Air-Fryer Asparagus: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryer asparagus is a quick and easy way to cook asparagus, resulting in a delicious side dish with a tender inside and a crisp, roasted texture on the outside. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the asparagus spears and the model of the air fryer, but on average, it takes about 5-10 minutes to cook asparagus in an air fryer.

How to prepare asparagus for the air fryer

Ingredients

To prepare asparagus for the air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Asparagus
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Garlic (or garlic powder)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparing the Asparagus

First, rinse your asparagus spears and trim or snap off the woody ends. You only need to trim off the bottom 1/2 to 1 inch of the asparagus spears unless they have very thick and woody ends. The asparagus will naturally snap at the proper place.

Seasoning the Asparagus

Place the trimmed asparagus spears in a baking dish, ziplock bag, or large bowl, then season with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, and your chosen seasonings. Toss the spears in the oil and seasonings until everything is well coated.

Air Frying the Asparagus

Set your air fryer to between 390 and 400°F and cook the asparagus for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears. For thin asparagus, start checking at 3 to 4 minutes to make sure they don't burn. For thicker asparagus, you may need to cook for up to 7 to 8 minutes.

For best results, arrange the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket and toss halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Once the timer is up, your air-fried asparagus is ready to serve immediately. Enjoy!

How long to cook asparagus in the air fryer

Air-fried asparagus is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that goes well with a variety of meals. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the asparagus spears and the model of the air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook asparagus in an air fryer:

Preparation:

First, prepare the asparagus by rinsing the spears and trimming or snapping off the woody ends. For optimal thickness, choose asparagus spears that are medium-thick, as they are less likely to overcook and become soggy.

Seasoning:

Place the spears in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Drizzle them with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings of choice. Some popular seasoning options include garlic salt, garlic powder, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. You can also add bread crumbs and dried thyme for extra flavour and texture.

Cooking:

Set the air fryer temperature between 390-400°F (200°C). The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the spears. For thin asparagus, cook for 3-5 minutes, for medium asparagus, cook for about 5 minutes, and for thick asparagus, cook for 6-8 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the asparagus to avoid overcooking, as it can get soggy and limp.

Serving:

Once the asparagus is cooked to your desired tenderness, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can sprinkle some additional salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese on top. Lemon wedges on the side can also brighten up the dish.

Storage and Reheating:

Store any leftover asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place the asparagus back in the air fryer at 400°F until sizzling and slightly crispy, or heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds.

How to season asparagus in the air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons dried bread crumbs (optional)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Garlic powder
• Minced garlic
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Other seasonings of your choice

Method

• Rinse your asparagus spears and trim/snap off the woody ends.
• Place the asparagus in a large bowl or a large ziplock bag.
• Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with your choice of seasonings. You can also add lemon juice for a tangy flavour.
• Toss the asparagus until they are evenly coated.
• Place the spears in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each spear to ensure even cooking.
• Set the air fryer to 390-400°F and cook for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears. Thinner asparagus will take less time to cook, while thicker spears may need a little longer.
• Use tongs to turn the spears halfway through for even cooking.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and/or red pepper flakes, if desired.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• For a more intense garlic flavour, use both garlic powder and minced garlic.
• You can skip the step of preheating the air fryer. Simply place the seasoned asparagus in the basket, turn on the air fryer, and cook away!
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• For the best taste, opt for fresh asparagus with firm, bright green stalks.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on your air fryer and the size of the asparagus. Check on your asparagus regularly to avoid overcooking.

Storage and Reheating:

• Store leftover asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• To reheat, place the asparagus back in the air fryer at 400°F until sizzling and slightly crispy.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy air-fried asparagus!

How to store and reheat leftover asparagus

Storing Leftover Asparagus

Although it's unlikely that you'll have any asparagus leftovers, it's always good to be prepared! If you do have some leftover asparagus, it's best to let it cool down to room temperature before storing it. Then, place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to a week, but it's best to eat it within 4-5 days.

Reheating Leftover Asparagus

The air fryer is your best friend when it comes to reheating asparagus. Simply pop the leftover asparagus back into the air fryer at 400°F until it's heated through and slightly crispy. This should take around 2-3 minutes.

If you don't have access to an air fryer, you can also reheat the asparagus in an oven at 350°F until it's warmed through. However, it won't be as crispy as the air-fried version.

Another option is to reheat the asparagus in a skillet with a little bit of oil. This will help the asparagus regain some of its snap and crunch. Cook it for 3-4 minutes, or until it's heated through.

Although it's not the ideal method, you can also reheat the asparagus in the microwave. Warm it on high for 30-45 seconds, or until it's heated through.

Tips for Storing and Reheating Asparagus

• If you want to freeze your leftover asparagus, keep in mind that it won't crisp up the same way again. It's best to place it in a freezer bag and thaw it in the fridge overnight when you're ready to eat it.
• To get the best results when reheating, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This will ensure that the asparagus heats through evenly and gets slightly crispy.
• If you're reheating a large batch of asparagus, you may need to work in smaller batches to ensure even heating.
• Keep in mind that asparagus doesn't make a stellar next-day dish, and it's best enjoyed fresh. However, with these reheating methods, you can still enjoy your leftovers without them being too limp or soggy.

What to serve with air-fried asparagus

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

Proteins

• Salmon
• Chicken breast
• Grilled chicken thighs
• Pork roast
• Bacon
• Shrimp

Starches

• Polenta
• Pasta
• Rice
• Mashed potatoes

Other Vegetables

• Broccoli
• Grilled portobello mushrooms
• Grilled cauliflower steaks
• Tomatoes
• Cauliflower
• Brussels sprouts

Sauces and Seasonings

• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Balsamic vinegar reduction
• Soy sauce

Frequently asked questions