This air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus is a game changer for those times when you need a quick appetizer or side dish that’s not the same old thing.

The air fryer is a great appliance to have around for making healthier versions of your favorite foods. 

This recipe for bacon wrapped asparagus is a perfect example – it’s crispy and flavorful, but much lower in fat than traditional bacon-wrapped asparagus. 

I’ve made these 2 different ways, this way and bundling the asparagus. The bundled version is actually prettier on a plate, but the flavor of individually wrapped asparagus is much better.

Easy Air Fryer Cooking

I love cooking this in my air fryer. Hot air circulates around the food, enabling it to cook more quickly.

It’s also easy to clean up afterward. Instead of worrying about bacon grease making a mess, it drips to the bottom of the basket. Wash it in soapy water, rinse, dry it off, and it’s ready for your next recipe.

Give this easy dish a try the next time you’re looking for a quick and tasty side dish!

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Ingredients

You only need a couple of ingredients to make this delicious dish. Here are the essentials:

• Bacon (any kind of bacon, including pork or turkey bacon)
• Asparagus

I added the following ingredients for even more flavor:

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper

Optional Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

You can add salt too, but since the bacon already has salt, I didn’t. If you choose to add salt, use whatever you have. 

I have Himalayan sea salt, but you can use regular table salt or kosher salt.

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions for this method, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

Here are even more ingredients you can use to flavor your bacon wrapped asparagus:

• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Parmesan cheese
• Cayenne pepper
• Cinnamon
• Paprika (regular or smoked)

If you think you might like something else, give it a try. In fact, you can cook a variety of flavors on these asparagus spears before deciding which is your favorite.

How to Cook Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

This is one of the easiest appetizers or side dishes you can make, and the flavor payoff is great. 

First, snap off the woody ends of each asparagus stalk. It’s too fibrous and difficult to chew, so you don’t want to leave that on there.

Rinse the asparagus and pat it dry with a paper towel.

Cut the bacon slices in half. If you leave them whole, the bacon-to-asparagus ratio is off.

Drizzle the olive oil and rub it over the asparagus.

This helps the seasonings stick to it.

Sprinkle the seasonings over the asparagus.

If you want to add salt, go ahead and do it now. I didn’t because the bacon is pretty salty.

Wrap each asparagus spear with 1/2 slice of bacon.

Place them in the air fryer in a single layer.

I was able to get 8 in mine. 

I probably could have put more in there, but I didn’t need to for just my husband and me.

Cook the bacon wrapped asparagus on 400˚ F for 8 minutes. 

Flip the asparagus over and sprinkle the black pepper over it if you want to add it. Cook the asparagus for another 4 minutes.

After it’s done, place it on a serving plate. Eat hot and enjoy! 

Everyone will love the tender asparagus wrapped in crispy bacon. It’s so delicious!

Asparagus Bundles

If you want to bundle several thin asparagus spears, use a full piece of bacon to wrap them. 

Then turn your air fryer temperature to 390 degrees F and add 2 or 3 minutes to the total cook time.

Oven-Baked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

You can also cook this in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400˚ F.

Place the wrapped asparagus on a greased or parchment paper lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, less for thinner bacon and longer for thicker bacon.

Benefits of Asparagus

Asparagus is a spring vegetable and has many benefits. It’s very good at fighting cancer and diabetes, plus it’s full of fiber and prevents heart attacks. 

There are so many different ways to eat asparagus. You can make soup, salad, juice, omelets or just cook the stalks.

Wrapping asparagus in bacon is a great way to cook it because the bacon keeps the moisture inside and adds a nice crispy texture as you bite into it.

What Are the Best Ways to Cook Asparagus?

The most common ways of cooking asparagus are air-frying, steaming, poaching, sauteing or stir-frying. 

Frying in butter or olive oil is also nice. Or you can eat it raw. You can even put it in a salad!

Is Eating Raw Asparagus Safe?

Yes! It is actually very healthy to eat it raw. You can achieve a lot of nutrients even from just one or two spears. 

In fact, the healthiest part of the asparagus is the tip. It’s essential to trim asparagus to get flavor, texture, and nutrients you want.

So make sure you cut off about an inch from the bottom of each spear.

How Many Calories are There in a Bundle of Asparagus?

About 50 calories per 100 grams (3 1/2 ounces), cooked . That’s around 2 calories per spear.

You’ll be happy to know that this asparagus recipe is low carb, so it’s perfect for some of today’s popular diets.

What Nutrients Does Asparagus Contain and Why is it Good for You?

Asparagus contains lots of fiber , Vitamin K , Vitamin C , folate and manganese.

The fiber in asparagus may help to lower your cholesterol. The vitamin K may help with blood clotting or preventing strokes and heart attacks.

Vitamin C can strengthen your immune system against colds and the flu.

Folate may reduce the risk of colon cancer and folate deficiency causes birth defects (like spina bifida).

Manganese is good for strong bones and connective tissue like cartilage, ligaments and tendons.

Is Asparagus Good for Weight Loss?

Although it has very few calories and is low carb, eating too much of anything isn’t healthy. 

Manage your portions so you don’t eat more than you should. However, it is true that the fiber in asparagus may help you feel full longer.

Can I Eat Leftover Asparagus at Room Temperature?

Yes! Just make sure to put it in the fridge after cooking so bacteria doesn’t have a chance to grow. If you want to keep it longer, then put in an airtight container or plastic bag and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What is Asparagus Season?

Asparagus is typically harvested from March until September in North America.

For that reason, it’s best to buy it right when they are harvested because after that, they could be stored for months before being eaten so freshness levels start going down.

But of course, if you freeze your asparagus immediately upon harvest, it can stay good for several months!

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus—Side Dish or Appetizer

This air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus is a delicious side dish for your next dinner party or family meal. Don’t be surprised if this becomes one of your family’s favorite vegetables!

You can make it in advance, which means you don’t have to worry about cooking anything else when guests arrive! 

I recommend serving this simple dish alongside any of these main dishes:

Pork Tenderloin – Cooked in the Crock Pot, this delicious meat is easy to make and will become a family favorite.

Baked Beef Ribs – The balance of ribs and asparagus make a delicious meal that’s packed with nutrition.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast – You can easily make a delicious turkey breast in your Crock Pot.

Baked Pecan Crusted Fish – Packed with nutrition and a blend of delicious flavors will make you want to add this to your regular dinner rotation.

George Foreman Grill Pork Chops – Succulent and tasty, you’ll be blown away by how good these are.

Oven Baked Pot Roast – This is an old school favorite main dish for a reason.

Oven Fried Salmon Cakes – Some people call these salmon croquettes and others call them salmon patties. I call them wonderful!

Pesto Chicken – This easy dish from Back to My Southern Roots is another one you’ll love!

Pork Chop Casserole with Tomato Gravy – Colorful and fun, your family will enjoy this tasty main dish.

Keto Breakfast Casserole – If you’ve never had asparagus for breakfast, give it a try! It goes really well with this yummy casserole!

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus – Perfect Snack or Party Appetizer

Air fryer asparagus wrapped in bacon is also one of the most delicious appetizers that you can whip up in just minutes. 

It’s perfect for when company drops by unexpectedly or when you are having friends over to watch the game. This dish only requires a few ingredients, so it’s easy to make too!

If you want even more inspiration, check out some of my other tasty recipes on the blog.

Please feel free to share!