Air Fryer Asparagus: Crispy, Quick, And Easy!

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 ingredients and is one of the simplest air fryer recipes out there. All you need is asparagus, olive oil, and some seasonings of your choice. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a pop of freshness. The key to getting that perfect crispness is to ensure the asparagus spears are in a single layer in the air fryer basket and not overcrowded. Now go ahead and enjoy your crispy, healthy treat!

Trimming the asparagus

You only need to trim off the bottom half an inch to one inch of the asparagus spears. You can use a sharp knife to cut off the ends or simply snap them off with your hands. The asparagus spears will naturally snap wherever you apply pressure, so this is a quick and easy way to trim them.

If you prefer, you can also use a vegetable peeler to peel off the skin at the bottom of the spears. However, some people find that even after peeling, the ends are still too tough to eat.

Once you have trimmed your asparagus, you can move on to the next steps of seasoning and air frying for a delicious, crispy, and healthy side dish!

Choosing the right oil

When it comes to choosing the right oil for your air-fried asparagus, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want an oil with a high smoke point, as air fryers cook at very high temperatures. Secondly, you'll want an oil that complements the flavour of your asparagus and any seasonings you may be using. And finally, you'll want to consider the health benefits of the different oils available to you.

Smoke Point

The smoke point of an oil or fat is the temperature at which it begins to burn and smoke. When oil is heated past its smoke point, it can produce harmful free radicals and may also develop an acrid taste and smell. For this reason, it's important to choose an oil with a smoke point that is higher than the temperature of your air fryer.

Most air fryers cook in the range of 350-400°F (180-200°C). Oils that are suitable for cooking within this temperature range include:

• Avocado oil
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Peanut oil
• Refined safflower oil
• Sunflower oil
• Vegetable oil

Flavour

The flavour of the oil you choose will depend on the flavour profile you want to create for your dish. If you want the flavour of your asparagus to shine through, consider using a neutral-tasting oil like avocado oil, vegetable oil, or refined safflower oil. If you want a more robust flavour, extra-virgin olive oil or sunflower oil might be a better choice.

Health Benefits

When choosing an oil, it's also worth considering the health benefits associated with different options. For example, extra-virgin olive oil is known for its high content of monounsaturated fats, which are believed to have heart-healthy properties. Avocado oil is also rich in monounsaturated fats and contains vitamins E, K, and A. If you're looking for an oil that's lower in saturated fat, sunflower oil or safflower oil might be a good choice.

Amount

When cooking asparagus in an air fryer, you don't need to use a lot of oil. A light drizzle or a few tablespoons should be enough to coat the spears and promote crisping.

Seasoning

Some recipes suggest using a squeeze of lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or soy sauce to add some extra flavour.

If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, you can finish your asparagus with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

For a more breaded texture, you can dip the asparagus in egg and coat it in crushed crackers before placing it in the air fryer.

Air fryer temperature

The optimal temperature to air fry asparagus is between 370°F and 400°F. Depending on the thickness of the asparagus stalks, the temperature setting may vary. For thin asparagus, set the air fryer to 390°F and cook for 3-4 minutes. Medium-thick asparagus should be cooked at 400°F for 5-8 minutes. Thick asparagus will need a higher temperature of 400°F and a longer cooking time of 6-10 minutes.

It is important to note that different air fryers may vary in terms of heat and circulation, so the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly. Additionally, asparagus should be arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

By adjusting the temperature and cooking time based on the thickness of the asparagus and the specifications of your air fryer, you can achieve the desired level of crispiness and tenderness.

Cooking time

The cooking time for your asparagus will depend on the thickness of the stalks and the model of your air fryer. The thicker the stalks, the longer the cooking time. For thin stalks, cook for 3-4 minutes, for medium stalks, cook for 5-8 minutes, and for thick stalks, cook for 6-10 minutes.

It's important to keep an eye on your asparagus while it's cooking. It can be easy to overcook and you don't want soggy, limp, greyish spears! The asparagus is ready when it's a brilliant bright green and tender. It should be crisp, with browned edges and lightly crisp tips.

If your air fryer basket is too full, the asparagus will steam and soften, so make sure you cook in batches if necessary. Only cook as much asparagus as will fit in a single layer in the basket.

Frequently asked questions