Air-Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish or appetiser that can be cooked in an air fryer. The dish is low-carb and full of flavour, with the saltiness of the bacon complementing the asparagus. It can be made in under 30 minutes with only a few ingredients and is sure to be a family favourite.

How to make bacon-wrapped asparagus in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Asparagus
• Bacon (thinly sliced)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Brown sugar or maple syrup (optional)

Method

• Start by washing and trimming the woody ends off your asparagus spears. You can do this by holding the end of the spear between two fingers and bending it – the asparagus will naturally snap at the right point.
• (Optional) Add olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste, and mix until the asparagus spears are coated.
• Wrap a slice of bacon around each asparagus spear.
• Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between each spear so that the air can circulate freely.
• Cook in the air fryer at between 360-400°F for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your asparagus spears.
• (Optional) Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, or add a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of brown sugar or maple syrup.

Tips

• You can prepare the asparagus bundles in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• This dish is best served fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.

How to prepare asparagus for cooking

Preparing asparagus for cooking is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, wash the asparagus and trim off the woody ends of the spears. The woody ends are tough and fibrous, so you'll want to remove them before cooking. You can do this by holding the spear at the base and bending it until it snaps, or by cutting the ends off with a knife.

Once the asparagus is trimmed, you can dry it with a paper towel, or leave it wet if you plan to cook it in a way that involves water, like boiling or steaming.

At this stage, you can also cut the asparagus into smaller pieces, depending on your recipe and cooking method. For example, if you're stir-frying or sautéing, you might want to cut the spears into 2-inch pieces.

Now, your asparagus is ready to be cooked! You can choose from a variety of cooking methods like boiling, steaming, roasting, grilling, stir-frying, or sautéing.

If you're making bacon-wrapped asparagus in the air fryer, you'll want to wrap the asparagus spears in bacon before placing them in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cook according to your recipe instructions.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating leftovers is an important part of meal prep and making the most of your food. Here is a detailed guide on how to store and reheat your bacon-wrapped asparagus:

Storing Leftovers:

After cooking, let the asparagus cool to room temperature. Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Bacon-wrapped asparagus will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.

Reheating in the Air Fryer:

For best results, reheat your bacon-wrapped asparagus in the air fryer. Place the desired amount of asparagus back into the air fryer basket and heat at 350°F for about 2 minutes. This will help retain the crispiness of the bacon and ensure the asparagus doesn't become soggy.

Reheating in the Oven:

Alternatively, you can reheat the leftovers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F and place the asparagus on a baking sheet. Heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Tips for Storing and Reheating:

• It is recommended to consume the bacon-wrapped asparagus within 3-5 days as the asparagus may start to lose its crispness and freshness.
• While you can reheat in the microwave, it may cause the bacon to become soggy. For best results, use the air fryer or oven method.
• If you want to freeze your leftovers, place them in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your delicious bacon-wrapped asparagus multiple times and reduce food waste!

How to adapt the recipe

Ingredients

You can adapt the recipe by using different types of bacon, such as turkey bacon or prosciutto. If you want to add some sweetness to your dish, you can use a salty or smoky bacon. Additionally, you can use onion powder, paprika, rosemary, brown sugar, maple syrup, or Parmesan cheese as seasonings. For a spicy kick, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes over the bacon before cooking.

Preparation

Before cooking, trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears. Thick asparagus spears are recommended as they are less likely to overcook. Group 3-5 spears together and wrap them with bacon, leaving both ends of the asparagus exposed. You can secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 360-400°F. Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each bundle to allow proper air circulation. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus and your desired level of crispness, but it should take around 10-15 minutes. Flip the spears halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Serving

For best results, serve the bacon-wrapped asparagus immediately while it is still hot and crispy. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to taste.

Storage

This dish is best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, place the leftovers in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness.

What to serve with bacon-wrapped asparagus

Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of mains. Here are some ideas for what to serve with bacon-wrapped asparagus:

Poultry

Bacon-wrapped asparagus pairs well with chicken dishes, such as roasted chicken, chicken cutlets, air fryer chicken tenders, or air fryer chicken drumsticks. For a more elaborate dish, you could try air fryer chicken breast or chicken thighs.

Seafood

For seafood lovers, bacon-wrapped asparagus can be a great side for air fryer salmon, keto salmon, salmon patties, or air fryer shrimp.

Meat

If you're looking for a heartier meal, bacon-wrapped asparagus goes well with meat options like air fryer pork chops, stuffed meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, or keto meatballs.

Vegetables

For a vegetarian option, bacon-wrapped asparagus can be served with vegetable main courses like eggplant lasagna, zucchini lasagna, or cauliflower pizza crust.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish, and they go well with bacon-wrapped asparagus. You can serve them mashed, baked, air-fried with ranch, or as baby potatoes.

Other Vegetables

Other vegetables that complement bacon-wrapped asparagus include carrots (glazed or roasted), green beans, or Brussels sprouts.

Frequently asked questions