Making bacon wrapped asparagus in an air fryer is not only easy but also a quick way to prepare a delicious and nutritious appetizer or side dish. This dish combines the savory flavor of bacon with the freshness of asparagus, all crisped to perfection with minimal oil.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Before diving into this tasty treat, selecting the right type of asparagus and bacon is crucial for the best results. Opt for thicker asparagus spears since they hold up better when wrapped in bacon. For the bacon, choose thin to medium slices that will crisp nicely without overcooking the asparagus. Preparing these components correctly ensures a dish that is both visually appealing and delicious. Discover more air fryer vegetable dishes like Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes, perfect for side dishes or healthy snacks.
Ingredients List
- 20 asparagus spears, thick
- 10 slices of bacon, halved
- Freshly ground black pepper
Bacon wrapped asparagus air fryer Cooking Guide
- Prepare the Asparagus:
- Wash the asparagus and trim off the woody ends. If the spears are too long for your air fryer, cut them to fit.
- Wrap the Bacon:
- Wrap a half slice of bacon around each asparagus spear, starting at the bottom and spiraling up to just below the tip.
- Season:
- Lightly season the wrapped spears with black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Air Fry:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Place the wrapped spears in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Cook for 8 minutes, then turn the spears over and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.
Recipe Variations
To add a twist to the basic recipe, consider these variations:
- Sweet and Savory: Brush a mixture of brown sugar and garlic powder on the bacon before wrapping to add a sweet glaze.
- Spicy Kick: Dust the bacon with chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika for some heat.
Health Benefits of Asparagus
Asparagus is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. It’s low in calories and a great source of fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K. Including asparagus in your diet can improve digestive health and reduce inflammation.
Calorie Count and Nutritional Info
Each serving of this bacon wrapped asparagus contains approximately:
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon wrapped asparagus is versatile and can be served in various ways:
- As a stand-alone appetizer.
- Alongside a main course like steak or chicken.
- With a dip such as hollandaise for added flavor.
If you’re looking for other quick and easy air fryer recipes, check out Simple and Delicious’s section on air fryer meals.
FAQs
- What is the ideal thickness for asparagus in this recipe?
- Thick spears are best as they provide a good balance to the bacon and won’t overcook.
- Can I prepare bacon wrapped asparagus ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate them up to a day in advance before air frying.
- What are the best seasonings for bacon wrapped asparagus?
- Simple black pepper works great, but feel free to experiment with garlic powder or paprika for different flavors.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to preparing bacon wrapped asparagus in the air fryer, ensuring a delicious result with minimal effort. Enjoy this quick, healthy, and irresistible dish that’s sure to impress at any dining table.
Bacon wrapped asparagus air fryer
Ingredients
- 20 asparagus spears thick
- 10 slices of bacon halved
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Prepare Asparagus: Wash and trim the woody ends of the asparagus. Cut them to fit your air fryer if necessary.
- Wrap: Wrap each spear with a half slice of bacon, starting from the bottom up to just below the tip.
- Season: Lightly season the wrapped asparagus with black pepper.
- Cook: Place the wrapped spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes, then turn and cook for another 5 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot.
