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Air fryer asparagus with bacon featuring tender roasted asparagus spears, crispy bacon pieces, and savory seasoning
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Air Fryer Asparagus with Bacon - Crispy, Savory, and Ready in Minutes

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed (medium-thickness spears work best)
  • 4 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (reduce to 1/4 teaspoon if your bacon is very salty)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but tasty)
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon and 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice, to finish (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer: Set to 390–400°F (200°C). A hot basket helps the bacon crisp quickly.
  • Prep the asparagus: Snap or trim off the woody ends. Pat dry so oil and seasoning stick well.
  • Season: In a bowl, toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
  • Arrange in the basket: Place the asparagus in the air fryer basket in a mostly single layer. Scatter bacon pieces evenly over the top so they render onto the spears.
  • Cook: Air fry for 7–10 minutes, shaking or tongs-tossing halfway. Thinner spears and thinner bacon cook faster; start checking at 7 minutes.
  • Check doneness: Asparagus should be bright green with a few browned edges and tender when pierced. Bacon should be browned and crisp. If needed, cook 1–2 minutes more.
  • Finish: Transfer to a serving plate. Add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice. Sprinkle parmesan if you like. Taste and adjust salt.
  • Serve: Enjoy right away for the best texture.