Air Fryer Asparagus is a healthy side dish made with four ingredients and plenty of topping options! Done in just 10 minutes, it's faster than roasting in the oven, yet still delicious!
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Why This Recipe Works
One of the easiest vegetables to cook has to be asparagus. It cooks fast and goes so well with so many main dishes. This asparagus cooked in an air fryer calls for 4 simple ingredients and cooks in 8 minutes. The air fryer simplifies the process, cuts down on cook time, and frees up your oven.
I use the convection-oven style with racks because it allows me to cook more food at the same time. If your air fryer is the basket-type, the cooking process is the same. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
- asparagus: fresh, as thick as you can find
- olive oil: for roasting
- lemon juice: adds fresh and bright flavor
- toppings: Parmesan cheese, gouda cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, cheese sauce, etc.
How to prepare asparagus for cooking?
Before you roast, air fryer, or saute asparagus, you have to prep the vegetable. Find the hardest part of the end of each spear and snap it off. You can also cut off about 2 inches on the end. That's the hardest part and not tasty at all.
How to cook asparagus in the air fryer?
- Start by preparing the asparagus for cooking, as shown above.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season.
- Arrange in air fryer basket or on racks.
- Cook for 8 minutes at 400 degrees F.
- Serve with toppings.
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Storing and Reheating:
Any leftovers should be stored in a container, in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze it, place cooked asparagus in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
I recommend reheating this dish in the air fryer, for 2 to 3 minutes.
What to serve with asparagus?
The great thing about asparagus is that it pairs so well with just about anything! Serve it with roasted salmon, grilled chicken thighs, or as a side dish for brunch with hard-boiled eggs.
Best tips for cooking asparagus in an air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer before cooking. It's like preheating the oven so don't skip that step. The results will be better!
- Thicker asparagus will require more time to cook. Add 3 to 5 minutes.
- Cook in batches if you are using a basket-type air fryer. Don't over-crowd it or the spears won't cook evenly.
Recipe FAQs:
Absolutely! Melt it first, then drizzle over the asparagus and toss to coat.
Thin asparagus shows up in grocery stores in early Spring. It will cook faster than the thicker kind so keep an eye on it. Check about 3 minutes before the cooking time is done.
For best results, air fry asparagus just before serving. If you need to save time, trim it and prep the ingredients the day before.
More air fryer recipes:
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Air Fryer Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh asparagus
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep the asparagus: find the hardest part of the end of each spear and snap it off. You can also cut off about 2 inches on the end.
- Place asparagus in a bowl or a plate and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat.
- Preheat air fryer to 400° Fahrenthit for 5 minutes.
- Arrange asparagus in air fryer basket or on racks. Place in the air fryer.
- Set the temperature to 400° Fahrenheit and timer to 8 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is done, remove from appliance.
- Serve with toppings.
Notes
- Preheat the air fryer before cooking. It’s like preheating the oven so don’t skip that step. The results will be better!
- Thicker asparagus will require more time to cook. Add 3 to 5 minutes.
- Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.
Jennifer says
This air fryer asparagus is my FAVORITE! The best way to make it. It came out perfectly!
Betsy Carney says
Simple, delicious and so easy! Love this!
Allyssa says
Thank you so much for sharing this super easy to make recipe! It's really helpful! Will surely make this again!
Gabriela says
Oh my these were DELICIOUS and EASY, my favorite combination! I haven’t turned my oven on in months. This recipe is a keeper and I will be buying more asparagus. Exactly 7 minutes to perfect.