If you’re craving a side dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious, these brown sugar glazed air fryer bacon wrapped green bean bundles will steal the show! The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crispy, these bundles feature fresh green beans wrapped in bacon, brushed with Italian dressing, and lightly coated with brown sugar for a caramelized finish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, they’re an easy yet elegant side dish that’s bound to impress!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 8 slices of bacon (regular or thin cut)
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Blanch the green beans: Boil a pot of salted water and cook green beans for 3-4 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
- Bundle the beans: Wrap 6-8 green beans with a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Glaze & Season: Brush each bundle with the brown sugar glazed explained below.
- Air Fry: Arrange the bundles in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the green beans are tender.
- Serve Warm: Let them rest for a minute and enjoy your perfect brown sugar glazed green bean bundles!
Brown Sugar Glaze Instructions:
To make the brown sugar glaze, whisk together ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 tablespoon Italian dressing in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture forms a smooth, glossy glaze. Brush generously over the bacon wrapped green bean bundles before air frying to create a perfectly sweet, caramelized finish.
Brown sugar and Italian dressing actually pair surprisingly well together! The tangy, herby notes from the Italian dressing balance out the rich sweetness of the brown sugar, creating a sweet-savory glaze that works perfectly on bacon-wrapped green bean bundles. The acidity from the vinegar in the dressing helps cut through the fattiness of the bacon while the brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, giving the bundles a glossy, golden finish.
If you want a slightly more subtle sweetness, you could reduce the brown sugar a bit or try using honey instead for a smoother, milder glaze.
Recipe Notes:
- Crispy Tip: For extra crispy bacon, pre-cook the bacon for 2-3 minutes before wrapping the green beans.
- Substitutions: Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a unique twist!
- Pairing Ideas: Serve alongside roast chicken, mashed potatoes, or even air fryer bacon wrapped scallops for a decadent meal.
Flavor Profile:
These brown sugar glazed air fryer bacon wrapped green bean bundles offer a mouthwatering combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The crispy bacon delivers a rich saltiness, perfectly balanced by the caramelized brown sugar glaze. The green beans stay tender yet slightly crisp, adding a fresh, earthy note that cuts through the sweetness. The hint of Italian dressing adds a zesty, herby finish that makes each bite unforgettable.
These brown sugar glazed air fryer bacon wrapped green bean bundles are more than just a side dish—they’re a flavor-packed, show-stopping addition to any meal! Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want to elevate a weeknight meal, this recipe brings that perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and savory goodness. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you’ll keep coming back for them!
Give this sweet and savory side dish a try! Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with friends!
