Get ready to transform the most controversial vegetable into an irresistible culinary masterpiece! These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Sorghum Molasses Bacon are about to revolutionize your side dish game, turning even the most stubborn veggie skeptics into true believers. Imagine perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts caramelized with sweet sorghum molasses and studded with crispy bacon bits - this recipe is so addictive, you'll want to make it every single night!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sorghum molasses
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half lengthwise, ensuring they are clean and dry. Pat the Brussels sprouts with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help them crisp up in the air fryer.
- Chop the bacon into small, roughly 1/2-inch pieces. The smaller pieces will crisp up more evenly and distribute better throughout the Brussels sprouts.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Proper preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts and chopped bacon. Drizzle the sorghum molasses over the mixture, then season generously with salt and black pepper. Toss everything together until the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated.
- Arrange the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer's size.
- Cook in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The Brussels sprouts should be golden brown and crispy, with the bacon becoming nicely rendered and crisp.
- Once done, carefully remove the Brussels sprouts from the air fryer. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately while hot and crispy. The combination of caramelized Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and sweet sorghum molasses creates a delightful side dish.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness: Always pat your Brussels sprouts completely dry before cooking to ensure they get that perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Size matters: Cut your Brussels sprouts to similar sizes to guarantee even cooking throughout the batch.
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation, which is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.
- Shake, shake, shake: Halfway through cooking, give your air fryer basket a good shake to ensure all sides of the Brussels sprouts get evenly browned.
- Experiment with seasoning: While this recipe uses sorghum molasses, feel free to try different glazes like maple syrup or balsamic reduction for variety.
- Serve immediately: These Brussels sprouts are best enjoyed hot and crispy right out of the air fryer, so time your cooking accordingly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
