This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is a quick and easy side dish that only requires a handful of ingredients. Just wrap fresh asparagus with bacon and air fry to crispy perfection.
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If you're a fan of bacon, you've got to try bacon-wrapped asparagus in the air fryer. The tasty combination of salty bacon and crispy asparagus is irresistible and easy to make. While asparagus is available year-round, peak season is from February to June.
This asparagus recipe is perfect for summer BBQs alongside Pellet Grill Smoked Burgers or served with Instant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken for a super quick meal.
❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
- Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a great way to dress up your veggies.
- It makes a great appetizer, snack, or side dish.
- Easy cleanup with no bacon splatter.
- It's low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.
🥬 Ingredients & Substitutions
- Olive Oil. You could also use avocado oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
- Fresh asparagus. I picked up some fresh asparagus at Costco. It was a huge bag at a very reasonable price. If it is in season, you can also find some at your local Farmers' Market.
- Bacon (thin or thick-cut bacon, whichever kind of bacon you prefer). I used regular-cut bacon. If you use thicker bacon, the cooking time will be longer. You can also use turkey bacon or vegan bacon.
- Spices. I used kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. You could also use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
See the printable recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
🥓 How to make air fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus
This delicious side dish is super easy to make. Follow the instructions or watch the video below.
Quick Overview
- Wash, dry, and trim asparagus spears.
- Rub with olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Wrap with a piece of bacon.
- Air fry.
- Serve immediately.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Wash and dry asparagus. Cut off the thick end of the asparagus (the woody ends) using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. Cut off at least 1 inch from the bottom. You can also snap off the ends of the asparagus with your hands. Drizzle the stalks of asparagus with olive oil.
Step 2: Sprinkle salt and pepper over top. Reserve a pinch to sprinkle on after they are in the air fryer basket.
Step 3: Toss the asparagus with your hands or tongs, making sure that the olive oil covers each spear.
Step 4: Next, wrap in bacon. Use a single bacon slice for every group of four asparagus stalks. Wrap the bacon tightly around the middle of the asparagus to keep it from unraveling while air frying.
Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F. Place each bundle in the basket, spacing them evenly and in a single layer so the hot air can circulate freely. Tuck the end of the bacon underneath. Sprinkle with reserved salt and pepper.
Step 6: Air fry the asparagus bundles for 10 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. There is no need to flip halfway. Take the bacon-wrapped asparagus and place them on a serving platter.
Top Tip
If you love bacon and have a lot of it, use two slices on each bundle of asparagus. Alternatively, you can cut the bacon strips in half lengthwise to make it go farther.
🥘 Serving suggestions
Serve with a main dish of Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Boneless Skinless, Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops, Smoked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs on Pellet Grill, or Pellet Grill Smoked Whole Chicken.
💭 Expert tips
- Group similar-sized asparagus stalks together. Thin asparagus will cook much faster than thick asparagus.
- Similarly, thinner bacon will cook faster than thick bacon.
- Thin asparagus is more tender and flavorful.
- Use a toothpick to secure the wrap if the bacon is too thick.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- For best results, check every few minutes to ensure it does not overcook.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare asparagus and wrap the stalks in bacon. Place in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
🌡️ Storage
Refrigerator: Wrap the asparagus loosely in a paper towel to help absorb any excess moisture. Place in a plastic bag or air-tight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezer: Wrap the asparagus in a paper towel, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months.
Reheat: Simply pop the asparagus in the air fryer and reheat until warm.
🧀 Additions & Variations
- Use an Oven: If you don't have an air fryer, use an oven. Bake at 360 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.
- Add Garnish: Parmesan cheese, melted butter, parsley, or any kind of garnish you like.
Related Recipe: Baked Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes in Foil.
❓ Recipe FAQs
Use four asparagus spears per bundle. This will ensure the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is cooked. However, add a few more to the bundle if your asparagus is thin.
No, you need not pre-cook the bacon before wrapping it around the asparagus. The bacon will cook in the air fryer.
I recommend only fresh asparagus as frozen asparagus may become too soft.
The bacon should be crispy and the asparagus tender but not too soft.
👩🏻🍳 More easy air fryer recipes
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- Jeri
Recipe
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 16 asparagus spears, washed and dried about ¾ of a pound
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cut off the woody ends of the asparagus (about 1-inch from the bottom.)
- Drizzle the olive oil on the asparagus. Add salt and pepper (reserve a pinch for the end). Mix well until each spear is covered with oil.
- For every group of four asparagus stalks, wrap a single bacon slice around the middle. Repeat for remaining asparagus stalks.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390℉.
- Place each asparagus bundle in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Tuck the end of the bacon underneath so it doesn't unravel. Sprinkle with reserved salt and pepper.
- Air fry at 390℉ for 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. No need to flip halfway.
- Remove the bacon-wrapped asparagus with tongs and place on a serving tray. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
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Recipe Notes:
- Group similar-sized asparagus stalks together. Thin asparagus will cook much faster than thick asparagus.
- Similarly, thinner bacon will cook faster than thick bacon.
- Thin asparagus is more tender and flavorful.
- Use a toothpick to secure the wrap if the bacon is too thick.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- For best results, check every few minutes to ensure it does not overcook.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
About Jeri Walker
Jeri Walker is the founder and CEO of Winding Creek Ranch. She is a self-taught home cook who specializes in easy family-friendly recipes. Jeri is also a food writer who regularly writes articles for MSN. Read about Jeri's journey and connect with her on your favorite social media channels!
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