Easy Air Fryer Asparagus

Crispy, Healthy, and Full of Flavor - This Easy Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe is Ready in Just a Matter of Minutes.

This foolproof air fryer asparagus recipe will help you create a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any meal.

With only three simple ingredients, you can make this nutritious and flavorful vegetable side dish in just 15 minutes.

Jump to:

• What is an Air Fryer?
• Why Use an Air Fryer for Asparagus?
• Ingredients You'll Need
• Cooking Asparagus in Air Fryer
• Top Tips From the Chef
• How Long to Cook Asparagus in an Air Fryer?
• Flavor Variations
• What to Serve with Air Fried Asparagus?
• Storage and Reheating Instructions
• Recipe FAQS
• Related Recipes
• Easy Air Fryer Asparagus

Asparagus is a popular vegetable that is both nutritious and delicious.

However, many people struggle to cook it perfectly, as it can easily become mushy or overcooked.

That's where the air fryer comes in! In this blog post, I will explain how to use your air fryer to cook easy and delicious asparagus spears in minutes.

Using an air fryer for cooking is a cost-effective option as it requires less energy consumption as compared to a conventional oven.

I often use my air fryer to make healthy, simple yet delicious dishes such as Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Crispy Breaded Air Fryer Okra Recipe, Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts, Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas, Homemade Tater Tots in Air Fryer, and Easy Air Fryer Crab Cakes.

Additionally, I have even used it to make irresistibly soft and fluffy Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls!

What is an Air Fryer?

An air fryer is a kitchen gadget that uses hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a crispy and golden texture similar to fried food, but with significantly less oil.

It is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, including chicken, vegetables, seafood, and even desserts.

The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, cooking it evenly and quickly without the need for excess oil or fat.

With its compact size and ease of use, the air fryer has become a popular appliance in many kitchens, offering a healthier and more convenient way to cook delicious meals.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Asparagus?

By using hot air to cook the asparagus, you can achieve a crispy and golden texture without having to soak the vegetable in oil, which can help reduce calorie and fat intake.

Air fryers are incredibly easy to use, making them a convenient choice for busy households.

With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked asparagus in a matter of minutes.

Additionally, air fryers are designed to cook food evenly, ensuring that your asparagus is cooked to perfection without any burnt or undercooked spots.

Also, using an air fryer to cook asparagus can help to retain the vegetable's nutritional value.

Asparagus is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and using an air fryer can help preserve these nutrients.

The hot air circulates around the asparagus, cooking it quickly and efficiently, while also retaining its nutritional content.

Ingredients You'll Need

Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.

Asparagus

When selecting asparagus, it is essential to look for firm, straight stalks with tightly closed tips.

Snap off the woody stems or cut them with a sharp knife before cooking them.

Asparagus typically comes in three sizes: thin, medium, and thick.

In this recipe, I used a thick variety which takes 10 to 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

If you want to use thin asparagus, it typically takes 5-7 minutes to cook. For medium-sized asparagus, it usually takes 7-9 minutes.

Other than the asparagus, you will also need:

• Salt - Fine sea salt or table salt to season your asparagus.

• Freshly ground black pepper - It adds flavor and finishes the dish off perfectly. Adjust the amount to your taste.

• Oil - Lightly coat your asparagus spears with olive oil or melted butter for extra crispness.

Cooking Asparagus in Air Fryer

Cooking Asparagus in an Air Fryer is extremely easy.

However, to achieve the best results, you need to follow a few simple tips and steps:

Preheat your air fryer as you would do with your oven.

Most air fryers have a preheat button, but if yours doesn't have one, simply turn your air fryer to 195°C (380°F) for 5 minutes.

Rinse the asparagus and trim off or snap the woody ends.

Place the asparagus in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not touching each other.

Lightly spray the asparagus with olive oil, and sprinkle on salt and pepper.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the asparagus halfway through cooking.

Remove the asparagus from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Top Tips From the Chef

• Before cooking, wash the asparagus and trim the ends. You can snap them off or cut them with a knife, depending on your preference.

• The size of the asparagus can affect the cooking time. Thicker asparagus will take longer to cook than thinner asparagus, so it's important to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

• Choosing asparagus spears that are uniform in size will ensure that they cook evenly.

• To prevent the asparagus from sticking to the basket, spray the basket with cooking spray before adding the asparagus.

• Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate around the asparagus evenly and helps them cook to perfection.

• Gently shake the air fryer basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking.

• Air Fryer Asparagus is best served immediately while it's still crispy and flavorful.

How Long to Cook Asparagus in an Air Fryer?

The cooking time for asparagus in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the stalks.

For thin asparagus, preheat the air fryer to 195°C (380°F) and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket every couple of minutes to ensure even cooking.

For medium asparagus, you will need 7-9 minutes, and for thick ones, 10-12 minutes.

Note that cooking times may vary based on the model and brand of your air fryer, so it's important to check the asparagus regularly to prevent overcooking or undercooking.

Flavor Variations

While this air fryer asparagus is a delicious side dish on its own with just some simple salt and pepper, there are a few other flavor options you can try:

• Lemon Garlic Asparagus - Toss the asparagus with minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and EVOO before air frying for a zesty and flavorful twist.

• Parmesan Asparagus - Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the cooked asparagus.

• Balsamic Glazed Asparagus - Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and tangy glaze.

• Spicy Asparagus - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the asparagus before air frying to spice them up!

• Sesame Ginger Asparagus - Whisk together soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and garlic powder in a bowl, then toss the asparagus in the mixture before air frying for an Asian-inspired flavor.

What to Serve with Air Fried Asparagus?

Air Fryer Asparagus is a versatile and flavorful side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.

Here are some serving ideas to try:

• Mediterranean Baked Salmon - Pair Air Fryer Asparagus with roasted salmon fillets for a delicious and nutritious dinner.

• Baked Chicken Leg Quarters - Serve Air Fryer Asparagus alongside baked chicken legs for a healthy and satisfying meal.

• Pasta - Toss Air Fryer Asparagus with cooked pasta and a light sauce for a quick and easy vegetarian meal.

• Russian Salad - Olivier Salad - Add Air Fryer Asparagus to your favorite salad for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.

• Steak Pie - Serve Air Fried Asparagus as a side dish to complement this quintessential British recipe.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage

Air Fryer Asparagus is best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to freeze air fryer asparagus, bear in mind that the texture and quality may not be as good after thawing and reheating.

Asparagus tends to become mushy and lose its crispiness when frozen and reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the asparagus back into the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and crispy.

However, it's worth noting that the texture may not be as crispy and the flavor may not be as vibrant after refrigeration, so it's always best to enjoy this dish right after cooking.

Recipe FAQS

Related Recipes

For more quick and easy air fryer recipes why not try:

Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.

I hope you enjoy the process of making this quick and easy Air Fryer Asparagus recipe as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂

Bon appétit! / Afiyet Olsun! 

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