Air Fryer Asparagus

Lightly seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder, this tender-crisp Air Fryer Asparagus doesn’t need any fancy embellishments to make it shine. It’s a side dish or snack that’s quick, easy and satisfying!

Perfect to pair alongside my Smoky Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast, Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges and my simple Everyday Go-to Side Salad.

The Best Way to Cook Asparagus

With crispy tips and tender stalks, roasted asparagus remains a constant craving for everyone in my family. It’s one of those simple vegetable sides that goes well with literally every main course! And even though the oven does a great job of roasting those asparagus stalks, the Air Fryer does it faster – while still giving you the results you know and love.

In fact, I’ve found that the Air Fryer is even better at achieving that tender-crisp combo. Plus, ditching the oven prevents your house from heating up during the summertime! Once you follow this recipe, you’ll never want to cook asparagus another way.

What You’ll Need

All of my favorite recipes require just a handful of ingredients, and this one’s no exception. Be sure to refer to the recipe card that follows this post for the full amounts.

• Asparagus: Choose spears that look vibrant and feel firm to the touch. The stalks should be wrinkle-free and the tips should be tightly closed and dry looking.
• Olive Oil: Stick with the extra light kind or swap this out for another desired oil with a high smoke point.
• Garlic Powder: For depth of flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Feel free to use whatever ratio tastes best to you.

Should I Soak Asparagus Before Roasting?

No – there’s no need to soak your asparagus before you air-fry it. Just give it a quick rinse to remove any potential dirt or pesticides, then dry it off thoroughly.

How to Air Fry Asparagus

With the help of your trusty Air Fryer, you’ll have flawlessly roasted asparagus on the table in under 20 minutes. Let’s get started!

Preheat Air Fryer: If your Air Fryer requires preheating, heat it to 400°F.

Trim Asparagus: Trim the asparagus by removing the tough woody stems at the bottom of the stalks – they should snap right off when you bend the asparagus.

Season: Place the trimmed asparagus into a shallow dish or onto a large plate. Season it with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Cook: Line the asparagus up in a single layer in your Air Fryer basket. Cook the first batch for 6 minutes, then remove it and repeat until all of the asparagus is roasted.

Enjoy! Serve your air-fried asparagus warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Tips for Success

I’ve got a feeling that you’re going to nail this recipe on your first try. Put these tips into action and prove me right!

• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Even if your particular Air Fryer model doesn’t require preheating, it’s not a bad idea to do it anyway. This ensures that the asparagus won’t be lacking in the crispiness department. If there’s no preheat button on your machine, set the Air Fryer to 400°F a couple of minutes before you add in the asparagus.
• Work in Batches: Make sure your asparagus isn’t too crowded in the Air Fryer basket. This will make it come out less crispy. It’s always best to cook it in batches.
• Adjust the Cook Time Accordingly: If your asparagus stalks are significantly thicker or thinner than the standard size, you’ll probably have to tweak the cook time to get them just right. Try air-frying only a few stalks in your first batch as a sort of trial run to determine the ideal roasting time.

Flavor Variations

Want to get creative with how you season your asparagus? Here are some flavorings you can’t go wrong with.

• Parmesan Cheese
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning
• Fresh Oregano
• Onion Powder
• Italian Seasoning
• Honey or Maple Syrup
• Fresh Basil
• Cayenne Pepper
• Soy Sauce

Serving Suggestions

Every meal could benefit from a serving platter full of tender-crisp asparagus. These main courses make a particularly good match for the roasted veggies.

• Serve With Baked Salmon: Flavored with a smoky, herby spice rub, this flaky Roasted Salmon is a protein-packed entree that perfectly complements air-fried asparagus. Both dishes are done in less than 20 minutes!
• Pair With Tuscan Shrimp: Fresh veggies, pan-seared shrimp and a creamy white wine garlic sauce make this dish an instant family favorite. No one can say no to a meal that consists of Tuscan Shrimp and roasted asparagus.
• Serve With Quinoa Salad: This fresh and vibrant Mexican Quinoa Salad is a fail-proof vegan meal that even meat-eaters will swoon over. When it’s paired with a side of Air Fryer asparagus, you’ll be devouring dinner in record time.

How to Store and Reheat Extras

Store cooled asparagus in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Reheat the asparagus in a single layer in a 350°F Air Fryer for 2-3 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.

Can I Freeze Air Fryer Asparagus?

I don’t recommend freezing your roasted asparagus unless you plan to use it for something like soup or stew. This is because the freezing and thawing process will make the veggies get a little bit mushy. If you do decide to freeze your leftovers, place the cooled asparagus into a freezer-safe container or storage bag and freeze it for up to 4 months.

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More Easy Veggie Side Dish Ideas

• Homemade Baked Beans
• Mashed Cauliflower
• Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
• Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
• Healthy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

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