Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus: An Easy & Flavorful Side Dish or Appetizer

Elevate your vegetable game with this incredibly simple yet utterly delicious air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus recipe. Taking fresh, vibrant green asparagus and encasing it in savory, crispy bacon, each bundle transforms into a gourmet-style party appetizer, a delightful snack, or a sophisticated side dish that complements any meal. The air fryer works its magic, ensuring tender asparagus and perfectly crisp bacon every time, with minimal fuss.

This incredibly easy side dish pairs perfectly with nearly any main course. Imagine serving these savory bundles alongside air fryer chicken, fluffy air fryer potatoes, or a hearty air fryer meatloaf for a complete, simple meal with minimal preparation. The air fryer makes quick work of these delicious bundles, freeing up your time to focus on other aspects of your dinner.

Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

There’s a reason why bacon wrapped asparagus is a perennial favorite, and preparing it in the air fryer takes it to a whole new level of convenience and deliciousness. You’ll love the perfect balance of crispy, savory bacon and tender, sweet asparagus in every bite. This recipe isn’t just simple to make with just a few core ingredients; it’s also incredibly fast. The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures that the bacon gets beautifully crisp without excessive splattering or the need for constant supervision, unlike stovetop methods.

Beyond the speed and ease, air frying offers a cleaner cooking experience and often results in healthier dishes, as excess fat drips away. It’s an excellent way to prepare vegetables, transforming them into craveable sides or appetizers. If you’re a fan of making vegetables in the air fryer, you’ll appreciate how they turn out perfectly tender on the inside with a delightful crispness on the outside. For more effortless vegetable recipes, consider trying these air fryer parmesan brussels sprouts, vibrant air fryer vegetable kabobs, or the classic combination of air fryer brussels sprouts and bacon. This bacon-wrapped asparagus is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.

Simple Ingredients for Flavorful Results

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity, requiring just a handful of fresh ingredients to create a truly impressive dish. Quality ingredients are key here to ensure the best flavor and texture.

• Fresh Asparagus: You’ll need a bunch of fresh asparagus. Look for firm, bright green stalks with tight, closed tips. Avoid any that look wilted or slimy. The stalks will need to be trimmed before cooking.
• Regular Cut Bacon: Standard slices of bacon work perfectly for wrapping the asparagus. Avoid thin-cut bacon as it can cook too quickly and burn, and thick-cut bacon might take longer to crisp, potentially overcooking the asparagus. Cutting the slices in half makes them ideal for creating neat bundles.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A light brush of olive oil helps the seasonings adhere to the asparagus and contributes to its tender texture while ensuring it doesn’t stick to the air fryer basket.
• Optional Seasonings: While bacon provides plenty of flavor, a pinch of salt, black pepper, or garlic powder can further enhance the asparagus.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing this dish is a breeze, perfect for even the busiest evenings. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked bacon wrapped asparagus:

STEP 1: Prepare the Asparagus
Before anything else, you’ll need to trim the woody ends of your asparagus stalks. Hold an asparagus spear and bend it; it will naturally snap where the tender part meets the tough end. This usually removes about one or two inches. While you can sometimes find pre-trimmed asparagus, trimming it yourself is simple and a great way to save a little money.

STEP 2: Rinse, Dry, and Season
Once trimmed, give the bunch of asparagus a good rinse under cold water to clean off any dirt. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as excess moisture can prevent the bacon from crisping properly. Lightly brush the asparagus with a little extra virgin olive oil. Then, season them to your liking with a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, or garlic powder. For a bit more flavor, you could also add onion powder or a pinch of smoked paprika.

If you’re a true bacon enthusiast, don’t miss our other fantastic bacon wrapped recipes made in the air fryer. They’re sure to become new favorites!

STEP 3: Wrap the Asparagus Bundles
Take each slice of regular cut bacon and cut it in half crosswise. Now, wrap one of these bacon halves tightly around two or three asparagus spears to create individual bundles. The number of spears per bundle depends on their thickness; if the stalks are thin, three might be perfect, but for thicker spears, two works best. Ensure the bacon is wrapped securely so it stays in place during cooking. You can either wrap horizontally along the length of the spears or spiral it from bottom to top.

STEP 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit (185°C). Carefully place the bacon wrapped asparagus bundles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for 12-14 minutes, or until the bacon is wonderfully crisp and golden brown, and the asparagus is tender-crisp. For even cooking, make sure to flip the bundles halfway through the cooking time. If desired, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a bright, zesty finish that beautifully cuts through the richness of the bacon.

