Air-Fried Asparagus: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air-fried asparagus is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be made in under 10 minutes. The spears emerge tender, juicy, and perfectly crisp. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the asparagus spears. For thin asparagus, 5-6 minutes at 400°F usually does the trick. Thicker spears might need a little longer—closer to 7-8 minutes. The air fryer cooks asparagus quickly and perfectly every time, giving it a delicious, slightly crispy texture without the wait.

How long to cook asparagus in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook asparagus in an air fryer! The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the asparagus spears. Here is a general guide:

• Thin asparagus (like a pencil): 3-6 minutes
• Medium asparagus (between a pencil and marker): 5-7 minutes
• Thick asparagus (like a marker): 6-8 minutes

It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will cause the asparagus to steam and soften instead of becoming crisp. Place the spears in a single layer, and work in batches if necessary.

To prepare the asparagus, start by trimming about 2 inches off the bottom of the spears to remove the woody ends. Then, toss the spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also suggest adding lemon juice, garlic powder, and minced garlic to the asparagus for extra flavour.

Place the seasoned asparagus in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to between 370°F and 400°F. Cook for the recommended time based on the thickness of the spears. Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to turn the spears for even cooking.

Once the timer goes off, your asparagus is ready to serve! You can squeeze some lemon juice over the spears for a bright finish, or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

How to season asparagus

There are many ways to season asparagus when cooking it in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. For a simple seasoning, you will need:

• Asparagus
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

For a more complex flavour, you can add:

• Lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Minced garlic
• Coarse salt (kosher or sea salt)
• Parmesan cheese
• Bread crumbs
• Red pepper flakes
• Dried thyme
• Italian seasoning

Trimming

Before seasoning, you will need to trim the asparagus. Start by cutting off about 2 inches from the bottom of the asparagus—the tougher, woody ends that are not great to eat. If you are using thinner asparagus, you may only need to trim off the bottom 0.5-1 inch.

Seasoning

Now, it is time to season the asparagus. Place the asparagus in a large zip-top bag or a bowl. If you are using the simple seasoning, drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss the bag or bowl to ensure the asparagus is evenly coated.

If you are using the complex seasoning, add olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, minced garlic, and a pinch of coarse salt to the bag or bowl. Seal the bag and shake, or toss the contents of the bowl, to ensure the asparagus is evenly coated.

Cooking

Place the seasoned asparagus in the air fryer in a single layer. Set the air fryer to between 370-400°F and cook for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus. For thinner asparagus, check after 4 minutes to ensure it does not burn. For thicker asparagus, you may need to cook for up to 8 minutes.

Serving

Once the asparagus is tender and browned around the edges, with lightly crisp tips, it is ready to serve. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice, and some salt and pepper, to taste. For an extra kick of flavour, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy your delicious, seasoned asparagus!

How to prepare asparagus for cooking

Preparing asparagus for cooking in an air fryer is simple. First, wash the asparagus and trim off the woody ends. The thickness of the asparagus will determine how long it needs to be cooked for, so it's a good idea to try to get a bunch of asparagus spears that are all around the same thickness. Next, place the asparagus in a large bowl or zip-top bag and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings at this stage, such as lemon juice, garlic powder, or minced garlic. Make sure the asparagus is evenly coated.

When you're ready to cook the asparagus, preheat your air fryer to between 370°F and 400°F. Place the asparagus in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren't stacked to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook the asparagus in batches if you have a lot. Set the timer for 6-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears and the desired level of doneness. For thin asparagus, start checking for doneness at around 5 minutes.

Once the timer goes off, your asparagus is ready to serve! You can squeeze a lemon wedge over the spears, or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, for some extra flavor.

What to serve with air-fried asparagus

Air-fried asparagus is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of mains. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried asparagus:

Meat and Starch Combinations

You can pair air-fried asparagus with meat and starch combinations. Some specific examples include baked chicken thighs, mozzarella bruschetta chicken, and Italian rice ball skillet.

Proteins

Air-fried asparagus can be served with a variety of proteins. Salmon is a classic combination, and chicken breast is another winner.

Other Sides

Asparagus can be served with other side dishes such as polenta, pasta, frittata, or baked eggs.

Seasonings and Toppings

You can also get creative with seasonings and toppings. Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs such as tarragon, basil, or parsley, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar reduction.

How to store and reheat leftover asparagus

If you have leftover asparagus, it is best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 3-5 days.

Asparagus is notoriously hard to reheat without it going mushy. It is best to slightly undercook the asparagus the first time, as it will continue to cook after it is removed from the heat.

• Microwave: Place the asparagus on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 20-30 seconds.
• Skillet: Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a pan. Add the asparagus and heat for 2-3 minutes, rotating the spears so they heat evenly.
• Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spritz the asparagus with oil and add any seasoning. Place in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the asparagus on a baking tray and sprinkle with seasoning. Cover with foil for a steamed effect or leave uncovered for a roasted effect. Heat for 4-7 minutes.

Frequently asked questions