In this simple, flavor-packed Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus recipe, fresh asparagus is wrapped in seasoned bacon and air-fried until the bacon is crispy and the spears are tender. Ready in minutes, it makes a delightful appetizer or side that complements many main dishes.
5 STAR REVIEW
“This was really good and such an easy side. I added just a pinch of cayenne to the spice mix. Served it with roast chicken. Thanks for the recipe – love my air fryer!” Gail
Easy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
These bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles look like a restaurant side but are incredibly simple to prepare at home. With just four main ingredients — asparagus, bacon, garlic seasoning, and brown sugar — you season the bacon, wrap the spears, and air-fry until golden and crisp. The result is a satisfying contrast of tender asparagus and crunchy bacon that disappears quickly at parties and pairs well with a variety of mains.
Helpful Tips and Variations
- Trim the asparagus. Hold each spear and bend it until it snaps to remove the woody end, or cut the tough portion off with a knife for uniform pieces.
- Check doneness. The asparagus should be tender with a slight bite. Pierce the thickest part with a fork or knife — it should slide in easily. Because the spears are wrapped in bacon, rely on a fork rather than color alone.
- Don’t crowd the air fryer. Arrange bundles in a single layer and cook in batches so the bacon crisps evenly.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients
- 16 asparagus spears*, washed and dried
- 2½ tsp light or dark brown sugar
- 1½ tsp garlic and herb seasoning**
- 8 strips bacon***
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 400℉.
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Pat the asparagus dry and snap off or trim the tough ends.
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In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and garlic and herb seasoning.
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Lay the bacon flat and sprinkle the seasoning mix over it, reserving a little for finishing.
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Wrap two asparagus stalks with one strip of seasoned bacon.
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Sprinkle the remaining seasoning over the wrapped bundles.
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Place 4–5 bundles in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook at 400℉ for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is cooked through.
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Transfer cooked bundles to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain excess grease, then serve warm.
Video
Notes
** Use an unsalted garlic and herb seasoning so the dish doesn’t become too salty; the bacon provides plenty of salt.
***Regular-cut, hickory-smoked bacon works well. Avoid thick-cut bacon, which may not crisp before the asparagus is done. If using maple bacon, omit the brown sugar for balance.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an automatic estimate and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use and any modifications you make.
How to Cook Bacon Wrapped Asparagus In The Air Fryer
Gather and prepare: Preheat the air fryer to 400℉. Wash and dry 16 asparagus spears and remove the tough ends.
Make the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix 2½ tsp brown sugar with 1½ tsp garlic and herb seasoning until combined.
Season the bacon: Lay 8 strips of bacon flat, sprinkle the seasoning evenly over them, and reserve a little for later.
Wrap the asparagus: Wrap two asparagus stalks with one strip of seasoned bacon, then dust the bundles with the remaining seasoning.
Cook: Place 4–5 bundles in a single layer and air-fry at 400℉ for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crisp and the asparagus is cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with remaining bundles.
Serve: Serve hot and enjoy.
What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
This dish elevates many meals with a restaurant-quality touch. It pairs especially well with roasted or pan-seared proteins and hearty sides. Try it alongside steak, roasted chicken, or a rich fish entrée for a balanced, impressive plate.
How to Store
- Fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Textures will change but flavors remain enjoyable.
- Freeze. Freeze in a sealed container or bag for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the bacon and asparagus soggy.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies — a simple apple filling with a flaky crust, ideal for fall desserts.
- Air Fryer Steak and Veggies — sirloin bites with peppers and mushrooms in a savory marinade.
- Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers — an easy, high-protein lunch or dinner option.