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These Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are what holiday side dish dreams are made of. They’re crispy, savory, sweet, and absolutely irresistible. Even the Brussels sprouts skeptics at our table go back for seconds (or thirds).
The air fryer makes them golden and caramelized in just 10 minutes, then we toss them in maple syrup and crispy bacon and give them a quick 2-minute blast to finish. The result? Sprouts with crispy edges, sticky-sweet glaze, and smoky bacon in every bite.
It’s the perfect side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you want to add a little flavor drama to your dinner plate. And yes — they reheat like a dream, so go ahead and make a big batch.
Whether you’re making these for the holidays or a weeknight upgrade, let’s get into this sweet-savory veggie magic!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need for these glazed beauties:
- Brussels sprouts – Halved for faster, even cooking. Look for similar-sized sprouts and trim the ends before slicing.
- Olive oil – Helps them crisp up in the air fryer and prevents sticking.
- Salt & pepper – Basic seasoning that enhances everything else.
- Bacon – Cooked until crispy, then crumbled or chopped. You can prep this ahead of time!
- Maple syrup – The sweet glaze that brings it all together. Pure maple syrup works best.
Prep Tips:
- Make sure sprouts are dry before tossing in oil.
- Cut larger sprouts into quarters so they cook evenly with smaller ones.
- Pre-cook the bacon until crisp and drain well.
Substitutions:
- Use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- No bacon? Try toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a spicier vibe.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Prep the sprouts: Trim and halve Brussels sprouts. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning.
- Add glaze: Remove the basket, then toss the sprouts with maple syrup and crumbled bacon.
- Pro Tip: Don’t add the maple too early — it can burn.
- Air fry again for 2 more minutes to caramelize the glaze and crisp the bacon.
- Serve hot: Garnish with extra bacon bits or a drizzle of maple if desired.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding maple syrup at the start — it can burn.
- Not shaking the basket halfway — uneven browning.
- Overcrowding — sprouts need space to crisp.
- Using soggy bacon — cook it until fully crisp for best texture.
- Skipping the seasoning — salt and pepper are essential here.
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Vegetarian: Omit bacon and use toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey.
- Make it richer: Toss in a little butter with the maple glaze.
- Add herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary goes beautifully.
- Balsamic twist: Mix 1 tsp balsamic vinegar with the maple syrup for tang.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
You can trim and halve the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon up to 2 days ahead.
Leftovers? Store cooked sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
Make a double batch and reheat throughout the week — they crisp back up beautifully.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
Each serving is around 120–150 calories, depending on bacon and maple syrup amounts.
Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon (Air Fryer)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Toss halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Toss with maple syrup and bacon.
- Air fry 2 more minutes to glaze and crisp.
- Serve hot with optional garnish.
Notes
- Cook bacon ahead of time until crispy.
- Use turkey bacon or toasted nuts for variation.
- Store leftovers in fridge 4 days; reheat at 350°F.
If you’ve never tried Brussels sprouts with maple and bacon, this is your sign! They’re sweet, salty, and crisp in all the best ways — and the air fryer makes it quick and easy. Let me know if you try this recipe, and tag me so I can see your holiday table! Want another festive veggie? Check out my air fryer green beans with lemon and garlic — a bright, simple side everyone loves.
