Air Fryer Asparagus
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Tender air fryer asparagus is a delicious and easy side dish to add to any meal. The crisp asparagus has an addictively tasty flavor and turns out perfect every time!
Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
Easy air fryer recipes are my jam. I love that I can just mix some simple ingredients together and click a button on the air fryer. These air-fried asparagus are just to-die-for! So much flavor created with so little effort — a win win.
Roasted asparagus is always delicious too, but when I need to save time or I don’t want to use the oven, I like to just throw something together quickly. That’s where this air fryer asparagus recipe comes in handy. It’s just as tasty and takes a fraction of the time.
Pair this crispy asparagus with Mississippi chicken, glazed pork chops, grilled bbq chicken drumsticks or any of your other favorite main dishes. Great for a busy weeknight when you need to get dinner on the table quickly.
Learn how to cook anything in your air fryer with our free cook time chart!
The air fryer has become my favorite way to save time in the kitchen. This healthy vegetable side dish will become a quick hit!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Fresh asparagus cooks so beautifully in the air fryer. This recipe is easy to love:
- Clean up after cooking asparagus in the air fryer is so easy. Just clean the basket and any prep items that you used and you’re good to go.
- The flavor of this dish is so yummy, but neutral enough that you can pair it with anything. It’s a great versatile side that you can throw together when you don’t know what else to make.
- It will take you less than 20 minutes total to prep and cook this dish. We’re all about saving time and making tasty food!
Ingredients
Make this easy recipe with just a few simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. Here is a list of everything you’ll need:
- fresh asparagus spears
- olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh lemon juice
- lemon slices
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to leave out the grated parmesan cheese if you don’t eat dairy. Nutritional yeast could be used as a substitution. Or, if you just prefer different cheese then you can replace parmesan with another finely grated cheese.
Avocado oil is a great substitute in place of olive oil.
You can change up the flavor of this dish with a variety of different spices and herbs. Things like red pepper flakes, onion powder, and dried parsley are a great way to add extra flavor to the dish.
For an extra buttery-garlic flavor, melt butter with minced garlic and drizzle over the cooked asparagus. You could also drizzle balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy flavor. Or even toss the asparagus with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds before air frying for a different flavor combination!
How to Make Air Fryer Asparagus
Follow these step by step instructions and you’ll have a great side dish ready to eat in no time:
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) then wash and trim asparagus. Toss the trimmed asparagus spears in olive oil, then season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Place the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry asparagus for 8-12 minutes, tossing halfway through. Once fully cooked, the asparagus should be tender but slightly crispy.
Drizzle the finished product with lemon juice and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately!
How to Store Leftover Asparagus
Leftover asparagus can be stored and reheated later! Just place leftovers into an airtight container, or wrap them in aluminum foil. Then store in the fridge for to 2-3 days or freeze in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw completely before reheating.
To reheat leftover air fryer asparagus, place it back into a preheated air fryer or in the oven. I do not recommend reheating asparagus in the microwave.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Asparagus
I’ll serve this incredible side dish with just about anything! It pairs well with main courses like pan seared chilean sea bass, tuscan chicken, and even Instant Pot pork chops. Air fryer asparagus is something easy that I can make when I’m serving meatloaf or slow cooker Italian lamb shoulder too.
It has even become a favorite for at-home date night meals of steak and mashed potatoes. Grilled bruschetta chicken and crab cake stuffed mushroom would be another delicious pairing with air fryer asparagus!
This asparagus recipe really is so versatile and will pair well with anything.
Tips for Success
Check out these simple tips to ensure that you have the best results:
- I recommend using fresh lemon juice instead of store-bought, bottled juice. Fresh squeezed lemon juice has a much better flavor and will produce better results.
- Adjust the cook time based on the thickness of your asparagus spears. Thicker spears may require a few extra minutes of cooking time, while thin asparagus may cook more quickly.
- To achieve a crispy texture, arrange the asparagus in a single layer without overcrowding the air fryer basket. This allows for better hot air circulation.
- Air-fried asparagus is best enjoyed immediately for optimal crispiness. If needed, you can briefly reheat in the air fryer before serving.
FAQ
Make sure that the asparagus is evenly coated with olive oil for a consistent and crispy result. If you end up with soggy asparagus, you likely could have overcooked it too. Raw asparagus only needs to be cooked 8-12 minutes, and cooking time could vary based on your air fryer model. Keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook and you have perfectly crispy asparagus.
You can eat all but the woody ends of asparagus stalks. That is why you cut them off before tossing them in oil and air frying in this recipe.
Yes, you can roast the asparagus in a preheated oven at around 400°F (200°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
The asparagus should be tender but still have a slight crispness. Test with a fork, and if it goes in easily, it’s done. Be cautious not to overcook, as it can become mushy.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus spears
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and trim asparagus spears. Toss asparagus with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 8-12 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway through. Asparagus should be tender but still slightly crisp.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
