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Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe Easy and Perfect with Lemon Zest

crispy air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring tender asparagus wrapped in crispy bacon, finished with fresh lemon zest for a bright, flavorful side dish perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed
  • 8 to 10 thin slices bacon (regular cut)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 bunch of fresh asparagus under cold water. Snap or trim off the tough woody ends (about 1 to 1.5 inches). Pat dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel.
  2. Place asparagus in a bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a few turns of fresh black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Lay out a bacon slice on a clean surface. Arrange 3-4 asparagus stalks in a bundle near one end of the bacon. Starting at that end, wrap the bacon tightly around the asparagus, spiraling until fully wrapped. Tuck the end underneath to secure. Repeat until all asparagus is wrapped.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Place bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between for air flow. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping the bundles halfway through with tongs to crisp all sides evenly. Watch closely during the last few minutes to avoid burning. The bacon should be golden brown and crispy, asparagus tender but still firm.
  7. Remove bundles from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle with fresh lemon zest. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Use thin bacon slices for best wrapping and crispiness. Flip bundles halfway through cooking for even browning. Adding lemon zest after cooking preserves its fresh flavor. If preparing ahead, wrap and refrigerate bundles for up to 2 hours; add 1-2 minutes to cooking time if cooking chilled. Oven baking at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes with turning halfway is an alternative if no air fryer is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped asparagus, air fryer asparagus, crispy bacon asparagus, lemon zest asparagus, easy side dish, quick appetizer, keto side dish