Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook asparagus, look no further than your air fryer. This method is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a vegetable side dish in a hurry. In just 10-15 minutes, you can transform frozen asparagus into a delicious, crisp-tender dish with a hint of seasonings. The best part? No thawing is required! Simply toss the frozen spears with a small amount of olive oil and your choice of seasonings, lay them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook until fork-tender. You can also add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavour. So, if you're looking for a tasty and convenient way to cook asparagus, give the air fryer method a try!

Choosing and preparing your asparagus

When choosing your asparagus, it is best to opt for frozen asparagus spears, which can be found in the frozen vegetable section of most grocery stores. You can also use fresh asparagus, but this will require washing and trimming before cooking. Frozen asparagus is a convenient option as it is usually already washed and trimmed, and you can find it at a decent price. It is also a good way to enjoy this vegetable when it is not in season. If you want to freeze your own asparagus, make sure to trim and blanch the asparagus first.

Once you have your asparagus, the preparation is simple. You do not need to thaw the asparagus before cooking, and in fact, it is best to cook it straight from frozen to get the best texture. Simply toss the frozen asparagus with a small amount of olive oil, and your choice of seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes for some spice. You could also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

Air fryer settings and timings

The timings and settings for cooking frozen asparagus in an air fryer will depend on the model of your air fryer, the thickness of your asparagus spears, and your personal preference for texture.

Preheating

Some recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes, while others suggest that this is not necessary. However, when cooking frozen vegetables in an air fryer, it is important to preheat to prevent them from turning soggy.

Initial Cook

For the initial cook, add the frozen asparagus to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes at 350°F (180°F). This will defrost the asparagus.

Seasoning

After the initial cook, remove the asparagus from the air fryer and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or vegan parmesan cheese.

Second Cook

Return the asparagus to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 3-5 minutes at 400°F until the desired texture is achieved. You can cook for less time if you prefer your asparagus to be crispier, or leave it in for longer if you want it to be softer. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to "flip" the spears and ensure even cooking.

Total Cook Time

The total cook time for frozen asparagus in an air fryer is typically around 10 minutes, but this can be adjusted depending on your preferred texture and the thickness of the spears.

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning you use on your frozen asparagus will be key to achieving the perfect texture and taste.

Oil

A light coating of oil is recommended to achieve the desired crispiness. Olive oil is the most popular choice, but avocado oil is also a great alternative. You can also use melted butter or room-temperature butter instead of oil. If you want to keep the dish vegan-friendly, swap butter with olive oil.

Seasoning

Salt and pepper are the most basic seasonings used in almost every frozen asparagus recipe in the air fryer. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or nutritional yeast to enhance the flavour. If you want to add a bit of spice, you can season the asparagus with lemon pepper, harissa, peri-peri sauce, or Calabrian chile paste.

Cheese

Parmesan cheese is a popular addition to asparagus cooked in an air fryer. You can also sprinkle some paleo parmesan cheese or vegan parmesan cheese on top.

Lemon

A squeeze of lemon juice added at the end of cooking can enhance the flavour of the asparagus. However, it is recommended not to use lemon juice along with garlic powder as the seasonings may compete with each other.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried frozen asparagus is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Air fryer main courses: Air fryer blackened salmon, air fryer pesto salmon, air fryer bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, air fryer Greek chicken thighs, or air fryer panko chicken.
• Other main courses: Calabrian chicken, harissa honey chicken, peri-peri salmon, or chicken piccata.
• Desserts: Air fryer apples, lemonade pie, air fryer pears, or raspberry clafoutis.
• Main dishes: Parmesan rosemary fish, roasted cauliflower steaks, white wine mac and cheese, or any creamy pasta like fettuccine or garlic and scallops pasta.
• It pairs well with just about any main meat dish, from chicken, salmon, steak, and shrimp.

You can also serve air-fried frozen asparagus as a snack or toss it with cooked pasta or another grain to make it part of your main dish. For a simple yet delicious option, serve it with a squeeze of lemon juice and some grated Parmesan cheese.

Additionally, you can add other ingredients to your air-fried frozen asparagus to elevate the dish. Here are some ideas:

• Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce – a bright and tasty addition to the asparagus.
• Dry ranch seasoning or ranch dressing.
• Goat cheese and pine nuts.
• Chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts.
• Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or tarragon.

Storage and reheating

Leftover asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It is not recommended to refreeze the asparagus as it may affect the texture.

To reheat, place the asparagus in the air fryer at 400°F for a few minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave or pan grill it for a few minutes on each side. No additional oil is required during the reheating process.

Frequently asked questions