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

Air fryer asparagus is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. In under 10 minutes, the spears become tender, juicy, and perfectly crisp. This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and is a delicious way to showcase one of the best vegetables of the season.

How to prepare asparagus for the air fryer

Preparing asparagus in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty vegetable. It's a simple side dish that only requires a few ingredients and a few minutes to cook. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare asparagus for the air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Asparagus: Look for fresh asparagus with bright green, firm stalks. Avoid limp or spotted asparagus. Depending on your preference, you can choose thin, medium, or thick asparagus spears.
• Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor, but you can also use a neutral oil like avocado oil or vegetable oil.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper are essential. You can also add garlic powder, garlic salt, minced garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, or dried thyme for extra flavor.
• Optional ingredients: Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and bacon bits can take your asparagus to the next level.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Prepare the asparagus: Rinse the asparagus spears and trim or snap off the woody ends. You only need to remove about half an inch to one inch of the bottom of the stalks.
• Season the asparagus: Place the spears in a large bowl or a ziplock bag. Drizzle with olive oil and add your desired seasonings. Toss or shake the bag to coat the asparagus evenly.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 370°F and 400°F.
• Place the asparagus in the air fryer: Arrange the spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crisping. If needed, work in batches.
• Air fry the asparagus: Cook the asparagus for 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears. For thin asparagus, check after 4 minutes to prevent overcooking. For thicker spears, you may need up to 10 minutes.
• Serve immediately: Asparagus is best served fresh out of the air fryer. Enjoy the crispy, tender spears as a side dish or snack!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Asparagus:

• Don't overcook the asparagus: Keep an eye on the asparagus while it's cooking to avoid overcooking. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the thickness of the spears.
• Avoid overcrowding: Make sure there is enough space between the spears to allow for even cooking and crisping.
• Experiment with seasonings: Try different combinations of seasonings and ingredients to find your favorite flavor profiles. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

How long to cook asparagus in the air fryer

Air-fried asparagus is a quick and easy side dish that can be ready in under 10 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the asparagus spears and the type of air fryer being used.

Cooking Times for Asparagus in an Air Fryer

• For thin asparagus spears, cook for 3 to 6 minutes.
• For medium asparagus spears, cook for 5 to 8 minutes.
• For thick asparagus spears, cook for 6 to 8 minutes.

Tips for Cooking Asparagus in an Air Fryer

• Ensure the asparagus is in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow it to crisp up.
• Flip the asparagus halfway through cooking for even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket as this can cause the asparagus to steam and soften instead of crisping up.
• The asparagus will continue to soften after being removed from the air fryer, so it is best to undercook rather than overcook.
• Different air fryers may produce different results, so keep an eye on the asparagus during cooking and adjust the timing as needed.

How to season asparagus for the air fryer

Air fryer asparagus is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. In under 10 minutes, the spears become tender, juicy, and perfectly crisp. Here's how to season asparagus for the air fryer:

Ingredients

• Fresh asparagus
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Minced garlic
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

• Start by trimming about 1-2 inches off the bottom of the asparagus—those tougher, woody ends that aren't great to eat.
• Next, place the asparagus spears in a large bowl or a zip-top bag. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Toss to coat, ensuring the asparagus is evenly coated.
• For some extra flavour, add a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of garlic powder, and some minced garlic.
• Place the seasoned asparagus spears in a single layer in your air fryer basket or tray. Make sure they aren't stacked to ensure even cooking.
• Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and cook for the appropriate time based on the size of your asparagus.
• Once the timer is up, your air-fried asparagus is ready to serve immediately. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavour.

What to serve with air fryer asparagus

Air fryer 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 fryer asparagus:

Proteins

Asparagus is a classic side for salmon and chicken breast. For a simple weeknight dinner, serve it with your favourite protein. If you're also cooking with an air fryer, try air fryer salmon or air fryer chicken breast for a healthy option.

Starch

For a well-rounded meal, include a starch like polenta or pasta.

Eggs

Air fryer asparagus pairs well with eggs. Try it with a frittata or baked eggs.

Other vegetable sides

For a vegetarian meal, serve air fryer asparagus with other vegetable sides like air fryer cauliflower, air fryer zucchini chips, or air fryer potatoes.

Salads

If you have leftover asparagus, chop it into small pieces and add them to a salad.

Specific recipes

For more specific recipe ideas, try air fryer asparagus with baked chicken thighs, mozzarella bruschetta chicken, or Italian rice ball skillet.

How to store and reheat air fryer asparagus

Air fryer asparagus is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. If you know in advance that you will have leftovers, slightly undercook the spears to ensure they stay crunchy after reheating.

Storing Cooked Asparagus

Allow the cooked asparagus to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.

Reheating Air Fryer Asparagus

You can reheat asparagus in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) or 400°F (200°C) for 1-2 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 4-7 minutes, or in a skillet for 2-3 minutes.

Tips for Reheating

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or skillet to ensure even heating.
• If using the oven, preheat it first to avoid overcooking the asparagus.
• Slightly undercook the asparagus the first time to ensure it stays crisp after reheating.
• Avoid boiling or steaming asparagus as it encourages mushiness.

Frequently asked questions