Air-Fryer Asparagus With Bacon: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a quick and easy side dish or appetizer that can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. The asparagus is seasoned and wrapped in bacon before being air-fried to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavourful dish that is sure to impress. This recipe is a great way to elevate a simple vegetable and make it a little more indulgent, without spending hours in the kitchen.

Trimming the asparagus

Firstly, you can simply cut off the thick ends of the asparagus spears with a knife. This method ensures that the ends are removed, but it can be tricky to know exactly where to cut. A more natural way to trim the asparagus is to hold the end of the spear between two fingers and try to bend it. The asparagus will naturally snap at the point where the stalk becomes too tough, so this is a great way to ensure you are only removing the inedible part of the spear. You can then use a knife to neaten up the cut end if you wish.

When trimming the asparagus, you should aim to remove around one to two inches from the end of each spear. This will ensure that the woody part is definitely removed, and the rest of the spear will be tender and delicious.

Once the asparagus has been trimmed, it is ready to be washed, seasoned, wrapped in bacon, and cooked in the air fryer!

Wrapping the asparagus in bacon

Next, season the asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings such as onion powder, paprika, rosemary, brown sugar, or maple syrup. Then, wrap the bacon around the asparagus. If you are using thinner spears, you may need to secure the bacon with a toothpick.

Finally, place the bacon-wrapped asparagus in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each bundle so that the air can circulate. If you are using thinner spears, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Seasoning the asparagus

Choosing the Right Asparagus:

Start by selecting fresh, thick asparagus spears. Thick asparagus stalks will result in a tender-crisp texture when cooked. You'll want to avoid thin asparagus, as it can easily overcook in the air fryer. Look for bright green, plump, and firm stalks with compact tips. The bundle should be able to stand upright on its own, and choosing stalks kept in water is a good sign of freshness.

Trimming and Prepping the Asparagus:

Before seasoning your asparagus, you'll need to trim the woody ends. These ends are tough and inedible, so they must be removed. Simply bend the bottom of each spear, and it will naturally snap at the right point. You can also use a knife to trim the stalks to the same length, cutting off about one to two inches from the end. Give the asparagus a quick rinse, then pat them dry with paper towels.

Oil and Seasonings:

Drizzle or brush your asparagus with olive oil. This step will help the seasonings stick to the spears and give them a delightful crispy exterior. A little oil goes a long way, so you only need a small amount.

Now, it's time to add the seasonings! You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or you can experiment with various seasonings to enhance the flavor of your asparagus. Here are some seasoning suggestions:

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder or minced garlic
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Dried thyme
• Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)
• Brown sugar or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness
• Lemon juice for a bright, acidic touch

Feel free to mix and match these seasonings to create a flavor profile that suits your taste buds. You can also try different combinations to find your favorite!

Coating the Asparagus:

After adding the oil and seasonings, it's essential to coat the asparagus spears thoroughly. Place the seasoned asparagus in a large mixing bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated. Make sure all the spears are well-coated for a consistent flavor and crispy texture.

Single Layer for Even Cooking:

When placing the asparagus in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer with space between each spear. This ensures that the hot air circulates evenly around each spear, resulting in a crispy texture. Cooking in batches may be necessary, depending on the size of your air fryer basket.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your asparagus spears and your desired level of doneness. For thicker spears, aim for a cooking time of 10 to 12 minutes at 370°F to 400°F to 400°F. For thinner spears, check for doneness after 4 to 6 minutes to avoid overcooking.

And that's it! You now have a perfectly seasoned and cooked asparagus dish. Enjoy the delicious combination of crispy bacon and tender, flavorful asparagus.

Cooking the asparagus in the air fryer

Now that you have your asparagus and bacon ready, it's time to cook! Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious asparagus with bacon in your air fryer:

Step 1: Start by preparing your asparagus spears. Wash and trim the woody ends of the spears, cutting off about one to two inches. You can easily snap off the ends by holding the spear between two fingers and bending it; it will naturally break where it needs to be cut.

Step 2: If desired, you can season your asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, or other spices of your choice. This step is optional but can add extra flavour to your dish.

Step 3: Wrap the bacon slices around the asparagus. For thinner asparagus, group 3-5 spears together and wrap a slice of bacon around the centre. For thicker asparagus, you may only need to wrap 2-3 spears. Leave both ends of the asparagus exposed. If needed, secure the bacon with a toothpick.

Step 4: Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles into the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave space between the bundles to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Step 5: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time. Most recipes recommend cooking at around 360-400°F for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your asparagus and your desired level of crispness. Remember to flip the spears halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Once the bacon has reached your desired level of crispness, remove the asparagus bundles from the air fryer and serve! You can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavour if you wish.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy bacon-wrapped asparagus ready to be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Serving suggestions

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or an appetizer. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Potatoes: Mashed, baked, air-fried with ranch, or baby potatoes make a great pairing.
• Vegetables: Carrots (glazed or roasted), green beans, or Brussels sprouts are some tasty options.
• Chicken: Serve with chicken cutlets, air-fried tenders, or bone-in recipes like roasted chicken.
• Meat: Try it with grilled steak or salmon for a summery meal. For something fancier, opt for stuffed pork chops or pork loin.
• Pasta: It also goes well with pasta dishes like chicken alfredo, garlic pasta, or sun-dried tomato pasta.
• Seafood: Air fryer asparagus pairs well with seafood like shrimp or fish.
• Other veggies: Combine it with air fryer broccoli, grilled portobello mushrooms, or cauliflower steaks.
• Dip: If you're looking for a snack, dip your crispy asparagus into Greek yogurt ranch dip or green goddess dressing.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to create your unique flavor combinations. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Frequently asked questions