Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus is an incredibly easy, delicious, and healthy dish that makes a fantastic side for any meal, or even a savory snack. The combination of crispy bacon and tender asparagus is a match made in heaven, and the air fryer ensures that both ingredients cook perfectly without the need for excessive oil or time spent in the oven. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves the smoky, salty flavor of bacon paired with the fresh, earthy taste of asparagus, and it’s ready in just minutes with minimal effort.
The beauty of air frying is that it gives the bacon that perfect crispness while keeping the asparagus tender but not soggy. The hot circulating air in the air fryer ensures that the bacon crisps up beautifully on all sides, wrapping around each asparagus spear to deliver a delightful texture and flavor. The asparagus remains slightly firm, maintaining its vibrant green color and fresh taste while soaking up the savory, smoky goodness of the bacon. This dish is great for meal prepping, serving at a family dinner, or even as an appetizer for a party or gathering.
What’s great about air fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus is its versatility. You can season the asparagus and bacon however you like. A simple sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of black pepper can add just the right amount of flavor. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a subtle kick. For a more decadent version, you can drizzle the asparagus with a little balsamic glaze or sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the top once it’s done cooking for added richness and flavor.
The air fryer makes this recipe so easy and hands-off—no need to preheat the oven or monitor a hot pan on the stove. In just 10-15 minutes, you’ll have a batch of crispy bacon-wrapped asparagus ready to enjoy. This dish is a great low-carb, keto-friendly option that works as a side dish, a snack, or even as part of a charcuterie board. It’s an impressive yet simple recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
- 8 slices of bacon (regular or thick-cut)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for brushing)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese or balsamic glaze (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prep the Asparagus:
- Trim the tough ends of the asparagus spears by cutting or snapping off the woody ends. You can typically snap the asparagus at the natural breaking point, or cut about 1-2 inches off the bottom.
- If desired, lightly brush the asparagus with olive oil to help the seasoning adhere and promote a slightly crispy exterior.
2. Season the Asparagus:
- Sprinkle the asparagus spears with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat them evenly.
3. Wrap with Bacon:
- Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each asparagus spear. You may need to slightly stretch the bacon to make it fit the length of the asparagus. Depending on the size of the asparagus, you might need to cut the bacon slices in half to ensure a snug wrap.
- Secure the ends of the bacon if needed by gently pressing them into the asparagus or use toothpicks to hold them in place (optional).
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
5. Air Fry the Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus:
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the asparagus in batches.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Check after 8 minutes to see if the bacon is crispy. If not, continue cooking for another 2-4 minutes, depending on how crispy you like the bacon. Be sure to flip the spears halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping on all sides.
6. Serve:
- Once the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender, carefully remove the bacon-wrapped asparagus from the air fryer.
- If desired, drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if you prefer.
Tips:
- Bacon: Use regular-cut bacon for a quicker cook time, or thick-cut bacon if you prefer a chewier, heartier texture. Just keep in mind that thick-cut bacon will take a little longer to cook.
- Air Fryer Basket Size: Make sure the asparagus spears are in a single layer in the air fryer. Overcrowding will result in uneven cooking and less crispy bacon. If necessary, cook the bacon-wrapped asparagus in batches.
- Seasoning Variations: You can add a bit of smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. For a touch of sweetness, try a sprinkle of brown sugar on the bacon before air frying.
- For Extra Crispiness: If you want your bacon extra crispy, increase the air fryer time by 2-3 minutes, but be careful not to overcook the asparagus.
