Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly and allow them to dry.
2 cup Brussels Sprouts
Cut the bacon into cubes that are not too small to prevent burning. Place the Brussels sprouts and bacon in the air fryer basket.
1 cup Bacon, 2 cup Brussels Sprouts
Season with salt and pepper according to taste and mix well.
Salt, Black Pepper
Quick Note
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Notes
Adjust Cooking Time for Size: The size of your brussels sprouts can affect cooking time. Smaller sprouts may cook quicker, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early to ensure they don't overcook.
Even Bacon Pieces: For even cooking, try to cut your bacon into pieces that are roughly the same size. This promotes uniform cooking and ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of crisp bacon and brussels sprouts.
No Preheating Needed for Some Air Fryers: Depending on your air fryer model, you might not need to preheat it before adding your brussels sprouts and bacon. Check your manufacturer's instructions for guidance.
Use a Spritz of Cooking Spray: If you notice the brussels sprouts sticking to the basket, a light spritz of cooking spray can help. Just be sure it's a type that's safe for use in air fryers.
Shake the Basket for Even Crisping: Don't forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This simple step helps to ensure that all sides of the brussels sprouts get nicely browned and crispy.
Customize Your Crispiness: If you prefer your brussels sprouts with a softer texture, reduce the cooking time slightly. For extra crispiness, let them cook a bit longer, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Acidity Brightens Flavors: A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar over the finished dish can add a bright, acidic contrast to the rich flavors of the bacon and the earthiness of the brussels sprouts.
Making Ahead: While best served fresh, you can prep the brussels sprouts (trim and cut) and bacon (cut into pieces) ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook, making the recipe even quicker to put together.