Imagine a side dish that's so delectable, it transforms ordinary asparagus into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. These Air Fryer Asparagus Bacon Bundles are not just a recipe – they're a culinary experience that combines the crisp elegance of fresh asparagus, the smoky indulgence of perfectly cooked bacon, and the tangy richness of Parmesan cheese. In just 18 minutes, you'll create a show-stopping side dish that's guaranteed to elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 18 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 bundles
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus by washing thoroughly and trimming off the tough woody ends. Pat the asparagus spears completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy bacon wrapping.
- Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise to create 12 shorter bacon strips that will be easier to wrap around asparagus spears.
- Divide the asparagus into 4 equal bundles, with approximately 5-6 spears in each bundle.
- Take 3 bacon strips and carefully wrap them around each asparagus bundle, slightly overlapping the bacon to secure it in place. Ensure the bacon is wrapped snugly but not too tight.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 2-3 minutes to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Lightly spray or brush the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles with olive oil to help achieve crispy bacon and prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each bacon-wrapped bundle for additional flavor.
- Place the bundles in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have some space between them for even cooking.
- Cook in the air fryer for 8 minutes, turning the bundles halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness on all sides.
- Check the bacon for desired crispness. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Carefully remove the asparagus bacon bundles from the air fryer using tongs and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh cracked black pepper if desired, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Always pat your asparagus completely dry before wrapping to ensure the bacon gets perfectly crisp.
- Choose medium-thickness asparagus spears for the best texture and even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each bundle some breathing room to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- For extra flavor, try seasoning your bundles with a light sprinkle of garlic powder or black pepper before wrapping.
- Use kitchen shears to easily cut bacon strips in half and create uniform wrapping.
- If your bacon isn't crispy enough after the initial cooking time, add 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the bundles rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the bacon to set and become extra crispy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
