Crispy, golden bacon wrapped around tender asparagus spears—what’s not to love?

This air fryer recipe takes an already delicious combo and makes it even better with a quick, no-fuss cooking method that gets everything perfectly cooked in minutes.

If you enjoy the rich, smoky taste of bacon and want an easy side dish that pairs well with just about anything, this is it.

The air fryer crisps up the bacon beautifully while keeping the asparagus slightly firm, never soggy. Plus, it’s a simple way to get a flavorful, low-carb side dish on the table with almost no effort.

Need an appetizer for a gathering? A side to go with your main meal? Or just a way to make eating veggies a little more exciting?

This air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus recipe does all of that in the easiest way possible. Stick around for all the tips and tricks to make it just right.

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Ingredients

• 24 fresh asparagus spears (thicker ones hold up better)
• 8 thin slices of turkey or beef bacon
• 2 teaspoons light olive oil (or melted butter)
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Wash the asparagus well, then pat it dry. Trim off the tough, woody ends—either snap them naturally or cut them with a knife.
2. Spread the asparagus on a plate or baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss everything together so the spears are evenly coated.
3. Take 3–4 spears at a time and wrap a thin slice of bacon around them. Start from one end and spiral it down to the other, making sure it stays in place. If using a vegetarian alternative like zucchini strips, wrap them around the asparagus in the same way.
4. Set your air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Avoid going too high, as bacon grease can cause excessive smoking.
5. Arrange the bundles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6–7 minutes, flip them carefully, then cook for another 6–7 minutes until the bacon turns crispy and golden.
6. Once done, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra grease. Serve warm as a tasty side dish or appetizer!

Tips For Perfect Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

For the best results, follow these simple tips to make sure your asparagus turns out crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.

• Choose the right asparagus: Thicker stalks hold up better in the air fryer and won’t overcook before the bacon is done.
• Use thin bacon slices: Thin-cut bacon crisps up faster, ensuring you don’t end up with soggy bacon or overcooked asparagus.
• Trim the ends properly: The bottom of the asparagus is tough and woody, so cut off about an inch or snap them off naturally.
• Season generously: A mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper adds extra flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Space out the asparagus bundles so the bacon cooks evenly and gets crispy.
• Flip halfway through cooking: This ensures both sides of the bacon cook evenly.
• Drain excess grease: Once cooked, place the bundles on paper towels to absorb extra oil before serving.

Variations For Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

If you want to change things up, here are some delicious ways to add more flavor to this recipe.

• Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Sprinkle grated parmesan or mozzarella on top before air frying.
• Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for extra heat.
• Garlic Butter Glaze: Brush the asparagus with melted garlic butter after cooking for extra richness.
• Honey Glazed Bacon: Lightly coat the bacon with honey before wrapping for a sweet and smoky touch.
• Herb-Infused: Mix dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary into the seasoning blend for added depth.

What To Serve With Bacon Wrapped Asparagus?

This dish pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are some great options to serve alongside:

• Grilled steak
• Roasted chicken
• Baked salmon
• Lamb chops
• Garlic butter shrimp
• Mashed potatoes
• Creamy pasta
• Fresh garden salad
• Rice pilaf
• Stuffed bell peppers

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Air Frying Asparagus

Air frying asparagus is simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Using thick bacon: If the bacon is too thick, it won’t crisp up before the asparagus becomes too soft. Thin slices work best.
• Overcrowding the air fryer: Placing too many asparagus bundles close together blocks airflow, making them cook unevenly. Always leave space between them.
• Skipping the oil: Even though bacon has fat, a small drizzle of oil on the asparagus helps it cook evenly and prevents it from drying out.
• Not trimming the ends: The bottom ends of asparagus are tough and chewy. Always snap or cut off the woody parts before cooking.
• Cooking at too high a temperature: If the heat is too high, the bacon can burn before the asparagus is fully cooked. A moderate temperature ensures both cook perfectly.

How Long Does Asparagus Take In The Air Fryer?

The cooking time for asparagus in the air fryer depends on the thickness of the stalks and the temperature used.

• Thin asparagus: Cooks in about 5–7 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
• Thicker asparagus: Takes around 8–10 minutes at the same temperature.
• Bacon-wrapped asparagus: Needs 12–15 minutes at 370°F (188°C) to ensure the bacon crisps up while the asparagus remains tender.

To get the best results, check for doneness a couple of minutes before the suggested time and adjust as needed.