Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Pistachios Recipe

Crunchy, savory, decadent, and utterly filling — this easy recipe offers up an elevated form of comfort food made even easier with everyone’s favorite not-so-new-anymore kitchen gadget: the humble air fryer. As it turns out, Taylor Farms Brussels sprouts are a natural pairing with the wondrous technology of an air fryer. It gives these veggies a crispy outside and tender inside that provides the ideal foundation for creamy goat cheese, crispy bacon, crunchy pistachios, and a flavorful garlic aioli dip. While this dish may technically be a side, no one is going to blame you for filling up on it like a main course. And you can have it all in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

For the Brussels Sprouts:

  • 1 pound Taylor Farms Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, diced
  • 1/4 cup roasted pistachios, chopped
  • salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Aioli Dip:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss until they are evenly coated.
  2. Place the Brussels sprouts in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. (You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.)
  3. Air fry the Brussels sprouts for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the sprouts halfway through cooking. Cook until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside.
  4. While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  5. Remove Brussels sprouts from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter.
  6. Top the Brussels sprouts with crumbled goat cheese, bacon, and chopped roasted pistachios, and serve with garlic aioli dip. Enjoy!

What do I do with my leftover goat cheese?

Goat cheese, with its creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor, is a versatile cheese that can elevate practically any dish. If you purchased some for this recipe, you may have a bit left over—lucky you! And while most of us would be perfectly happy taking care of the remaining portion with some crackers of choice, you certainly have a lot of options at your disposal. 

Here are just a few:

  • Salads: Crumble goat cheese over salads for a creamy, tangy contrast. It pairs beautifully with fresh greens, fruits (think strawberries or figs), and nuts. (Try this Phyllo-wrapped Goat Cheese Salad recipe.)
  • Appetizers: Spread goat cheese on crostini or crackers and top with honey (yes, try it!), roasted red peppers, or herbs for elegant and easy-to-make appetizers.
  • Pizza: Add a few dollops of goat cheese to your pizza before baking for a rich, creamy topping that complements various other ingredients like caramelized onions or prosciutto.
  • Stuffed Vegetables: Stuff bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini with a mixture of goat cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs for a flavorful and satisfying side dish.
  • Pasta: Toss warm pasta with goat cheese, olive oil, and roasted vegetables for a creamy, no-fuss pasta sauce.
  • Baked Dishes: Incorporate goat cheese into baked dishes like quiches, frittatas, or gratins for added creaminess and a more unique flavor.
  • Desserts: Oh, yes. You can use goat cheese to make sweet treats like goat cheese cheesecake, tarts, or stuffed dates with honey and pistachios.
  • Burgers: Crumble goat cheese over grilled burgers for a gourmet twist, complementing the savory meat with its tangy creaminess.

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