Air Fryer Asparagus: The Perfect, Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryer asparagus is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be prepared in under 10 minutes. The air fryer gives the asparagus a tender inside and a crisp, roasted texture on the outside. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the asparagus spears. For thin asparagus, 5-6 minutes at 400°F usually does the trick, while thicker spears might need a little longer, up to 7-10 minutes.

To make air fryer asparagus, start by trimming about 1-2 inches off the bottom of the asparagus and tossing the spears with olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings such as garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Place the seasoned asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket and set the temperature and time according to the thickness of your spears. About halfway through, use tongs to turn the spears for even cooking.

Once the timer goes off, your air-fried asparagus is ready to serve immediately. You can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top or serve it with lemon wedges and additional salt and pepper.

Trimming the asparagus

• How much to trim: The general rule is to trim about 2 inches (5 cm) from the bottom of the asparagus spears. However, some sources suggest trimming only 1/2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm). The goal is to remove the woody part, which can be tough and unpleasant to eat.
• Snapping vs. Cutting: You can either use a sharp knife to cut off the ends or simply snap them off with your hands. Asparagus spears will naturally snap where they start to get tough, so you can bend them gently a few inches from the stem end, and they will break at the right place.
• Peeling the Spears: Some people like to use a vegetable peeler to peel off the outer layer of the asparagus spears at the bottom. This can help reduce the toughness of the spears, but it may not always be necessary, depending on your preference.
• Trimming Thicker Spears: If you are working with very thick asparagus spears, you may need to trim a little more. In this case, you can use a peeler to remove the tough outer layer of the stem a couple of inches up the stalks.

Remember, the key is to remove the woody, fibrous ends that are not pleasant to eat. By following these steps, you'll ensure that your asparagus is properly trimmed and ready for the next steps in your air frying process.

Seasoning

A simple mix of garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper is a great place to start. This combination adds a touch of flavour that pairs well with almost any meal. You can also add some lemon juice for a pop of freshness.

For a more complex flavour profile, try using garlic salt or homemade seasoned salt, which can include garlic powder. Lawry's Coarse Ground with Parsley Garlic Salt is a good option, or you can make your own.

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or Italian seasoning for a savory depth of flavour. You could also finish the dish with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which pairs excellently with asparagus.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and find what works best for your taste preferences. Just remember, the key to successful seasoning is to let the natural flavours of the asparagus shine through while enhancing them with complementary spices and ingredients.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer asparagus will depend on the thickness of your asparagus spears and the type of air fryer you have.

For thin asparagus spears, cook for 3 to 6 minutes at 390°F to 400°F. If your spears are on the thinner side, start checking on them after 4 minutes to ensure they don't burn.

For medium asparagus spears, cook for 5 to 7 minutes at 390°F to 400°F.

For thick asparagus spears, cook for 6 to 8 minutes at 390°F to 400°F. If your spears are on the thicker side, start checking on them after 6 minutes and go longer if needed.

It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If the basket is too full, the asparagus will steam and soften, and it won't become crisp. Cook your asparagus in batches if necessary, ensuring that they are in a single layer in the basket.

Additionally, different air fryer brands and sizes may produce different results, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your specific air fryer.

Remember that asparagus is easy to overcook, and overcooked asparagus will become limp, soggy, and greyish. The best way to know when asparagus is done is to check the colour and tenderness. It should be bright green and crisp-tender when cooked.

Finally, allow for carry-over cooking. The asparagus will continue to soften slightly after being removed from the air fryer, so it's better to undercook than overcook.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer asparagus is a versatile side dish that can complement a variety of meals. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Seafood: Asparagus and salmon is a classic combination. Try it with air fryer salmon or other seafood options like shrimp, cod, or trout.
• Meat: Pair air fryer asparagus with chicken breast, chicken thighs, or pork. It also goes well with chicken Alfredo bake, garlic pasta, or sun-dried tomato pasta.
• Vegetarian options: Asparagus is a great side for vegetarian dishes like polenta, pasta, frittata, or baked eggs. You can also pair it with portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks.
• Other veggies: Asparagus goes well with other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
• Dip: If you want a snack option, try dipping asparagus into Greek yogurt ranch dip or green goddess dressing.

When it comes to seasoning, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes. You can also try different variations like Italian seasoning, balsamic vinegar, or soy sauce.

Storing and reheating

To reheat, you can either gently warm the spears in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or pop them back in the air fryer at 400°F for a couple of minutes. Keep a close eye on them as they can heat through very quickly.

If you want to freeze your asparagus, place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Then, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently asked questions