Some vegetables put on pearls for dinner, but asparagus? She shows up wrapped in bacon. These Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles are smoky, crisp, and drizzled with balsamic glaze for that little wink of “oh, I tried.” The air fryer keeps them tidy and golden without hogging oven space — exactly the kind of chic shortcut we love.
They’re elegant enough for a holiday platter, playful enough for apéro, and ready in under 20 minutes. Fancy without the fuss, and smugly good-looking on any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Oven space saver — no fighting the turkey for rack real estate.
- Restaurant vibes — bacon + balsamic glaze = automatic applause.
- Quick prep — 10 minutes of effort, max.
- Flexible glam — works for Thanksgiving sides, dinner parties, or date nights.
- Toddler-friendly hack — skip the glaze, serve plain; toddlers call it “bacon sticks.”
Tips, Tricks & Variations
- Bundle size: Three asparagus spears per bacon slice makes a neat roll that cooks evenly.
- Prosciutto swap: For a lighter, saltier wrap, use prosciutto instead of bacon.
- Glaze game: Drizzle with balsamic reduction, hot honey, or maple syrup depending on your vibe.
- Reheat tip: Pop back in the air fryer at 375°F for 2–3 minutes; they’ll re-crisp beautifully.
Serving & Pairings
These bundles shine when paired with:
- Roast turkey or prime rib at the holiday table.
- A glass of sparkling wine for contrast.
- Other chic finger foods at apéro hour.
FAQ
Can I prep these ahead?
Yes. Assemble the bundles up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Air fry just before serving.
Can I use thick bacon?
Thin-cut bacon works best; thick-cut may not crisp fully in the air fryer.
Do I need to trim the asparagus?
Yes — snap or cut off the woody ends for tender bundles.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
Ingredients
- 24 asparagus spears trimmed
- 8 slices bacon
- Olive oil spray
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
- Bundle 3 asparagus spears; wrap with 1 slice bacon.
- Spray lightly with oil.
- Air fry 7–8 minutes until bacon is crisp.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.