Air-Fried Parmesan Asparagus: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be made in under 10 minutes. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a simple yet tasty vegetable dish to accompany their meal. The asparagus is seasoned with a variety of ingredients such as olive oil, salt, pepper, and of course, Parmesan cheese, resulting in a crispy and tender texture. This dish can be served with a variety of proteins or other side dishes, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

Choosing the right asparagus

Freshness:

• Look for asparagus with firm spears that are straight and not bendable. They should feel brittle and snap easily when bent.
• Check the tips of the spears; they should be closed tightly with a dark green or purple tinge, which indicates freshness. Avoid asparagus with yellowish or dried-out tips as these are signs of age.
• Avoid blemished, mottled, or wilting asparagus. Also, steer clear of asparagus with flowers as it is past its prime.
• Opt for asparagus with moist, plump, and crisp stalks. Dry, cracked, or "woody" ends indicate older asparagus.

Type of Asparagus:

• Asparagus comes in three colours: green, white, and purple. Green asparagus is the most common, gaining its colour from photosynthesis as it grows towards the sunlight. White asparagus is grown in the dark, and purple asparagus gets its colour from high antioxidant levels, making it sweeter and more tender.
• Choose the diameter of the spears based on your preference and dish presentation. Smaller spears may be more suitable for certain dishes, while larger spears provide more food.
• Thinner asparagus stems are usually more tender and sweeter, while thicker spears have a stronger asparagus flavour and a meatier texture.

Storage:

• Asparagus should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Place the asparagus in a plastic bag or wrap the ends in a damp paper towel before storing.
• To extend the shelf life, trim about an inch from the bottom of the stalks and stand them upright in a cup with a small amount of water. Cover the top with a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator, changing the water every day.

By choosing asparagus that is fresh, of the right type for your dish, and storing it properly, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious Parmesan asparagus dish in your air fryer!

Preparing the asparagus

Firstly, start by washing the asparagus spears under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue. It is important to ensure that the asparagus is thoroughly cleaned before cooking. After rinsing, gently pat the asparagus dry with a clean cloth or kitchen paper. This will help the oil and seasonings adhere better to the spears during the next step.

Once the asparagus is cleaned and dried, it's time to trim the ends. Using a sharp knife or simply breaking them by hand, remove about ½ to 1 inch from the bottom of each spear. This step is crucial as the ends of asparagus can be woody and fibrous, which are not pleasant to eat. By removing this section, you ensure a more tender and enjoyable dining experience.

After trimming, it's time to season the asparagus. Drizzle or toss the spears with a small amount of olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is a great choice for its rich flavour, but a neutral oil like avocado oil can also be used if preferred. Make sure each spear is lightly coated in oil. Then, sprinkle the asparagus with your desired seasonings. A simple combination of salt and pepper works well, but you can also add garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or dried thyme for an extra kick of flavour. Toss the spears again to ensure an even coating of oil and seasonings.

With the asparagus prepared, it's now ready for the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 370°F and 400°F, depending on the model and the specific recipe you are following. Place the seasoned asparagus spears into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Cooking in batches may be necessary depending on the size of your air fryer.

And that's it! Your asparagus is now prepared and ready for cooking. Simply follow the remaining instructions for your chosen Parmesan asparagus recipe, and enjoy this delicious and healthy side dish.

Air frying the asparagus

Now, you are ready to air fry the asparagus! Cook at 400°F for 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears and your desired level of doneness. For thinner spears, start checking for doneness after 4 minutes to avoid overcooking. For thicker spears, you may need to cook for up to 10 minutes. The asparagus is ready when it is tender and browned around the edges, with crispy tips.

Once the asparagus is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it as-is, or add some extra toppings like a squeeze of lemon juice, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Enjoy your delicious and healthy side dish!

Adding toppings

Cheese, Glorious Cheese

Parmesan is a classic choice for asparagus, and for good reason. Its salty, nutty flavour complements the vegetable beautifully. But why stop there? Feel free to experiment with other cheeses too. How about sprinkling on some shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a stringy, gooey delight? Or perhaps crumbled feta or goat's cheese for a tangy twist?

Herbs for the Win

Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavour and a pop of colour to your asparagus. Try chopping up some tarragon, basil, parsley or thyme and scattering them over your dish. Not only will this make your asparagus taste amazing, but it will also impress any dinner guests with your culinary prowess!

Nuts About Nuts

Toasted nuts such as almonds or pine nuts can add a satisfying crunch to your asparagus. Just be mindful of any nut allergies your guests may have before going nuts (pun intended) with this topping idea!

Spicy Kick

If you like your food with a bit of heat, why not add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or chilli powder? This will give your asparagus a spicy kick that is sure to tantalise your taste buds. Just be cautious about the quantity, especially if you are serving it to people who are sensitive to spicy food.

Sauce It Up

Drizzling a punchy sauce over your asparagus can take it to the next level. Try a creamy dill sauce, a sesame ginger dressing, or a balsamic vinegar reduction. You could even serve the asparagus with a dip, such as Greek yoghurt ranch or green goddess dressing, for a fun and interactive topping idea.

Storing leftovers

If you want to keep your asparagus leftovers for longer, you can freeze them. However, freezing raw asparagus without blanching it first will cause it to turn mushy. Here are the steps to properly freeze asparagus:

• Cut the ends of fresh asparagus, and then cut it into smaller pieces, if desired.
• Blanch the asparagus in boiling, salted water for about 30-60 seconds, or until it turns bright green.
• Transfer the blanched asparagus to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve its color, texture, and flavor.
• Pat the asparagus dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Place the asparagus in a freezer bag and label it with the date.
• Cook the frozen asparagus without thawing it first by sautéing or steaming it, which will help retain its flavor, texture, and color.

Frozen asparagus will last in your freezer for about a year, but it is best to use it within three months, as the quality may start to decline after that.

Frequently asked questions