Air Fryer Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan
Crispy Brussels sprouts get a flavor boost from smoky bacon and tangy balsamic vinegar in this quick air fryer side dish. The sprouts are pre-steamed in the microwave for tenderness, then air fried until golden and caramelized on the edges. Finished with sharp Parmesan cheese and crispy bacon bits, this transforms humble Brussels sprouts into an irresistible side that pairs perfectly with roasted meats or holiday dinners. The combination of textures and the sweet-savory glaze makes even Brussels sprouts skeptics come back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh medium Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 slices cooked bacon, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Add Brussels sprouts to medium microwavable bowl and cover loosely with damp paper towel
- 2
Microwave on high 7 minutes
- 3
Drain and pat sprouts dry
- 4
Add oil, salt and pepper to sprouts in bowl and gently stir to coat
- 5
Spray basket of air fryer with cooking spray
- 6
Spread sprouts in even layer in basket
- 7
Set air fryer to 375°F and cook 8 minutes
- 8
Stir or shake basket and cook 4 to 6 minutes longer until sprouts are browned on edges and tender in center
- 9
Toss in bowl with vinegar and cheese
- 10
Top with bacon
Tips
Pat Brussels sprouts completely dry after microwaving to ensure maximum crispiness in the air fryer
Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides
Add the balsamic vinegar after cooking to prevent burning and maintain its bright flavor
Good to Know
Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer 2-3 minutes.
Can prep Brussels sprouts up to 1 day ahead. Store cut sprouts in refrigerator.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy for best texture.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip drying the Brussels sprouts to avoid soggy results
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking
Don't add balsamic vinegar during cooking to avoid burning
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I skip the microwave step?
The microwave pre-cooking ensures tender centers. Without it, increase air fryer time by 5-8 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning the outsides before centers cook through.
What if my Brussels sprouts are different sizes?
Cut larger sprouts into smaller pieces to match the size of smaller ones. Uniform sizing ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
Store cooked Brussels sprouts covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave briefly if you don't mind softer texture.