A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Recipe, Perfect for Air Frying
Looking for a delicious, elegant, and simple appetizer that can be prepared effortlessly with an air fryer? This bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe might just be what you’re looking for! With the smoky, salty crunch of bacon around tender asparagus spears, this dish is irresistible and perfect for dinner parties or a quick snack. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the preparation process and offer you helpful tips to ensure perfect results every time.
Ingredients
- 1 bundle of fresh asparagus (approximately 500g)
- 8-10 slices of streaky bacon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic, minced (optional for enhanced flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Asparagus: Wash and dry the asparagus thoroughly. Trim the woody ends by snapping the base off, which will easily break at the natural point where it becomes tender. If you prefer all stalks to be evenly trimmed, cut them with a knife.
- Season the Asparagus: In a bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic, ensuring that each spear is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Wrap with Bacon: Take one or two asparagus spears (depending on their thickness) and carefully wrap a slice of bacon around the bundle, starting from the base and spiraling up towards the tip. Secure the end of the bacon with a toothpick if necessary.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and allow it to preheat for around 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange and Cook: Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
- Check and Serve: Check for doneness. The bacon should be golden and crispy, while the asparagus should remain bright green and tender. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Tips and Variations
- For Extra Crispiness: Increase the air frying time by 2-3 minutes for extra crispy bacon, but ensure not to overcook the asparagus.
- Seasoning Variations: Experiment with additional seasonings such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or lemon zest for different flavor profiles.
- Cheese Additions: Sprinkle some parmesan cheese over the asparagus bundles before wrapping them in bacon for a delightful cheesy twist.
- Alternative Wraps: If you prefer a less fatty option, replace bacon with prosciutto, which is thinner and less oily but equally delightful.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
The air fryer is a fantastic tool that can replicate the textures of fried foods without the need for excessive oil. It circulates hot air around the food, producing a crispy layer while keeping the inside tender. Air-fried bacon-wrapped asparagus not only achieves the perfect crispy texture but also significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional oven baking. This method is an excellent way for UK cooks to save time without compromising taste and quality.
Conclusion
With its ease of preparation and irresistible flavors, bacon-wrapped asparagus is sure to become a favourite in your cooking repertoire. Whether served as an appetiser, side dish, or a delightful brunch item, it brings together simplicity and sophistication on a plate. Armed with your trusty air fryer, feel free to experiment with seasonings and techniques to personalise this recipe to your liking. Happy cooking!