Name: Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Brussels sprouts (trimmed); 10 strips bacon (halved); 2 tbsp maple syrup; Black pepper to taste; Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling

These bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are the party appetizer that vanishes before the tray even hits the table. I made them for a game night once, and people were literally hovering by the air fryer waiting for the next batch. They’re that good.

Thanks to the air fryer, you get perfectly crispy bacon without greasy mess or babysitting a pan. And the Brussels sprouts? Tender on the inside with just enough bite. When that salty bacon meets the light sweetness of maple syrup — it’s magic.

They’re savory, slightly sweet, a little smoky, and 100% snackable. Bonus: you only need four ingredients. Serve these hot and watch them disappear.

With just 10 minutes of prep and around 15 minutes of cook time, these are effortless and impressive. Don’t forget that balsamic drizzle at the end — it takes them to the next level!

🥕 Ingredients Overview

Here’s what you’ll need to make these addictively crispy bites:

Brussels Sprouts: Use about 1 pound, trimmed and halved if very large. Look for firm, bright green sprouts. The smaller ones cook faster and get more tender inside.
Bacon: Use regular-cut bacon — not thick-cut — so it crisps up evenly. Cut each strip in half to wrap around one sprout.
Maple Syrup: Just a light brush adds a sweet contrast to the salty bacon. Use pure maple syrup for best flavor.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked is best. A little spice balances the richness.

Optional Finishing Touch: A drizzle of balsamic glaze after cooking adds tangy-sweet depth and looks gorgeous on a platter.

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Brussels Sprouts
- Trim the ends and remove any yellow outer leaves. If your sprouts are extra large, cut them in half.
- Pat dry to help the bacon crisp better.
Wrap with Bacon
- Cut bacon strips in half.
- Wrap one half-strip of bacon tightly around each sprout and place seam-side down.
- Pro Tip: Use a toothpick to secure if needed, especially for bigger sprouts.
Add Flavor
- Brush each wrapped sprout with maple syrup.
- Sprinkle with cracked black pepper.
- Pro Tip: Don’t salt — the bacon has plenty already.
Air Fry to Perfection
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Place bacon-wrapped sprouts in the basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes until bacon is crispy and browned, flipping halfway.
- Pro Tip: Check at the 12-minute mark — some air fryers run hotter.
Optional Finish
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Serve hot!

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using thick-cut bacon – It won’t crisp up in time before the sprouts overcook.
Overcrowding the basket – Bacon won’t get crispy. Keep space between.
Skipping the dry-off step – Moisture prevents crispiness.
Forgetting to flip – This helps even browning on all sides.

🎨 Variations & Add-Ons

Want to switch it up? Here are some fun variations:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot honey instead of maple syrup.
Garlic Lovers: Add garlic powder to the maple syrup before brushing.
Balsamic Reduction Swap: Use honey mustard or a sriracha-mayo drizzle.
Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle with grated parmesan right after air frying.

These also make great side dishes or party platters. Serve with toothpicks and watch them vanish!

📦 Make Ahead & Storage

These are best fresh, but here’s how to prep and store:

To Make Ahead: Wrap sprouts in bacon and store uncooked in the fridge up to 1 day. Brush with maple syrup and pepper just before air frying.

To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.

To Freeze: Not recommended — the texture of sprouts and bacon changes after freezing.