Name: Air Fryer Asparagus
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Asparagus; 1 tsp Olive Oil; 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Black Pepper

Is it okay to steamed asparagus? ) or roasted it into…well, slightly less mush. I discovered the magic of the Air Fryer, and everything changed. If you don’t like asparagus, try this air fryer asparagus recipe. Is it like a vegetable version of french fries? Is it addictive? Think of it as the significantly healthier, equally satisfying cousin of potato chips. I’m trying to be good, but still want something incredibly good. This is the side dish I make when I have a lot of energy.

What is air fryer asparagus?

Air Fryer asparagus is exactly what it sounds like: asparagus spears cooked in air fryers. Beauty is in the process. The air fryer circulates hot air around the asparagus, cooking it evenly and quickly, creating a crisp and tender texture. Is it a perfect foil to keep the inside crisp? Is it essentially roasted asparagus, but on turbo charge? What’s the best way to cook asparagus without cooking it? How do I turn on my oven? What is the best way to get a healthy side dish on the table? What are some good times to watch TV on a What’s great about air fryer asparagus is that it is so easy to adapt, I have been known to make it myself. Can you add anything from a little cajun spice mix to parmesan to create different variations? What’s your main dish?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the reasons I love this recipe? The slight char from the Air Fryer gives the asparagus a subtle smoky sweetness that’s just divine. It’s not bitter or grassy like sometimes it can be when steamed. What is incredibly simple? What’s a quick air fry? What is a lifesaver on tuesday nights? Asparagus is readily available and relatively inexpensive, especially when in season. What are some of the best ways to enjoy air fryer asparagus? Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, toss it in salad, or even dip it into hummus for an appetizer. It’s endlessly versatile. What I love about this recipe is the texture – that satisfying snap when you bite into it. Is it better to eat asparagus instead of regular roasted asparagus? It feels like a little luxury, even though it’s so quick and easy.

How do I make an air fryer asparagus?

Quick Overview

How do you make an air fryer for asparagus? All you need to do is trim the woody ends of asparagus, toss it with a little Olive Oil and your favorite seasoning. What is your favorite seasoning and pop it in the air fryer? In just a few minutes, you’ll have perfectly crisp-tender asparagus that’s ready to devour. How do you cook asparagus in an air fryer? Seriously, it’s so easy, you’ll find yourself making it all the time, plus your family will adore it.

Ingredients

For the Air Fryer Asparagus:
* 1 pound asparagus, washed and trimmed – Look for spears that are firm and bright green. Thicker spears tend to hold up better in the air fryer. * 1 tablespoon Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oils add a nice flavor, but any cooking oil will work. I’ve even used avocado oil with great results. * 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a savory note. Can you use fresh minced garlic? The powder is quicker and easier to use. * 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of asparagus. I prefer sea salt or kosher salt. * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a touch of spice. Is pre-ground black pepper a good substitute for fresh ground pepper? Red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, lemon juice – These are all great additions for extra flavor.

What are the steps for

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Asparagus

Preheat your Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it’s preheating, wash and trim the asparagus. To trim, simply snap off the woody ends of the spears. They usually break off naturally where they become tough. I usually do this over the sink as it can get messy.

Step 2: Season the Asparagus

In a bowl, toss asparagus with Olive Oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the asparagus is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. This step is crucial for getting that perfect crispness and flavor.

Step 3: Air Fry

Place asparagus in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer. If you overcrowd the asparagus basket, it’s important not to overfill it, or it will steam instead of crisping up. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook it in batches. I always check my food after 4 minutes to make sure it isn’t overcooking.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Air fry asparagus for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp and slightly charred. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Air fryers can vary in cooking time. Keep a close eye on them.

Step 5: Serve

Carefully remove the Air Fryer asparagus from the basket and serve immediately. If you like, you can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or lemon juice. I always do this when serving it with fish.

What should I serve it with?

