts!
Absolutely, here are some additional tips and variations for your Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts:
Additional Tips:
- Crispiness: If you want extra crispy bacon, you can lightly spray the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts with cooking spray before air frying. This will help the bacon become even crunchier.
- Temperature Adjustment: You can experiment with the air fryer temperature and cooking time based on your preferences. Higher temperatures may yield crispier results, but be sure to keep an eye on the bacon to prevent burning.
- Cooking in Batches: If you have a lot of Brussels sprouts, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Custom Seasonings: Feel free to play around with different seasonings. Smoked paprika, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of your favorite herb blend can add extra flavor.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve your bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or a garlic aioli for an additional burst of flavor.
Variations:
- Sweet and Spicy: Brush the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts with a mixture of maple syrup and Sriracha before air frying. This combination adds a delicious sweet and spicy kick.
- Cheesy Delight: Before wrapping the Brussels sprouts with bacon, stuff them with a small cube of cheddar or mozzarella cheese. As the sprouts cook, the cheese will melt, creating a gooey and cheesy center.
- Balsamic Reduction: Instead of drizzling balsamic glaze after cooking, marinate the Brussels sprouts in a balsamic vinegar and honey mixture before wrapping them in bacon. The balsamic reduction will caramelize during cooking, adding rich flavor.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts before air frying. This adds a wonderful blend of flavors, including sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion.
- Asian Fusion: Brush the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts with a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and a touch of ginger before air frying. Top with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
- Prosciutto Wrap: For a gourmet twist, replace the bacon with thinly sliced prosciutto. The salty and delicate prosciutto pairs wonderfully with the Brussels sprouts.
Remember that cooking times and flavors can be adjusted to your liking. Don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite version of this tasty dish. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