Creative Variations & Delicious Substitutions

This air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or create a new flavor profile:

• Flavor-Infused Bacon: Elevate the taste by using a flavored bacon, such as a spicy jalapeño bacon or a sweet maple-glazed variety. These specialty bacons will impart their unique flavors directly into the asparagus.
• Sweet & Savory Glaze: For a delightful sweet and savory contrast, lightly drizzle a teaspoon of maple syrup or a brown sugar glaze over the bacon-wrapped bundles before air frying. The sugar will caramelize, creating a beautiful sheen and an irresistible taste. Alternatively, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese after cooking for a salty, umami kick.
• Spice It Up: If you love a bit of heat, introduce extra spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a generous coating of garlic seasoning can add an exciting spicy flavor combination. You can also experiment with smoked paprika for depth or a touch of chili powder.
• Prosciutto Perfection: For a lighter, more delicate flavor and texture, substitute the bacon with thin slices of prosciutto. Prosciutto cooks quickly and becomes delightfully crisp, offering a different but equally delicious experience.
• Cheesy Goodness: Before wrapping, sprinkle a little shredded cheese, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack, over the asparagus spears. The cheese will melt and slightly crisp as it cooks, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Herbaceous Twist: Fresh or dried herbs can add an aromatic dimension. A sprinkle of dried thyme, rosemary, or a mix of Italian herbs before wrapping can really enhance the flavor.

If you’re exploring more bacon or jalapeño-infused air fryer delights, be sure to check out these other popular recipes: the indulgent air fryer Texas Twinkie recipe, savory air fryer jalapeño popper egg rolls, crispy air fryer pickle poppers, or a healthier option with air fryer turkey bacon!

Expert Tips for Air Frying Success

Achieving perfectly cooked bacon wrapped asparagus in your air fryer is simple with a few insider tips:

• Bacon Thickness Matters: This recipe primarily uses regular cut bacon. If you opt for thinner bacon, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two to prevent burning. For thicker bacon, you might need an additional minute or two to achieve desired crispness, or you can partially cook the bacon for a few minutes before wrapping the asparagus.
• Uniform Asparagus Size: For even cooking, try to select asparagus spears that are similar in size. If you have a mix of very small and very thick stalks, the thinner ones might overcook or the bacon might crisp too fast before the thicker asparagus is tender. Aim for average-sized spears. If using thick asparagus, you might need to increase the cooking time slightly or consider blanching the asparagus briefly before wrapping.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Always arrange the bacon wrapped asparagus in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Overcrowding will steam the food instead of air frying it, resulting in soggy bacon and less crispness. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: While not always strictly required for all air fryer recipes, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at the recommended temperature helps ensure more consistent cooking and quicker crisping.
• Prep Ahead: For ultimate convenience, you can prep these bacon asparagus bundles a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and simply air fry when you’re ready to eat. This makes them perfect for meal prepping or entertaining!
• Consider Low Sodium Options: If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium bacon or turkey bacon as a substitute. Keep in mind that turkey bacon will cook differently and may require slight adjustments to cooking time and temperature for optimal crispness.
• Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup: For an even easier cleanup, line your air fryer basket with air fryer parchment paper or perforated foil liners. This helps catch any dripping bacon fat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers of this delicious air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus are rare, but if you do have any, they can be easily stored and reheated. To maintain freshness, store any leftover bundles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best to allow them to cool completely before sealing them.

When it comes to reheating, the air fryer is your best friend. While freshly cooked, the bacon strips are wonderfully crispy. Reheating them in the air fryer will bring them almost back to their original perfect state, ensuring that satisfying crunch. Simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the bacon is re-crisped. Microwaving is not recommended, as it tends to make the bacon soggy and can negatively impact the texture and taste.

I typically use my Cosori Air Fryer for this recipe and many others. Keep in mind that cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model, oven size, and wattage. It’s always a good idea to monitor your food and adjust cooking times by 1-2 minutes as needed.

Are you looking to enhance your air frying experience? We’ve compiled a list of the BEST accessories to use with your air fryer. Check out our favorite Air Fryer Accessories to make your cooking even more convenient and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Are you new to air fryers? If you are, we have a great article about What is an Air Fryer. It covers everything from what you can make, how to use it, and many other helpful tips to get you started on your air frying journey.

More Delicious Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Recipes

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Dinner

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken

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These savory bacon wrapped asparagus bundles are truly a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. Whether you’re serving them as a sophisticated appetizer for parties, a delicious snack, or a quick and easy side dish for family dinner, they are going to be a real crowd-pleaser that guests and family will ask for again and again!

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