Air Fryer asparagus is a great side dish!What is a simple weeknight dinner?What is a healthy meal to serve with grilled chicken or salmon? A lemon herb marinade on the chicken or salmon complements the asparagus perfectly.For a Fancy Brunch: What are someServe with a frittata or egg benedict. The bright green color adds a touch of elegance to the brunch spread.As a Snack:What is a healthy snack? My kids actually ask for this all the time as a snack, which is pretty amazing given that they aren’t eating much at all. How do I get a portion of veggies?What is a vegetarian meal?Add it to a grain bowl with quinoa, chickpeas, and tahini dressing. The asparagus adds a nice crunch and freshness to the bowl. My family enjoys it with a tofu stir fry or veggie burger.

How do I perfect my air fryer asparagus?

Okay, I’ve made this air fryer asparagus countless times, so I have picked up a few tricks along the way.Don’t overcrowd the basket. DonWhat is the golden rule? If you overcrowd the basket, the asparagus will steam instead of crisping up. Cook it in batches if you need to. What is the best way to fry asparagus in an air fryer?Adjust cooking time based on thickness: Thicker asparagus spears will need a little longer to cook than thinner ones. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time accordingly. I have even had to add another 2 to 3 minutes sometimes!
Use good quality asparagus: use fresh asparagus. Fresh, firm asparagus will always taste better than limp, wilted asparagus. Look for spears that are bright green and stand up straight.
Experiment with seasonings:Don’t be afraid to experiment with your seasonings! What are some good ways to add Parmesan cheese to a meal? I sometimes use a simple Italian seasoning for mine.Preheating is the key.Preheating your air fryer ensures that the asparagus starts cooking immediately, which helps it to cook faster. What is the best way to crisp upDon’t overcook it.Overcooked asparagus is mushy and sad. You want it to be tender, with a slight bite to it. The air fryer can be a bit temperamental, so keep an eye on it to avoid this.

What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?

If you have leftover air fryer asparagus (which is rare in my house! ), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Room Temperature:Is it safe to leave asparagus at room temperature for more than a couple of hours? As it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.Refrigerator Storage: HowTo reheat, you can either microwave it for a minute or two, or pop it back in the air fryer for another minute. What is the best way to crisp it up? Air fryer is always best for maintaining the texture.What is the best way I don’t recommend freezing cooked asparagus, as it will become very mushy when thawed.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re adding a glaze, wait until just before serving to prevent it from becoming sticky or soggy during storage. I tend to add mine just before serving to ensure the texture isn’t compromised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen asparagus?

While fresh asparagus is always best, you can use frozen asparagus in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before air frying. Keep in mind that the texture will be a bit softer than fresh asparagus. It will also take longer to cook, so add on a few minutes to the cooking time.

Do I need to use olive oil?

You can use any cooking oil you like, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or even cooking spray. The oil helps the asparagus to crisp up and prevents it from sticking to the air fryer basket. I would definitely use something though for the best outcome.

Can I add parmesan cheese?

Absolutely! Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the asparagus during the last minute of cooking for a cheesy, savory flavor. I love the salty flavour that the parmesan brings to the asparagus and would definitely recommend trying it!

How do I prevent the asparagus from becoming too soft?

The key is not to overcook it! Keep a close eye on the asparagus and remove it from the air fryer as soon as it’s tender-crisp. It should still have a slight bite to it. If it is too soft, you have overcooked it, so adjust timings in the future!

My air fryer is a different brand. Will the cooking time be the same?

Air fryers can vary in cooking time, so it’s always best to keep a close eye on your food and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Start with the recommended time and then check for doneness every minute or so. It will become second nature with practice, and you’ll always have perfectly cooked air fryer asparagus!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious side dish, look no further than this air fryer asparagus. It’s the perfect way to get your veggies in, and it’s so good that even picky eaters will love it. The combination of the crispy exterior and tender interior is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can serve it with just about anything. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other air fryer recipes for more easy and delicious meals! Happy cooking! And don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear your variations and serving suggestions!

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