Rich and Savory Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts - Oven or Air Fryer (2024)

Published July 21, 2023. Last modified July 21, 2023 By Gary White

With a sweet and tangy maple syrup glaze and salty bacon, these savory maple bacon Brussels sprouts are sure to be a hit at your next meal. While the maple syrup balances out the Brussels sprouts' natural bitterness and caramelizes nicely, giving the dish a rich depth of flavor, the bacon pieces make the sprouts salty and savory and add a deliciously crispy crunch. It's a flavor party in your mouth.

My Favorite Thing About This Recipe

Call me crazy... but I LOVE the "burned" crispy leaves that separate from the sprouts when you trim and toss them! I usually toss them a little more than necessary just to have more of them, especially in theair fryerpreparation. They add both texture and flavor.

Reader Comments That Say It All

"The bacon comes out crisp and candied, and the sprouts were perfectly tender and not overly crisped. Restaurant quality - for real." -Nicole

"Best part for me - it was so simple!" -Kim

"Amazing. My wife is not a Brussels Sprouts fan, yet she ate a pound of these in a single sitting. Love 'em!" -Brett

Why This Recipe Works

1. Sweet and Savory Combination. Maple syrup and bacon work well together to create a delicious contrast of tastes that goes well with the natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts and is highlighted by the acidity of the apple cider vinegar.
2. Easy Prep. This recipe is great for both new and experienced cooks because it only takes a few simple ingredients and a short amount of time to get ready.
3. Versatile Cooking Method. You can use either an air fryer or an oven, so you can change the recipe to fit your favorite way to cook using your favorite tools.

How to Make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Key Ingredients

Brussels Sprouts - These small, compactveggies look like miniaturecabbage and have a mildly bitter and nutty flavor. When cooked, they get tender and have a nice texture.

Pure Maple Syrup - A natural sweetener that caramelizes while cooking to add richness to the Brussels sprouts.

Apple Cider Vinegar - Balances the sweetness of the maple syrup with a tangy and slightly acidic flavor, making the overall taste brighter. This is the key to this recipe!

Bacon Pieces - Salty and savory, bacon adds a rich flavor to Brussels sprouts. During cooking, it also gets deliciously crispy, which gives this dish the perfect texture. I use and recommend thick-cut bacon for the air fryer and regular-cut for the oven.

What You'll Need to Prep (15 minutes)

Soaking Brussels Sprouts

• Fill a large bowl or sink with cold water.
• To get rid of any dirt or debris, put the Brussels sprouts in the water and gently swirl them around.
• Several minutes of soaking will help any stubborn dirt or impurities come loose from the Brussels sprouts.
• After soaking, take the Brussels sprouts out of the water and pat them dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

Trimming and Halving Brussels Sprouts

• Look over the sprouts and peel off any tough or discolored outer leaves, then throw them away.
• It's up to you whether you want to cut the sprouts higher or lower on the stem. If you trim higher, more free leaves will fall off. These loose leaves will get crisper as they cook and give the dish a different flavor and texture. (My favorite part!)
• Once the Brussels sprouts have been trimmed, cut each one in half lengthwise from top to bottom.

Slicing Bacon

• Put two or three bacon slices on top of each other and make sure they are aligned evenly.
• Hold the bacon slices on the cutting board firmly with one hand. Using your other hand and a sharp knife,carefully cut the stacked bacon slices into ½-inchpieces by cutting them crosswise.
• After you cut the first stack, separate the sliced pieces. You can put the pieces right into the bowl with the Brussels sprouts and dressing, or you can set them aside until ready to use.

Cooking Directions

• 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.

*Use 2 tablespoons for cooking in the oven; ¼ cup for air frying.

• 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.

Air Fryer

• Transfer the coated Brussels sprouts and bacon to the air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 8-12 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. Make sure to toss the contents of the basket at least once during cooking to ensure even browning.

Oven

• Preheat your oven to 425°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.)

Tips For Making Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

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.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

For the best texture and taste, you should use fresh Brussels sprouts, but you can also use frozen sprouts if you need to. Just make sure they are fully defrosted and dry before continuing with the recipe. While you can use frozen, keep in mind that the quality will be different with frozen Brussels sprouts.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! If you don't like bacon, you can leave it out and still enjoy the tasty Brussels sprouts with maple glaze. Even by themselves, the sprouts make a satisfying meal because of their crispy texture and sweet and tangy flavor.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes; turkey bacon is a great choice for people who want a leaner option. However, turkey bacon is leaner, so it will cook differently. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To warm them up again, just put them back in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes. Microwaving them works in a pinch.

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes

• Cauliflower Wings
• Parmesan-Ranch Chicken Tenders
• Portobello Burger with Basil Pesto Mayo

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