Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Air fryer bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts are a sweet-salty appetizer with crispy bacon, tender sprouts, and a light maple glaze.

I like these for holidays, game days, or any dinner where you want the vegetable side to feel a little more fun. The bacon crisps around the outside, the Brussels sprouts turn tender in the center, and the maple syrup gives them a glossy finish.

The biggest thing I watch is the bacon. Regular-cut bacon works better than thick-cut bacon because it has time to crisp before the Brussels sprouts get too soft.

Quick Success Tips

• Use regular-cut bacon. Thick-cut bacon takes longer to crisp and can stay chewy.
• Choose medium Brussels sprouts. Very large sprouts may not turn tender before the bacon is done.
• Trim lightly. Cut off the woody end and remove loose yellow leaves.
• Keep sprouts whole when possible. Whole sprouts are easier to wrap and hold together.
• Use toothpicks. They help keep the bacon from unwrapping in the air fryer.
• Brush lightly with maple syrup. Too much syrup can drip and darken quickly.
• Cook in a single layer. Crowding keeps the bacon from crisping.
• Check the bacon and the sprout. The bacon should be crisp, and the sprout should be tender when pierced.

Why This Recipe Works

Brussels sprouts and bacon work well in the air fryer because the bacon crisps while the sprouts turn tender inside.

I use regular-cut bacon because it wraps easily and crisps faster than thick-cut bacon. The maple syrup adds a little sweetness and helps the outside glaze, but I brush it on lightly so it does not make the basket too sticky.

Toothpicks make this recipe easier. They hold the bacon in place, especially when the sprouts are moved or turned during cooking.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• The bacon gets crisp around the Brussels sprouts.
• The maple syrup adds a simple sweet-salty glaze.
• It works as an appetizer, snack, or holiday side dish.
• You only need a few ingredients.
• Toothpicks make them easy to serve at parties.
• The tahini sauce is optional, so you can serve them with or without a dip.

Ingredients You'll Need

**Find the full list of ingredients and exact measurements in the recipe card below.**

For the Brussels Sprouts

• Brussels sprouts: Choose fresh Brussels sprouts with tight green leaves. Medium sprouts work best because they cook through without getting too soft.
• Uncured bacon: Regular-cut bacon wraps better and crisps faster than thick-cut bacon.
• Maple syrup: Adds a light sweet glaze. Brush it on lightly so it does not drip too much in the air fryer.
• Salt and black pepper: Season the Brussels sprouts before wrapping. Go light on the salt because bacon is already salty.

For the Tahini Sauce

• Hot sauce: Optional, but good when you want a little heat.
• Tahini: Makes the sauce creamy and nutty.
• Maple syrup: Adds a little sweetness to balance the vinegar.
• Vinegar: Brightens the sauce.
• Garlic powder: Adds quick savory flavor.
• Water: Thins the sauce until it is easy to dip.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

• Trim the woody ends from the Brussels sprouts and remove any loose or yellow leaves.
• Add the Brussels sprouts to a medium bowl and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
• Cut the bacon slices in half. Wrap each Brussels sprout with a half slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
• Brush the outside lightly with maple syrup.

• Arrange the bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry at 370°F for 15 minutes, turning or shaking halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the Brussels sprouts are tender.

While the Brussels sprouts cook, stir together the tahini, maple syrup, vinegar, garlic powder, water, hot sauce if using, salt, and pepper. Add a little more water as needed until the sauce is easy to dip.

Serve the Brussels sprouts warm with the tahini sauce.

Helpful Tips

• Regular-cut bacon works better than thick-cut bacon for wrapping.
• Medium Brussels sprouts cook more evenly than very large sprouts.
• Trim only the woody end so the sprout still holds together.
• Keep the bacon snug when wrapping.
• Place the toothpick through the bacon seam to keep it secure.
• Brush maple syrup lightly so the bacon can still crisp.
• Leave space between pieces in the air fryer basket.
• Turn or shake carefully halfway through cooking.
• Let them cool for a few minutes before serving because the inside gets hot.

How Long to Cook Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

Bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts usually take 15 minutes at 370°F in the air fryer.

They are done when the bacon is crisp and the Brussels sprouts are tender when pierced with a fork or knife.

Very large Brussels sprouts may need a few extra minutes. Smaller sprouts may cook faster, so start checking near the end.

How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Party appetizer: Serve them warm with toothpicks and the tahini sauce on the side. They also work with ranch, honey mustard, maple mustard, or balsamic glaze.

Holiday starter: Add them to a small appetizer spread with Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates before Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Christmas dinner: Serve with Air Fryer Cornish Hen, Air Fryer Baby Potatoes, Air Fryer Green Beans and Bacon, or Air Fryer Christmas Dinner for 2-4.

Thanksgiving dinner: Pair with Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin, Air Fryer Turkey Thighs, Air Fryer Acorn Squash, or Air Fryer Thanksgiving Dinner.

Steak dinner: Serve with Air Fryer New York Strip Steak, Air Fryer T-Bone Steak, or Air Fryer Steak Bites.

More bacon-wrapped sides: Try Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus when you want another easy bacon-wrapped vegetable.

How to Store and Reheat Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Store leftover bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the air fryer at 370°F for 2-5 minutes, or until the bacon is hot and crisp again.

You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months, but the texture is best from fresh or refrigerated leftovers. The Brussels sprouts may be softer after freezing and reheating.

When reheating from frozen, add more time and check that the center is hot before serving.

FAQs

More Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love

• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Turkey Tenderloin
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast
• Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

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