Crispy Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Crispy Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or treating yourself to a gourmet side dish on a weeknight.
In my continuous quest to find recipes that strike the perfect balance between nutritious and delicious, I've stumbled upon a dish that not only packs a punch of flavors but also turns Brussels sprouts—often unjustly maligned—into stars of the show. Combining the crispiness of air-fried Brussels sprouts with the smoky richness of bacon, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze and crowned with creamy goat cheese, this dish is a revelation. It's an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or treating yourself to a gourmet side dish on a weeknight.
Ingredients:
1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
4 slices of bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
Optional: Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Prep the Brussels Sprouts: Start by washing the Brussels sprouts and trimming off the stem ends. Halve them lengthwise to ensure they cook evenly and get plenty of crispy edges.
Season: Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a mixing bowl. Toss them with salt, pepper and chopped bacon. This will all cook in the airfryer.
Air-Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spread the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there's space for the air to circulate. Air-fry for about 10-15 minutes, or until they're crispy and golden brown. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispness.
Combine: Once the Brussels sprouts are done, transfer them to a serving dish.
Drizzle and Crumble: Generously drizzle the balsamic glaze over the Brussels sprouts and bacon. Then, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over everything. The warmth of the Brussels sprouts and bacon will slightly melt the goat cheese, creating a beautiful creamy texture that contrasts with the crisp veggies and meat.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, add a garnish of fresh thyme or parsley to introduce a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, and watch as everyone reaches for seconds.
The Beauty of This Dish
What makes this dish truly special is the combination of textures and flavors. The air fryer does wonders for Brussels sprouts, transforming them into crispy, caramelized bites of goodness. The bacon adds a savory depth, the balsamic glaze introduces a welcome tanginess that cuts through the richness, and the goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy finish that brings all the flavors together.
This recipe has quickly become one of my favorites for entertaining or simply spicing up a weeknight meal. It proves that with the right ingredients and techniques, you can turn even the most humble of vegetables into a gourmet delight. Give it a try, and it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy Brussels sprouts.
xx, mc
