If you’re looking for a quick and delicious appetizer, let me tell you about my absolute favorite: 15 minute air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus! This dish combines the crispiness of perfectly cooked bacon with tender, flavorful asparagus, and the best part? It takes just 15 minutes from start to finish! Imagine the aroma of sizzling bacon wafting through your kitchen as you whip up this delightful treat. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried appetizers, making it a win-win! Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it over and over again. So, let’s get started on bringing this mouthwatering dish to your table!

Ingredients for 15 Minute Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

• 1 bunch of asparagus (about 1 pound, trimmed to remove woody ends)
• 8 slices of bacon (regular or thick-cut, sliced into halves if needed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin recommended for flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic for a punch)
• Salt and pepper to taste (freshly cracked pepper adds a nice touch)

How to Prepare 15 Minute Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that the bacon gets crispy while the asparagus cooks to tender perfection. Just a few minutes of waiting will be totally worth it for that lovely texture!

Prepare the Asparagus

Next, grab that bunch of asparagus and trim the woody ends. This step is super important because you want to avoid any tough bites. Once trimmed, place the asparagus in a bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and give it a good mix until each spear is well-coated. The seasoning really elevates the flavor, so don’t skip this part!

Wrapping the Asparagus

Now comes the fun part—wrapping! Take a slice of bacon and start at one end of an asparagus spear, spiraling it upwards to the top. Try to overlap the bacon slightly as you wrap; this helps it cook evenly and gives that delicious crispy texture we all crave. Repeat this for each spear, and soon you’ll have a beautiful platter of bacon-wrapped goodness!

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Place the wrapped asparagus in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. This allows the hot air to circulate properly, making everything nice and crispy. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, checking around the 10-minute mark. You want that bacon to be crispy and the asparagus tender but still vibrant. Trust me, the smell will be irresistible!

Serving Suggestions

Once they’re done, carefully remove the bacon-wrapped asparagus from the air fryer and let them cool for just a minute. They’ll be hot! I love serving these with a side of aioli or a drizzle of balsamic reduction to elevate the flavors even more. You can also enjoy them plain, but a little dip never hurt anyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this tasty appetizer in a flash—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
• Healthy Appetizer: This dish offers a lighter alternative to fried snacks, combining the nutritious benefits of asparagus with the savory goodness of bacon.
• Flavorful Combination: The contrast of the crispy, salty bacon against the tender, earthy asparagus creates a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
• Ease of Cooking: Using an air fryer means less mess and hassle—no need for multiple pots or pans. Plus, you get that crispy texture without deep frying!

Tips for Success

To ensure your 15 minute air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips I swear by:

• Even Bacon Wrapping: Make sure to wrap the bacon evenly around each asparagus spear. Overlapping the bacon slightly not only helps it cook more uniformly but also ensures that each bite has that delicious, crispy texture.
• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cooking time! I recommend checking around the 10-minute mark. You’re looking for that bacon to be crispy and the asparagus to be bright and tender. If it’s not quite there yet, give it an extra minute or two—but don’t overdo it!
• Use a Meat Thermometer: If you want to be extra precise, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the bacon. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for safety, but you can go a bit higher for extra crispiness.
• Don’t Crowd the Basket: Give those lovely spears some space! If they’re too crowded in the air fryer, they won’t crisp up nicely. Cook in batches if needed—trust me, it’s worth it for that perfect texture!
• Experiment with Seasonings: While the garlic powder, salt, and pepper are delicious, don’t hesitate to get creative! Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for a kick. You can even toss in some grated Parmesan cheese right before serving for an extra layer of flavor!

By following these tips, you’ll not only nail this recipe but also impress everyone at your next gathering! Happy cooking!

Variations on 15 Minute Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to jazz up your 15 minute air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus! Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love:

• Cheesy Delight: Who doesn’t love cheese? Before wrapping your asparagus with bacon, sprinkle some shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, along the length of each spear. As the bacon cooks, the cheese will melt into gooey perfection!
• Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika to your seasoning mix. You can also try wrapping the asparagus with spicy bacon or adding a touch of hot sauce before serving for an extra zing!
• Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile beautifully! Try mixing in chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning with the olive oil before tossing the asparagus. It’s amazing how a bit of herb can transform the dish!
• Vegetable Medley: Why stop at asparagus? You can also wrap bacon around other veggies like green beans, zucchini, or even bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since different vegetables may require varying lengths of time to cook.
• Maple Glaze: For a sweet and savory twist, brush the bacon-wrapped asparagus with a little maple syrup before cooking. The result is a delicious caramelized coating that’s bound to impress your guests!
• Stuffed Asparagus: Take it up a notch by stuffing the asparagus before wrapping! You can use cream cheese or herbed goat cheese for a creamy surprise inside each bite. Just be mindful of the bacon wrapping to keep everything intact.

Don’t hesitate to get creative and try out these variations! Each tweak brings a new flavor experience, and soon, you’ll have a whole repertoire of delightful bacon-wrapped asparagus recipes to impress anyone at your table.

Nutritional Information

When it comes to delicious appetizers, knowing the nutritional content can help you enjoy them guilt-free! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my 15 minute air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus, which is about 2 pieces:

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 12g

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, especially the bacon type and the size of the asparagus spears. But overall, this dish is a great balance of protein and veggies, making it a tasty yet wholesome choice for your appetizer spread!

FAQ Section

How long do I cook the asparagus in the air fryer?
For my 15 minute air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus, I recommend cooking for about 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark to ensure the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.

What type of bacon is best for wrapping?
I love using regular or thick-cut bacon for this recipe. Thick-cut gives you that extra chewiness and flavor, but regular bacon works just fine too! Just make sure it’s fresh and not overly greasy to achieve that perfect crispiness.

Can I use turkey bacon instead?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can work well. Just note that it may not get as crispy as pork bacon, so keep an eye on it as it cooks. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake these in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Flip them halfway through for even cooking!

Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Green beans or zucchini can also be wrapped in bacon and cooked alongside the asparagus. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the veggies. Thin spears will cook faster than thicker ones!

Is there a vegetarian alternative?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, try using a plant-based bacon substitute or even wrapping the asparagus in thin slices of eggplant or mushrooms. It’ll give you that savory flavor without the meat!

Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the bacon-wrapped asparagus ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before popping them in the air fryer for the best results!

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