Savor the Flavor: Tasty Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts for a Healthy Snack Adventure
Brussels sprouts and bacon are a match made in culinary heaven, and when paired with the innovative air fryer, this dynamic duo elevates to a whole new level of deliciousness. By harnessing the power of hot air circulation, air fryers allow us to create crispy, mouthwatering brussels sprouts with bacon while minimizing the need for excessive oil. In this article, we’ll delve into the delightful world of air-fried brussels sprouts and bacon, touching on the nutritional benefits, flavor profiles, and providing a simple, yet delectable recipe.
Air Fryer Magic:
Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering healthier alternatives to traditional deep-frying. By circulating hot air around the food, air fryers create a crispy, crunchy exterior without relying on copious amounts of oil. The outcome is a scrumptious, guilt-free snack that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.
Nutritional Powerhouse:
Brussels sprouts, a cruciferous vegetable, are loaded with essential nutrients such as vitamins C, K, and A, fiber, and antioxidants. They offer numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and cancer prevention. While bacon may not be the healthiest choice, when used in moderation, it can add a burst of flavor to your dish without derailing your health goals. Air frying brussels sprouts and bacon ensures that you can enjoy a tasty treat without compromising your nutritional needs.
Flavor Adventure:
Combining the earthy flavor of brussels sprouts with the smoky, savory taste of bacon creates an irresistible snack that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Air-fried brussels sprouts and bacon offer endless possibilities for customization, allowing you to experiment with various seasonings and ingredients to create a flavor explosion that suits your palate.
Ingredients:
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- 1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
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- 3 cups of water
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- 4 slices of bacon, chopped into small pieces
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- 1 tbsp olive oil
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- 1/2 tsp salt
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- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
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- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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- Cut and half your brussels sprouts. Place the brussels sprouts in a large enough bowl to submerge in water. Pour enough water to cover the brussels sprouts. Let them soak for 10 minutes.
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- In a large bowl, combine drained brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss until the sprouts and bacon are evenly coated.
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- Place the seasoned brussels sprouts and bacon mixture in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space for air circulation.
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- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
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- Once the brussels sprouts are tender and crispy, and the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish.
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- Serve immediately and enjoy your tasty air fryer brussels sprouts with bacon!
Tips for making good Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
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- Choose fresh Brussels sprouts: Look for firm, bright green sprouts with tight leaves. Avoid yellowing or wilted leaves, as they may indicate that the sprouts are past their prime.
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- Trim and halve the sprouts: Cut off the stem end and remove any loose or damaged outer leaves. Slice larger sprouts in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking. Smaller sprouts can be left whole.
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- Toss with oil and seasoning: Lightly coat the sprouts with oil (such as olive oil or avocado oil) and season them with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. For added flavor, consider using garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes.
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- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. Preheating will ensure the Brussels sprouts cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
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- Arrange sprouts in a single layer: Place the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with some space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook the sprouts evenly.
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- Cook and shake: Cook the Brussels sprouts for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
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- Check for doneness: The Brussels sprouts should be tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. If they’re not quite there yet, cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
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- Adjust seasoning: Taste a sprout to check if it needs additional seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, and spices as needed.
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- Add a finishing touch: For a burst of flavor, consider tossing the cooked sprouts with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, freshly squeezed lemon juice, or grated Parmesan cheese.
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- Serve immediately: Air fryer Brussels sprouts are best enjoyed right away, as they may lose their crispiness over time. Serve as a side dish or appetizer, and enjoy!
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Course: Dinner, Sides, Vegetables2
servings10
minutes15
minutes476.39
kcalAir Fryer Brussel Sprouts! You asked for vegetables and I answered! 😂 The bacon was a flavor enhancer. The key to air frying Brussel Sprouts is to cut them open and soak them in water for 10min. It creates a crispy outside and soft inside. 🔥🔥 Somebody try this and let me know what you think!
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Ingredients
1 LB Brussel Sprouts
2 Cups Water
5 Pieces Bacon, chopped
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Garlic Powder
2 Tbsp Onion Powder
1 Tbsp Salt
2 Tsp Black Pepper
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut and half your brussels sprouts. Place the brussels sprouts in a large enough bowl to submerge in water. Pour enough water to cover the brussels sprouts. Let them soak for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine drained brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss until the sprouts and bacon are evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned brussels sprouts and bacon mixture in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space for air circulation.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once the brussels sprouts are tender and crispy, and the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish.
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Sizzling Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: A Flavorful and Healthy Delight
Brussels sprouts have long been a staple in the healthy eating community, and with good reason. These tiny cabbage-like vegetables are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. But, let’s face it, their reputation for being less than tasty has been hard to shake. That’s all about to change, as we introduce you to the mouthwatering world of Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts! In this article, we’ll delve into the world of air frying, providing you with all the knowledge and tips you need to create a scrumptious and healthy side dish.
The Air Fryer Revolution
Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, offering a healthier alternative to deep-frying. This innovative cooking method uses hot air circulation to create a crispy, crunchy exterior without the excess oil found in traditional frying methods. As a result, air fryer recipes deliver lower-fat dishes without sacrificing taste or texture.
Nutritional Benefits and Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts offer a delicious and nutritious side dish for any meal. Packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, these green gems support immune health and digestion while helping to reduce inflammation. Additionally, the air frying method significantly reduces the fat content compared to traditional frying, making it a heart-healthy choice.
Serve your Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts alongside your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or fish, for a well-rounded meal. Alternatively, toss them into a salad or grain bowl for an added crunch and burst of flavor. With their irresistible taste and texture, these sprouts are sure to become a staple in your healthy eating repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 cups of water
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped into small pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut and half your brussels sprouts. Place the brussels sprouts in a large enough bowl to submerge in water. Pour enough water to cover the brussels sprouts. Let them soak for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine drained brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss until the sprouts and bacon are evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned brussels sprouts and bacon mixture in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space for air circulation.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Once the brussels sprouts are tender and crispy, and the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your tasty air fryer brussels sprouts with bacon!
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Preheat your air fryer: A preheated air fryer ensures a crispy and evenly cooked final product.
- Dry the sprouts thoroughly: Excess moisture can lead to steaming rather than frying, resulting in a less crispy texture.
- Choose the right oil: Opt for an oil with a high smoke point, such as olive or avocado oil, to prevent burning and off-flavors.
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer to promote even cooking and browning.
- Shake the basket halfway through: This helps achieve uniform crispiness and prevents sticking.
- Adjust cooking time as needed: Keep an eye on your sprouts, as cooking times may vary depending on the size and power of your air fryer.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to get creative with your spices and toppings to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Size matters: For even cooking, select Brussels sprouts that are similar in size.
- Use fresh sprouts: Fresh, firm Brussels sprouts yield the best texture and flavor when air fried.
One Response
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article! It is the little changes that will make the most significant changes. Many thanks for sharing!