Brown Sugar Balsamic Air Fried Brussels Sprouts

I think everyone has at least one story about Brussels sprouts. A lot of people will say that you either hate them or love them. As a child, I definitely hated them. My mom bought them frozen and boiled them. I had never tasted a vegetable so unappealing. As I matured, I saw an order come straight from a restaurant kitchen that smelled and looked amazing. I decided I was going to try them and it completely changed my perspective of Brussels sprouts being the most unpleasant vegetable on earth.

Brussels sprouts scream Alkaline. Alkaline is when a substance or food has a pH greater than 7 which when incorporated into your diet makes your body less acidic. When your diet is less acidic it lessens the pressure on your kidneys. They are loaded with vitamins C and A and when roasted, they bless us with their natural sweetness. You couldn't have convinced me as a child that sweet was a word that could describe Brussels sprouts. If you have been on the fence about Brussels, I encourage you to try it this way. The key is to buy your Brussels FRESH.

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients for brown sugar balsamic air fried brussels sprouts

• 1 lb. Brussels sprouts
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup turkey bacon or pork bacon
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Dried cranberries and parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Directions for brown sugar balsamic air fried brussels sprouts

1. Cut Brussels sprouts length way in half. Separate the leaves that fall off the Brussels and set aside.
2. Dice the turkey bacon.
3. Add all ingredients (besides the separated leaves of the sprouts) into a bowl and mix together until combined.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Place the sprouts flat down on its exposed cut surface. This will allow them to brown.
6. Air fry the sprouts for 6 minutes then shake the basket for even cooking.
7. Add the loose sprout leaves and continue cooking Brussels for an additional 4 minutes.
8. Put on a plate and serve.

If you do not have an air fryer, this method can be done in a pan. They will be sautéed instead. All of the steps are the same except you will need an additional 3 tbsp of oil to add into a hot pan to execute the recipe as written, and cook an additional 4 minutes.

Bon Appetit!