Air Fryer Asparagus

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Air Fryer Asparagus

Are you tired of the same old steamed or roasted asparagus? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! Air fryer asparagus is a game-changer, delivering perfectly cooked and crispy spears in a fraction of the time. Not only does it save you precious minutes in the kitchen, but it also offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

I love to cook and eat asparagus but it has to be made just right. After purchasing an air fryer I found the perfect way to cook it. Evenly cooked and oh so delicious this Air Fryer Asparagus recipe has quickly become a favorite of mine.

If you are new to using an air fryer or if you have never tried to cook vegetables in one I hope this recipe will make you a fan.

Why use an air fryer?

Here are some reasons why air fryer asparagus should be your next go-to side dish:

1. Quick and Easy: With an air fryer, you can have deliciously crispy asparagus ready in just 10-12 minutes. No need to preheat the oven or wait for water to boil – simply toss your seasoned asparagus into the air fryer basket and let it do its magic.
2. Retains Nutrients: Air frying preserves more nutrients compared to boiling or deep-frying methods that often leach out vitamins and minerals. By cooking at high heat with minimal oil, you can enjoy all the health benefits of asparagus without sacrificing taste.
3. Crisp Texture: The beauty of using an air fryer lies in its ability to create that coveted crunch while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. You’ll experience a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and juicy interior of each bite.
4. Versatile Seasoning Options: Air fryers allow for endless seasoning possibilities! Whether you prefer classic garlic and lemon zest, tangy balsamic glaze, or spicy Cajun rubs, there’s a flavor profile for everyone’s palate. Experiment with different spices and sauces to find your favorite combination.

And I cannot say enough about how much more delicious food cooked in the air fryer tastes. If you want to taste pure heaven then give my air fryer bacon recipe a try. I can attest to the fact that it is the absolute best bacon I have ever had.

If you do not have an air fryer yet then I encourage you to look online on Amazon and read reviews. I purchased the air fryer made by Instapot and I love it.

Air Fryer Asparagus Ingredients

• Asparagus is the main ingredient in this side dish. If you have the opportunity to choose your own asparagus I advise choosing some that are not too thick. To me the thinner ones cook more evenly and are more flavorful

• I prefer to add some olive oil to the asparagus and lightly coat them prior to cooking. Olive oil adds flavor and allows the asparagus to become a bit crispy in just the right places.

• Seasonings truly are the flavor of life. I personally use garlic salt more than any other seasoning. The combination of salt and garlic mixed together is simply a winner. Typically I will also add a bit of ground black pepper to give this side dish a bit of kick.

• Freshly grated parmesan cheese sprinkled on top of the asparagus just add that extra bit of flavor and elevates this side dish. It is optional but I encourage you to give it a try.

How To Make Air Fryer Asparagus

• Prepare the asparagus by washing them thoroughly and trimming off the tough ends. You can do this by snapping off the woody bottoms or cutting about an inch from the bottom of each spear.
• I coat my asparagus in the oil, garlic salt, and pepper. I do this by placing all of the ingredients in a gallon sized ziploc bag. I seal the bag and then massage all of the ingredients together.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F. Preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) will ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Once the air fryer is heated open it up and place the asparagus in a single layer in the basket. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes for medium sized spears. Thinner spears will cook faster, and larger spears will take longer to cook. Open the air fryer at the half way point and turn the asparagus.
• Remove the air fryer basket once your asparagus is nicely roasted and tender. You can now choose to sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese for added richness, lemon zest for a tangy twist, or drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Using an air fryer is fairly simple. And making this air fryer asparagus recipe is one that I know you will be able to make with ease. That being said here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding this recipe.

How long do I cook asparagus for in the air fryer?

Place the asparagus into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stopping the cooking half way and turning the asparagus, then cooking the rest of the time. By turning the asparagus half way through the cooking process it allows for more even cooking within the air fryer.

The smaller the spears the less amount of time they will need to cook. Larger spears will require more time to cook all of the way through. By turning the asparagus at the half way point you are also able to look and see which asparagus spears may be close to being done. Feel free to remove those early and let the ones that need to be cooked longer continue to cook.

What temperature do you cook asparagus at?

I prefer to cook my asparagus at 400 degrees F. I find that this is warm enough to cook them all of the way through and still be a bit crispy.

How do you cook asparagus so it’s not mushy?

There is nothing worse than soggy vegetables. Asparagus look intimidating but trust me it is pretty easy to make. The secret for making perfect air fryer asparagus that is not mushy is to cook it at a high heat for a short period of time.

Can you put aluminum foil in the air fryer?

While I have not used aluminum foil in the air fryer it is possible to do. The purpose would be to create an easy clean up, and lets face it who doesn’t love that.

I personally use these air fryer liners when I want to create a mess free meal that has an easy clean up.

By lining the air fryer basket with these liners it prevents any juices or oils from penetrating onto the basket or underneath it. This results in an easy clean up because the basket does not need to be cleaned.

I always keep them on hand for the days where I am busy and pressed for time. The best part is that after I remove my food I can simply throw away the used liner and my cleanup is done.

Air Fryer Asparagus Tips and Tricks

Here are some tried and true tips and tricks when making air fryer asparagus. I hope that you find them useful in making this recipe and are able to use these ideas when making others. I hope that you are able to see how easy it is to cook in the air fryer and your creativity will take over.

• Coat the asparagus evenly in the oil, garlic salt, and pepper. I always use a gallon ziploc bag to my ingredients in. After cutting off the ends of the asparagus place them along with the oil, garlic salt, and pepper into the ziploc bag, seal the bag, and massage the ingredients together. This will evenly coat the asparagus to ensure perfect seasoning.

• When cooking in the air fryer it is best to lay ingredients in a single layer. This is especially true when it comes to vegetables. This ensures faster and more even cooking. Even though the asparagus is in a single layer make sure not to crowd the basket or the air will not circulate properly. This could result in uneven cooking.

Other Recipes to Try

Here are some other recipes for you to try that are oh so delicious.

Air Fryer Asparagus

Crispy, flavorful, and oh so delicious this Air Fryer Asparagus recipe is easy to make and will quickly become a staple in your home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Equipment

• 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients

  

• 1 Bunch of Asparagus
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Salt
• 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan

Instructions

 

• Prepare the asparagus by washing them thoroughly and trimming off the tough ends. You can do this by snapping off the woody bottoms or cutting about an inch from the bottom of each spear.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F. Preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) will ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• I coat my asparagus in the oil, garlic salt, and pepper. I do this by placing all of the ingredients in a gallon sized ziploc bag. I seal the bag and then massage all of the ingredients together.
• Once the air fryer is heated open it up and place the asparagus in a single layer in the basket. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes for medium sized spears. Thinner spears will cook faster, and larger spears will take longer to cook.

  Remove the air fryer basket once your asparagus is nicely roasted and tender. You can now choose to sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese for added richness, lemon zest for a tangy twist, or drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.

Keyword Air Fryer, Asparagus, Vegetable