Air-Fried Asparagus: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air-fried asparagus is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be made in minutes. The air fryer gives asparagus a tender inside with a crisp, roasted texture on the outside. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the asparagus spears and the model of the air fryer. Asparagus can be seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and topped with Parmesan cheese. It can be served with salmon, chicken, lamb, or steak.

Trimming the asparagus

The first method is to use a knife to cut about 1-2 inches off the bottom of the asparagus spears. This is a quick and efficient way to remove the woody ends.

Alternatively, you can snap the ends off with your hands. Simply hold the asparagus spear near the bottom and bend it until it naturally snaps. This method can be a little more time-consuming but ensures that you remove the exact amount of the woody stem. The asparagus will break at the point where the spear starts to become tough, so you don't accidentally remove any edible parts.

Once you have trimmed your asparagus, give the spears a quick rinse under cool water and pat them dry with a clean towel. This step is important as it ensures that the oil will adhere properly to the asparagus during cooking, resulting in a crisp texture.

After trimming and patting the asparagus dry, you can move on to the next step of seasoning and cooking your delicious air-fried asparagus!

Choosing the right oil

If you are looking for a more flavourful option, extra virgin olive oil is a good choice. This oil has a strong, fruity taste that will complement the asparagus well. However, if you are looking for a lighter option that still helps the asparagus to cook evenly, avocado oil cooking spray is a better choice. This oil is also a good choice if you are looking for a healthier option, as it has a higher smoking point than olive oil.

Additionally, some recipes suggest that a light spritz of lemon or lime juice can be used as a substitute for oil, providing a tangy flavour while still allowing the asparagus to cook evenly.

Ultimately, the choice of oil (or oil substitute) will depend on your personal preferences for flavour and texture, as well as any dietary requirements you may have.

Seasoning options

A simple option is to season with salt and pepper to taste. You can use regular salt or kosher salt, or even garlic salt. You can also add freshly ground black pepper or red pepper flakes for a little kick.

If you're looking for something more complex, you can try using a combination of garlic powder, minced garlic, and salt. The garlic powder will ensure an even coating of garlic flavour, while the minced garlic will provide bursts of extra flavour.

Other seasoning options include:

• Lemon juice
• Parmesan cheese
• Bread crumbs
• Dried thyme
• Italian seasoning
• Balsamic vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Taco seasoning
• Ranch seasoning
• Sriracha
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

You can also finish your asparagus with a sprinkle of chopped herbs such as basil, thyme, dill, or parsley.

So, whether you're looking for something simple or more adventurous, there are plenty of seasoning options to choose from when roasting asparagus in an air fryer!

How long to cook it for

The cooking time for asparagus in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the spears and the desired texture. For thin asparagus, 5-6 minutes at 400°F usually does the trick. Thicker spears might need a little longer—closely following the 7-8 minute mark.

Some recipes suggest cooking asparagus in an air fryer for up to 10 minutes, but this is likely to be too long for thin asparagus, which can burn. If you like your asparagus to have a slight crisp, 7 minutes is the sweet spot for a perfectly tender texture.

It's important to note that different brands and sizes of air fryers may produce different results, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your asparagus while it's cooking to avoid overcooking or burning.

To ensure even cooking, place the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, and give the spears a turn halfway through cooking for an even roast.

What to serve it with

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 it with:

Seafood

Air fryer asparagus pairs well with seafood, especially salmon. Try it with air fryer salmon for a simple and healthy meal. Other good options include shrimp, cod, or any other type of fish.

Meat

Air fryer asparagus can also be served with meat. Some options include grilled chicken thighs, pecan-crusted chicken, or crockpot pork roast. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try pairing it with a frittata or baked eggs.

Pasta

Asparagus goes well with pasta dishes. Try it with chicken alfredo, garlic pasta, or sun-dried tomato pasta.

Other vegetables

Air fryer asparagus is also delicious when served with other vegetables. Try pairing it with air fryer broccoli, grilled portobello mushrooms, or grilled cauliflower steaks.

Dips

If you want to enjoy air fryer asparagus as a snack, try dipping it into Greek yogurt ranch dip or green goddess dressing.

Seasoning variations

You can also get creative with seasonings. Some options include adding toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts, fresh herbs like tarragon, basil, or parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. You could also drizzle it with a punchy sauce, such as creamy dill sauce, sesame ginger dressing, or a balsamic vinegar reduction.

Frequently asked questions