Air-Fryer Asparagus: The Secret To A Crispy Delight

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 is simple, requiring only a few basic ingredients, and it's a fantastic way to showcase one of the best vegetables of the season. The air fryer helps to create a delicious, crispy texture that is hard to resist!

Choosing the right asparagus

• Look for fresh asparagus: Choose asparagus that looks fresh and vibrant, with closed tips. Avoid asparagus that appears wilted or dried out.
• Check the thickness: Asparagus comes in varying thicknesses, from thin to medium to thick. Thicker asparagus is less prone to overcooking, so it may be a better choice if you are a beginner. However, thin asparagus can also be used and will cook faster.
• Plump and firm spears: The asparagus spears should be plump and firm to the touch. Avoid spears that feel limp or floppy.
• Seasonality: Asparagus is typically in season during the spring and early summer, from the end of March through late May or early June. Try to buy asparagus during this time when it is at its freshest and most flavourful.
• Trim the woody ends: Asparagus tends to have tough, woody ends that can be unpleasant to eat. Trim about an inch from the bottom of each spear, or bend the spear at the base and it will snap at the right spot. You can also use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough skin from the bottom inch or two of the spear.
• Batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the asparagus in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd: When placing the asparagus in the air fryer basket, make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This will help them cook evenly and get crispy.

Trimming the ends

There are two common methods for trimming asparagus: snapping and cutting. The snapping method involves gently bending the asparagus spear a few inches from the stem end. The asparagus will naturally snap at the point where the spear becomes tough. This is a quick and easy way to remove the woody end.

However, the snapping method can sometimes result in the loss of good asparagus spear. An alternative method is to use a sharp knife to cut off the bottom 1/2 to 1 inch of the spear. This ensures that you only remove the woody portion and maximise the amount of asparagus available for cooking.

For those who find the texture of the woody ends unpleasant, another option is to use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer skin at the bottom of the spear. This method can be effective, but it may still leave the ends too tough for some people's liking.

Once the ends have been trimmed, the asparagus is ready to be seasoned and placed in the air fryer. It's important to note that asparagus cooks quickly in the air fryer, so it's best to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your crispy asparagus!

Seasoning

• Keep it simple: A classic blend of salt and pepper is a timeless option that lets the natural flavour of the asparagus shine through. You can also add dried thyme for an earthy, savory note.
• Get creative: If you want to experiment, try using garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for a bolder flavour profile. You can also try adding Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, crispy coating.
• Brighten it up: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a wonderful bright and acidic finish to your asparagus. You can also try balsamic vinegar or sesame ginger dressing for a punch of flavour.
• Spice it up: For those who like it hot, add some cayenne pepper to your breading or seasoning mix.
• Go crunchy: Top your asparagus with toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts for a satisfying crunch.
• Fresh herbs: Finish your dish with some freshly chopped basil, thyme, dill, or parsley for a burst of flavour.
• Customise: Feel free to get creative and use your favourite spices and seasonings. You can also try different types of salt or pepper blends to find a combination that suits your taste.

Air fryer temperature

The optimal temperature for cooking asparagus in an air fryer is between 370°F and 400°F.

The exact temperature and cooking time will depend on the thickness of the asparagus spears and the type of air fryer being used. For example, thin spears will cook faster than thick spears, and different air fryers may vary in terms of heat distribution and circulation.

It is important to note that asparagus is easy to overcook, which can result in soggy and limp spears. Therefore, it is recommended to keep a close eye on the asparagus while it is cooking and to err on the side of undercooking rather than overcooking.

Additionally, to ensure even cooking and crispiness, it is best to cook the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket and to work in batches if necessary.

Cooking time

The cooking time for your asparagus will depend on the thickness of the stalks and the model of your air fryer.

If you're using an air fryer set to 400°F, thin asparagus stalks will take 3–6 minutes to cook, medium stalks will take 5–8 minutes, and thick stalks will take 7–10 minutes. If your air fryer is set to 390°F, thin stalks will take 3–4 minutes, medium stalks will take 5 minutes, and thick stalks will take 6–7 minutes. For an air fryer set to 370°F, the cooking time for thin stalks will be 4 minutes, and for medium to thick stalks, it will be 6–8 minutes.

Remember to leave a bit of space between the asparagus stalks so they crisp up rather than steam. If your air fryer basket is too crowded, cook the asparagus in batches.

Frequently asked questions