Air-Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

I recently learned that asparagus spears can grow up to 8 feet tall if left to seed. Something else I learned: You can wrap asparagus in bacon and cook it in an air fryer. Now that I know, air-fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus has been making frequent appearances on our dinner table. The dish is pure magic.

If you’re a fan of asparagus recipes in general, you’ll love this one. The bacon cooks like a dream in the air fryer, while the asparagus turns perfectly tender-crisp. Simply spritz the asparagus with cooking spray, season them with pepper, and wrap them in bacon. You’ll have a fresh side dish or appetizer in under 10 minutes, something to pair with grilled fish or meats (as recipe contributor Trisha Kitts of Dickinson, Texas, likes to serve it), or alongside roast chicken.

Ingredients for Air-Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

• Asparagus: This recipe works best with thicker asparagus spears, which won’t overcook before the bacon fully crisps. If they’re very woody at the bottom, use a vegetable peeler to peel away the tougher, fibrous exterior.
• Cooking spray: The best cooking sprays for air-frying are those made with avocado or grapeseed oil, thanks to their high smoke points. Avoid using those that contain soy lecithin, as they can cause build-up in an air fryer that will ruin the non-stick coating on most baskets.
• Pepper: Black pepper adds just the right amount of bite to the bacon-wrapped asparagus.
• Bacon: Bacon’s smoky, salty flavor pairs perfectly with fresh asparagus. At the same time, its contrasting crunch adds texture to the vegetable’s tender interior.

Directions

Step 1: Season and wrap the asparagus

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Coat the asparagus with cooking spray and sprinkle it with pepper, turning the spears to coat them on all sides. Wrap one piece of bacon around each spear, securing the ends with toothpicks.

Step 2: Cook until crisp

Place the wrapped asparagus on a greased tray in the air-fryer basket. Cook it until the bacon is crisp, five to seven minutes per side. Discard the toothpicks and serve it immediately.

Editor’s Tip: In our testing, we find that cook times vary dramatically among air-fryer brands. As a result, we give wider-than-normal ranges for suggested cook times. Begin checking at the first time listed and adjust as needed.

Air-Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Variations

• Add cheese: Take inspiration from these asparagus roll-ups and wrap individual asparagus spears with a piece of cheese before adding the bacon. Cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, Gruyere, Swiss or goat cheese would taste divine.
• Use prosciutto: Wrap a thin slice of prosciutto around the asparagus instead of using bacon.
• Garnish it with herbs and lemon: Before serving, sprinkle the spears with finely chopped fresh parsley, thyme or rosemary, and add a squeeze of lemon for a touch of brightness and acidity.
• Drizzle it with vinaigrette: A drizzle of homemade balsamic vinaigrette or mustard vinaigrette would offer the perfect finish to this simple side dish recipe.

How to Store a Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Like most air-fryer vegetable recipes, these taste best on the day you make them. But leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

How should you reheat bacon-wrapped asparagus?

To get the bacon-wrapped asparagus back to its crispy best, reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes, or warm it on a sheet pan in the oven at 350° until it’s heated through. We do not recommend microwaving it, as the asparagus and bacon are likely to become soggy and/or rubbery.

Can you make bacon-wrapped asparagus ahead of time?

If pressed for time, wrap the asparagus in bacon and refrigerate it for a few hours before you’re ready to cook.

Air-Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Tips

What kind of bacon should you use to make air-fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus?

It’s best to use thin-cut bacon when wrapping asparagus spears. It wraps more easily and evenly than thick-cut bacon, and it will cook and crisp up better. Thick-cut bacon will take longer to cook and may unravel.

How far up each spear should you trim asparagus?

Preparing asparagus is simple. Let the stalk tell you how much to trim. Gently bend the asparagus. You’ll be able to feel where it wants to break. Snap off the stalk end as far down as it will easily break. If you don’t want to go one by one, you can also use a chef’s knife to slice off the tough, white ends. Aim for about an inch, maybe a bit more.

What can you serve with bacon-wrapped asparagus?

Air-fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus is a side dish that can elevate any meal. Serve it alongside indulgent Marry Me salmon, or pair it with a juicy grilled steak or roast chicken. Complete your menu with a batch of traditional mashed potatoes and a loaf of homemade crusty bread. Or pair the spears with a bright salad and frittata for a lovely light brunch.