Air Fryer Brussels Sprout Casserole with Bacon Recipe
This Air Fryer Brussels Sprout Casserole combines tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts with creamy cheese, crisp bacon, and a golden breadcrumb topping for a quick and flavorful side dish. Utilizing the air fryer for both roasting and melting, this casserole boasts rich flavors and a delightful texture in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Flavor and Mix-ins
- 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 small shallot (finely diced)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half and half
- ½ cup shredded Gruyere cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (divided)
Topping (Optional)
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 Tbsp melted butter (only if using breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Season: Toss the trimmed Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until they are evenly coated, ensuring every piece is flavorful.
- Air fry the Brussels sprouts: Arrange the seasoned sprouts in an even layer inside your air fryer basket. Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning, until the sprouts start to develop a golden color.
- Mix the casserole filling: Remove the cooked Brussels sprouts and combine them with crumbled bacon, heavy cream or half and half, Dijon mustard (if using), finely diced shallot, and half of the shredded Gruyere and cheddar cheeses. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare for second cook: Grease a baking dish (or dishes) that fit inside your air fryer. Spread the Brussels sprout mixture evenly inside the dish.
- First melt: Place the baking dish into the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbling.
- Add topping: Remove the dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top. If using, toss the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter to coat evenly and sprinkle them over the cheese.
- Browning finish: Return the dish to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes at 400°F until the cheese and breadcrumbs are melted and browned to your desired level.
- Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove from the air fryer and serve warm as a rich, cheesy, and savory side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or smoked salt for a smoky flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half and half for a lighter option, but the casserole will be less rich.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can be adapted for conventional oven baking at 400°F, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Keep an eye on the breadcrumbs and cheese during the final browning step to prevent burning.
- Make sure the baking dish fits comfortably in your air fryer to allow even heat circulation.
