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

Air fryer 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. This recipe requires minimal preparation and very few ingredients, making it a convenient and tasty addition to any meal.

How long does asparagus take in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook asparagus in an air fryer! It's a simple side dish that requires few ingredients and only takes a few minutes to cook. Here's how long it takes to cook asparagus in an air fryer:

The cooking time for asparagus in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the spears and the temperature setting. Asparagus spears can range from thin, like a pencil, to thick, like a marker. For thin asparagus spears, cook for 3-4 minutes at 390°F (198.3°C). Medium asparagus spears, which are between the thickness of a pencil and a marker, should be cooked for around 5 minutes. Thick asparagus spears will need a little longer, around 6-8 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them.

It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket when cooking asparagus. If the basket is too full, the asparagus will steam and soften, so work in batches if necessary. Also, remember that asparagus will continue to soften after it's removed from the air fryer, so it's best to undercook rather than overcook.

Different air fryers may also produce different results, so keep an eye on your asparagus the first time you cook it to ensure it's done to your liking.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of cooking asparagus in an air fryer:

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Asparagus in an Air Fryer:

• Start by trimming the woody ends off the asparagus spears. The amount you trim will depend on the thickness of the spears; for thin spears, you only need to trim about 1/2–1", while thicker spears may require more.
• Place the trimmed asparagus spears in a large bowl or a Ziplock bag. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with your desired seasonings. You can use garlic salt, seasoned salt, or a combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the spears until they are evenly coated in oil and seasonings.
• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking asparagus at either 390°F (198.3°C) or 400°F (204.4°C).
• Place the seasoned asparagus spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to work in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the asparagus for the recommended time based on the thickness of the spears. For thin spears, cook for 3-4 minutes; for medium spears, cook for about 5 minutes; and for thick spears, cook for 6-8 minutes.
• About halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to turn the spears for even cooking.
• Once the timer goes off, check the asparagus for doneness. The spears should be tender and slightly crispy. If you prefer them more well-done, you can cook them for an additional minute or two.
• Remove the asparagus from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can sprinkle them with some Parmesan cheese, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over them, or season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

And that's it! You now have a delicious and healthy side dish to enjoy.

What are the best seasonings for asparagus in the air fryer?

Air-fried asparagus is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be made in a matter of minutes. The best seasonings for asparagus in the air fryer include:

• Salt and Pepper are the most basic seasonings for asparagus in the air fryer. You can use regular table salt or go for something more coarse like kosher or sea salt, which adds texture. Ground black pepper is a popular choice, but you could also use something like lemon pepper for a zesty kick.
• Garlic is a great way to add flavour to asparagus. You can use either minced garlic or garlic powder, or a combination of both. Garlic salt is also an option.
• Olive oil is often used to coat the asparagus before adding other seasonings. Extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice, but you could also use avocado oil or vegetable oil.
• Cheese is a tasty addition to asparagus. Freshly grated Parmesan is a popular choice, but you could also experiment with other cheeses.
• Red pepper flakes add a spicy kick to your asparagus.
• Lemon juice is a great way to add a tangy, acidic flavour to asparagus.
• Italian seasoning blend is a good option if you want to add some herbal flavours to your asparagus.
• Onion powder can add a savoury, oniony flavour to your asparagus without the hassle of chopping onions.

You can also experiment with your favourite spice blends or other seasonings like paprika, chilli powder, or sumac.

Can you use frozen asparagus in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use frozen asparagus in the air fryer. In fact, it is one of the easiest vegetables to cook in an air fryer and is really quite delicious. The air fryer gives the asparagus a unique crispy texture and caramelized flavor with subtle seasonings.

To cook frozen asparagus in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. Then, place the frozen asparagus in a single layer in the basket and cook for 5 minutes. Next, transfer the asparagus to a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. Finally, return the asparagus to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.

The great thing about cooking frozen asparagus in the air fryer is that there is no need to thaw the asparagus beforehand, making it a quick and easy option for a healthy side dish.

When buying frozen asparagus, look for full-length spears as they tend to taste better than the cut asparagus. You can also use fresh asparagus in this recipe, just be sure to wash and trim it before cooking.

How do you prepare asparagus for the air fryer?

Preparing asparagus for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You'll need fresh asparagus, extra-virgin olive oil or another oil of your choice, and seasonings such as salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, minced garlic, lemon juice, or Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

Next, trim the asparagus by cutting or snapping off the tough, woody ends. You only need to remove about half an inch to an inch of the bottom stems. This step ensures that your asparagus cooks evenly and has a desirable texture.

Now, it's time to season your asparagus. Place the trimmed spears in a large bowl or a ziplock bag. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, as well as any other seasonings you wish to use. Toss the asparagus until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Once your asparagus is seasoned, it's ready to go into the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 370°F and 400°F. Place the asparagus spears in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. If needed, work in batches to ensure even cooking.

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and cook your asparagus for 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears. For thin asparagus, cook for 5-6 minutes, and for thicker spears, cook for 7-8 minutes. If you are cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in the oven while cooking the second batch.

Finally, serve your air-fried asparagus immediately. It is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Preparing asparagus for the air fryer is a quick and easy process that results in a delicious and healthy side dish. Enjoy your crispy and tender asparagus!

What can you serve with asparagus as a main course?

There are many main course dishes that can be served with asparagus as a side. Here are some ideas:

Chicken

Chicken teriyaki with asparagus is a super tasty combination that the whole family can enjoy. Chicken and asparagus with penne pasta is another tasty option, with tender asparagus spears and moist pan-fried chicken pieces. You could also try stuffed chicken breasts with asparagus and Parmesan rice, or wild rice and asparagus chicken breasts.

Fish

Asparagus is a great side for fish dishes, such as salmon and asparagus bundles with a lemon sauce, or one-pot salmon, asparagus, and feta pasta.

Meat

Meat dishes that go well with asparagus include sheet pan chorizo with potatoes and asparagus, or steaks.

Eggs

Eggs and asparagus is a classic combination. You could try an asparagus omelette, or a breakfast quiche with bacon and asparagus.

Salads

Asparagus is a great addition to a salad. You could try a spring farro salad with grilled asparagus, or a spring breakfast casserole with oven-roasted asparagus.

Pasta

Asparagus is a versatile pasta ingredient. Try creamy fettuccine with asparagus, peas, and prosciutto, or baked asparagus and mushroom pasta.

Rice

Risotto is a tasty rice dish that goes well with asparagus. Try garlic shrimp and asparagus risotto, or serve asparagus on the side with baked chicken thighs and rice.

Frequently asked questions