Preparation: Start by washing and trimming the ends of the ends of the brussels sprouts. If the sprouts are particularly large, you can cut them in half for more even cooking. Place them in a large bowl, and toss with olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Wrap the Brussels Sprouts: Cut the bacon slices in half or use one whole slice for larger sprouts. Wrap each Brussels sprout with a piece of bacon, securing the end of the bacon on the seam side. For a secure wrap, you can also use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place. Secure with tooth pick to keep the bacon wrapped on the sprouts.

Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, add brown sugar and cover the wrapped sprouts with the sugar, one piece at a time. This glaze will add a deliciously sweet contrast to the salty bacon. You can add mix together the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, if using.

Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F. Place the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, seam side down to prevent the bacon from unraveling. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cooking Time: Air fry for 10-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the Brussels sprouts are tender. Halfway through the cooking time, brush the sprouts with the maple glaze, then return them to the air fryer to finish cooking. For extra crispiness, you can air fry for a further 2-4 minutes.

Serving: Allow the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts to cool for 3-4 minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce of choice, such as ranch dressing or sour cream.