🥓 Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Crispy bacon + tender asparagus in under 15 minutes. Perfect side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb fresh asparagus (trimmed)
- 8–10 slices bacon (regular cut works best)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Grated Parmesan (optional, for finishing)
Instructions
- Prep
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat asparagus dry.
- If asparagus is thick, toss lightly with olive oil and a pinch of pepper.
- Wrap
- Divide asparagus into small bundles (3–5 spears).
- Wrap 1 slice of bacon around each bundle, slightly overlapping.
- Air Fry
- Place bundles seam-side down in the basket (single layer).
- Cook 10–13 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For extra crispy bacon, cook 1–3 minutes longer.
- Optional Finish
- Sprinkle with Parmesan right after cooking.
- Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Tips for Best Results
- Thin bacon crisps better than thick-cut.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket.
- If bacon browns too fast, lower to 360°F and cook a bit longer.
- For extra crispiness, you can partially cook the bacon for 3–4 minutes before wrapping.
Flavor Variations
- Sweet & Savory: Brush with a little maple syrup before cooking.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey.
- Garlic Butter: Brush with melted butter + minced garlic after cooking.
If you’d like, I can give you an oven version, keto meal pairing ideas, or a holiday appetizer platter idea 😊