This air fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus is a delicious and easy appetizer or side dish. The combination of crispy bacon and tender asparagus creates a savory flavor that is sure to please any crowd.
The recipe is quick to prepare and cooks in the air fryer, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Preparation of Asparagus
Start by preparing the asparagus to ensure it’s ready for wrapping. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears, making them easier to eat and more tender when cooked.
Rinse the spears under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. This step is essential for freshness and flavor.
Seasoning the Asparagus
Once the asparagus is prepped, it’s time to add some flavor. In a mixing bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
If you enjoy a hint of smokiness, consider adding smoked paprika to the mix. This seasoning not only enhances the taste but also adds a beautiful color to the dish.
Wrapping with Bacon
Take a slice of bacon and start wrapping it around each asparagus spear. Begin at one end and spiral down to the other end, ensuring the bacon covers the asparagus evenly.
If needed, secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it in place during cooking. This step is crucial for maintaining the shape and ensuring the bacon crisps up nicely.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. This ensures that the bacon-wrapped asparagus cooks evenly and achieves that desired crispiness.
Place the wrapped asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This allows the bacon to crisp up perfectly while the asparagus becomes tender.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, remove the bacon-wrapped asparagus from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. This dish is best enjoyed warm, making it a perfect appetizer or side dish for any gathering.
For an added touch, serve it with a small bowl of dipping sauce on the side. A tangy or creamy sauce complements the savory flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Benefits
This delightful dish serves four and packs a nutritious punch. Each serving contains approximately 150 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 12 grams of protein.
With only 4 grams of carbohydrates, it fits well into various dietary preferences, making it a versatile choice for many occasions.
Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus in the Air Fryer
This dish features fresh asparagus spears wrapped in strips of bacon, seasoned to perfection, and cooked until crispy in the air fryer. The recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Asparagus: Trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears and rinse them under cold water.
- Season: In a bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
- Wrap with Bacon: Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each asparagus spear, starting at one end and spiraling down to the other end. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook: Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as an appetizer or side dish.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 4g