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Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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4 from 34 reviews

Crispy and tender Air Fryer Asparagus is a quick and healthy side dish made by seasoning fresh asparagus with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and pepper, then air frying to perfection. This method locks in vibrant color and flavor while keeping the spears slightly crisp.

Ingredients

Asparagus

  • 1 bunch (about 1 pound) fresh asparagus

Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prep the asparagus: Rinse the asparagus spears under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Snap off or trim the tough, woody ends of the asparagus and discard them to ensure a tender texture.
  2. Season: Place the asparagus in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with fine sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss well to coat the spears evenly with all the seasonings.
  3. Air fry: Arrange the seasoned asparagus in a mostly single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking. Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook the asparagus for 5 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure uniform crispness. Thin asparagus spears will take around 5 minutes, while thicker ones may require close to 8 minutes. The asparagus should be bright green and just tender when done.
  4. Finish and serve: Transfer the air-fried asparagus to a serving plate immediately. For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve while warm and enjoy this quick, delicious side dish.

Notes

  • Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your asparagus to avoid overcooking.
  • You can substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast the asparagus in the oven at 425°F for 10-12 minutes instead.
  • Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings such as smoked paprika or chili flakes for a different flavor profile.
  • Ensure the asparagus is in a mostly single layer for optimal air circulation and even cooking.