Air-Fried Asparagus: Quick, Crispy, And Healthy!

Air fryer asparagus is a quick, healthy, and tasty side dish that can be made in under 10 minutes. 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.

How to prepare asparagus for air frying

Air-fried asparagus is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. In under 10 minutes, you can have a delicious, healthy, and low-carb veggie dish on the table. Here's how to prepare asparagus for air frying:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Asparagus
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Garlic (powder or minced)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, paprika, etc.)

Preparing the Asparagus

Start by rinsing your asparagus spears. Trim or snap off the woody ends of the asparagus stalks. You only need to remove about the bottom 1/2 inch to 1 inch of the spears unless they have very thick and woody ends. If the asparagus is very thin, you may need to trim a little more to avoid overcooking.

Seasoning the Asparagus

Place the trimmed asparagus spears in a large mixing bowl or a ziplock bag. Drizzle or spray the asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes. Toss the asparagus until they are well coated with the oil and seasonings.

Air Frying the Asparagus

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook the asparagus for 6 to 8 minutes, tossing halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your asparagus spears and your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Serving the Asparagus

Once the asparagus is cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and squeeze some lemon juice over the asparagus for extra flavour. Enjoy!

How long to air fry asparagus at 400°F

Air-frying asparagus is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty vegetable. It's a simple method that requires minimal preparation and very little oil. Plus, it's a healthy option that doesn't compromise on flavor.

The cooking time for asparagus in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the spears. Here's a general guide:

• Thin asparagus: 5-6 minutes
• Medium asparagus: 5 minutes
• Thick asparagus: 6-8 minutes

It's important to note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your asparagus while it's cooking to avoid overcooking.

Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Asparagus:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the asparagus in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
• Trim the woody ends of the asparagus spears before cooking.
• For extra flavor, season the asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices before air frying.
• For crispy asparagus, place the spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Toss or turn the spears halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Storing and Reheating:

• Store leftover air-fried asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To reheat, place the asparagus in the air fryer at 400°F until slightly crispy, or heat in the oven or microwave.

Now you know everything you need to about air frying asparagus at 400°F! It's a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy this vegetable.

How to reheat air-fried asparagus

Air-fried asparagus is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. It is also a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of proteins and other vegetables.

Storing Air-Fried Asparagus

Before reheating your asparagus, it is important to ensure that it has been stored correctly. Place your leftover asparagus in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Reheating Air-Fried Asparagus

There are a few different ways to reheat your air-fried asparagus:

• Place the asparagus in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Reheat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
• Place the asparagus on a baking sheet and rewarm in the oven at 350°F.

What to serve with air-fried asparagus

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

Seafood

Air-fried asparagus pairs well with seafood, especially salmon. Try it with air fryer salmon, garlic butter shrimp, broiled salmon, air fryer salmon bites, or baked cod. The combination of salmon and asparagus is a classic and delicious option.

Meat

Meat is another great option to serve with air-fried asparagus. Some specific suggestions include grilled chicken thighs, pecan-crusted chicken, or crockpot pork roast.

Pasta

Asparagus also goes well with pasta dishes. Try it with chicken alfredo bake, garlic pasta, or sun-dried tomato pasta. The combination of flavours and textures will create a satisfying meal.

Other Vegetables

For a vegetarian option, pair air-fried asparagus with other vegetables such as air fryer broccoli, grilled portobello mushrooms, or grilled cauliflower steaks. This can create a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

Dip

If you're looking for a snack or appetizer, air-fried asparagus can be served as a healthy dip option. Munch on crispy asparagus with Greek yogurt ranch dip or green goddess dressing.

Best seasonings for air-fried asparagus

Air-fried asparagus is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. You can use a variety of seasonings to elevate the flavour of your asparagus. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Salt and Pepper

A simple yet classic combination that lets the asparagus shine.

Lemon Juice

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the asparagus. It is a perfect complement to the natural flavours of the vegetable.

Red Pepper Flakes

If you like your food with a little kick, red pepper flakes are a great option. They add a subtle spiciness to the asparagus.

Parmesan Cheese

Finishing your asparagus with freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a savoury and salty touch.

Garlic

Using both garlic powder and minced garlic helps to layer the flavour. The powder ensures an even coating, while the minced garlic provides bursts of extra flavour.

Herbs

Chopped basil, thyme, dill, or parsley can be sprinkled over the asparagus for an herby flavour.

Balsamic Vinegar

Tossing the asparagus with balsamic vinegar before cooking gives it a tangy twist.

Soy Sauce

Coating the asparagus with soy sauce before cooking adds a salty, savoury note.

Italian Seasoning

Adding Italian seasoning to the asparagus brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your dish.

Bacon

Cooking a few strips of raw bacon in the air fryer with the asparagus adds a wonderful savoury note.

Spices

You can also experiment with various spices such as smoked paprika, ground black pepper, or cumin to find a combination that suits your taste.

Frequently asked questions