Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is the kind of side dish that works for just about anything: weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or even as a quick appetizer when friends stop by.

In less than 15 minutes, you’ll have perfectly crispy bacon wrapped around tender, flavorful asparagus spears.

Table of Contents

• Step by Step Instructions
• Recipe Testing Notes and Tips
• Tip
• Variations & Seasoning Ideas
• Recipe FAQs

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It’s the best of both worlds: smoky, salty crunch from the bacon, and fresh, earthy bite from the tender asparagus. Put them together in the air fryer and you’ve got a dish that feels special without any fuss.

And the best part? This recipe feels impressive enough for guests but is simple enough for a weeknight. Once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation.

Need a vegetarian version? Try out this Air Fryer Asparagus.

If you love easy vegetable sides, this pairs perfectly with hearty favorites like Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts or creamy Red Skin Mashed Potatoes. For something fresh and crunchy, try a Broccoli Salad with Bacon on the side.

Pair them with these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings for a great meal!

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Step by Step Instructions

Check out the recipe card below for more in-depth instructions.

1. Prep the asparagus – Wash, pat dry, and snap off the woody ends. You want tender stalks that will cook evenly.
2. Wrap with bacon – Take 2–3 spears and wrap them with one piece of bacon. Start at the bottom and spiral upward, leaving the tips exposed.
3. Arrange in the basket – Place bundles seam-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding so the bacon crisps instead of steaming.
4. Air fry – Cook at 390–400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. For extra-crispy bacon, extend your cook time by 2–3 minutes.
5. Serve immediately – Sprinkle with lemon zest, grated Parmesan, or a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving for extra flavor.

Recipe Testing Notes and Tips

As a recipe developer with a degree in food science, I create approachable recipes you can trust. Here are a few takeaways:

• Snap your spears – Bend the two ends of the spear to cut your asparagus where there is a natural break.
• Thinner bacon cooks more evenly – Thick-cut can leave chewy spots, while thinner slices crisp quickly.
• Overlap carefully – If wrapping with a full slice, avoid overlapping too much so all sides of the bacon cook through.
• Use bundles or singles – You can make bundles of 2–3 stalks or wrap each individually depending on preference. Bundles look great for entertaining!
• Flavor boosters – Try brushing the bacon with maple syrup or sprinkling with garlic powder before cooking for extra layers of flavor.
• Airflow matters – Crowding the basket keeps the bacon from crisping. Work in batches if needed.

Variations & Seasoning Ideas

One of the best things about bacon wrapped asparagus is how versatile it can be! Here are a few fun ways to switch things up:

• Garlic Parmesan – Sprinkle garlic powder on the asparagus before wrapping, then dust the finished bundles with grated Parmesan.
• Sweet & Savory – Brush the bacon with a little maple syrup or sprinkle with brown sugar before cooking. It caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
• Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
• Lemon Zest – Finish with freshly grated lemon zest for a bright, fresh contrast to the smoky bacon.
• Individual Spears – Instead of bundling 2–3 stalks, wrap each spear individually. They make the perfect appetizer bites!
• Oven Method – No air fryer? Place bundles on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping once.