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

Air fryer asparagus is a quick, healthy, and easy side dish. It cooks in under 10 minutes and comes out crispy and tender. The asparagus is seasoned with a variety of ingredients, such as olive oil, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. The air fryer also needs very little oil to crisp the asparagus, resulting in a fresh and vibrant taste.

Trimming the asparagus

• How much to trim: The general rule is to trim about 1/2 to 1 inch from the bottom of the asparagus spears. However, if the ends are very thick and woody, you may need to trim up to 2 inches. The goal is to remove the fibrous part that is difficult to chew and doesn't taste great.
• Trimming methods: You can use a sharp knife to cut off the ends, or simply snap them off with your hands. Asparagus spears tend to snap wherever pressure is applied, so you can easily break them at the point where they start to become tough.
• Waste not, want not: It's important to note that you don't need to trim too much. Old advice suggested snapping off the bottom third of the spear, but this can result in wasting perfectly good asparagus. Unless the spears are very thick, a trim of 1/2 to 1 inch is usually sufficient.
• Preparation tips: While you trim the asparagus, you can preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 370°F and 400°F. This saves time and ensures your asparagus cooks efficiently.

Remember, the key to successful air-fried asparagus is not just in the trimming but also in the cooking technique. Always cook the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and that desirable crispy texture. Enjoy experimenting with this delicious and healthy side dish!

Seasoning the asparagus

Seasoning asparagus is a great way to enhance its natural flavour without overpowering it.

A simple way to season asparagus is to place the spears in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes.

For a more complex flavour, try tossing the asparagus in a mixture of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, minced garlic, and a pinch of coarse salt. You can also experiment with different types of salt, such as kosher or sea salt, to add texture and enhance the other seasonings.

If you're feeling creative, try one of these seasoning variations:

• Top the asparagus with toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts.
• Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
• Add some fresh herbs like tarragon, basil, or parsley.
• Drizzle with a punchy sauce like creamy dill sauce, sesame ginger dressing, or a balsamic vinegar reduction.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to enhance the natural flavours of the asparagus without overwhelming them. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find the combination that works best for your taste preferences.

Air frying the asparagus

Air Frying Asparagus

Air frying asparagus is a quick and easy way to cook asparagus, with most recipes taking under 10 minutes. It's a healthy, low-calorie, low-carb option that can be served as a side dish or snack.

Ingredients

You will need asparagus, oil (olive or avocado), and salt and pepper to taste. Some recipes also include lemon juice, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.

Method

• Wash and trim the asparagus to remove the woody ends.
• Add the asparagus to a large bowl and drizzle with oil and any other seasonings. Toss to coat the spears.
• Preheat the air fryer if required. Place the asparagus in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Cook at 370-400°F for 6-10 minutes, tossing halfway through. The thinner the asparagus, the quicker it will cook, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Seasoning Variations

• Parmesan cheese and lemon zest
• Balsamic glaze
• Teriyaki sauce
• Garlic herb butter
• Roasted cherry tomatoes or garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes or Sriracha for spice
• Honey or maple syrup with red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy combo
• Soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos with sesame seeds for an Asian flare
• Bacon bits

Storage and Reheating

Air fryer asparagus is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. It may lose its crispiness, so to reheat, warm it in the air fryer at 350-400°F for 2-3 minutes until warm and crisp.

Tips

• Most recipes recommend trimming the woody ends of the asparagus by snapping them off. Hold the stalk in both hands and bend it until it snaps, which will naturally occur where the woody part of the stalk ends. Alternatively, you can cut off the ends with a knife.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Avoid overcooking the asparagus, as this will make it soggy and stringy.
• Use a higher smoke point oil like avocado or safflower oil. Olive oil is best kept below 375°F.

Storing and reheating the asparagus

Storing and reheating asparagus is simple.

Storing Asparagus

Asparagus tastes best when fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to seven days.

Reheating Asparagus

To reheat, you can use the microwave or pop it back in the air fryer at 350-400°F for a minute or two until warmed through.

You could also chop it up and toss it in fried rice, an omelette, frittata, or a salad.

Asparagus recipe variations

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Asparagus and bacon are a classic combination. You can cook bacon-wrapped asparagus in the air fryer by preparing the stalks in the same way as the regular recipe, then cooking them in the air fryer instead of the oven. The cooking time will remain the same.

Lemon-y Asparagus

A spritz of fresh lemon juice brightens up the asparagus and brings a hint of acidity that complements its natural flavours. You can also use balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice for a sweeter flavour.

Parmesan Asparagus

This is a simple addition to the recipe. Toss the asparagus in grated Parmesan before air frying for a cheesy, crispy coating. You can also sprinkle Parmesan on top of the asparagus in the air fryer basket before cooking for a more melty result.

Seasoning

You can use any of your favourite seasonings on asparagus. Ground black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes all work well.

Herbs

For an herby flavour, toss the asparagus with a mixture of chopped basil, thyme, dill, or parsley when seasoning.

Frequently asked questions