Once you try this Air Fryer Asparagus recipe, you won’t want to go back to cooking asparagus any other way!We have been trying to find more ways to use our Air Fryers and this asparagus recipe is one that I have made so many times. You only need simple ingredients and this will become your new favorite way to make asparagus!
Recipe Ingredient Notes
To make our air fryer asparagus, you need the following ingredients:
- Fresh Asparagus Spears – we prefer fresh for this recipe. Make sure the spears in the bundle are around the same thickness.
- Non-stick Cooking Spray – Avocado oil spray works great for this recipe.
- Olive Oil – We used extra virgin olive oil.
- Garlic Salt – You could switch this out to garlic powder.
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you only need a few simple kitchen tools. We recommend using the following equipment:
How to Make Air Fryer Asparagus
- Trim Asparagus: Trim the hard ends off of the asparagus.
- Drizzle the asparagus with the olive oil and season with garlic salt, salt, and pepper as desired.
- Spray the bottom of the air fryer pan with non-stick cooking spray for easy clean up.
- Place the asparagus in a single layer in the bottom of the air fryer.
- Set the air fryer to 400℉ and set the timer for 8 minutes. If asparagus is thin, start checking for doneness at 6 minutes.
Recipe Modifications
- Add parmesan cheese
- Try using more/other spices like black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and everything but the bagel seasoning
- Use Avocado Oil instead of olive oil
- Dip in Hollandaise Sauce
- Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice or lemon zest
Frequently Asked Questions
To choose the best asparagus, look for stalks that are firm and straight, with tightly closed, compact tips, a bright green color, and avoid any that are limp, wilted, or have opened up tips; essentially, the spears should be able to stand upright and feel crisp to the touch.
The most likely reasons for not getting crispy asparagus are overcooking (the biggest culprit), crowding the basket which prevents proper air circulation, or not using enough oil to create a crisp texture.
No, you generally do not need to blanch asparagus before air frying it; simply trimming the woody ends is usually enough preparation, as the air fryer cooks quickly and evenly, allowing for tender results without the extra step of blanching.
Yes! Here are some tips for cooking frozen asparagus in an air fryer:
Season: Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add garlic or onion powder.
Spread out: Spread the asparagus in an even layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook time: Cook time: Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes for thick asparagus spears, or 6–7 minutes for thin asparagus spears. Toss halfway through. The time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
Doneness: The asparagus is ready when it’s fork-tender but still slightly crisp.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- To Store. Refrigerate asparagus in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- To Reheat. Gently rewarm asparagus in the oven on a baking sheet at 350℉ or reheat in the air fryer.
Enjoy More Delicious Vegetable Side Dishes
Need the perfect compliment to your main dish? You’ll want to try these delicious side dishes. Browse our comprehensive collection of simple side dish recipes.
- Air Fryer Parmesan Broccoli
- Broiled Asparagus
- Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli
- Italian Peas
- Oven Roasted Parmesan Broccoli
- Oven Roasted Broccoli Steaks
- Parmesan Crusted Asparagus
- Panda Express Super Greens
Air Fryer Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- non-stick cooking spray
- garlic salt, to taste
- salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment
Instructions
- Trim the hard ends off of the asparagus.
- Drizzle the asparagus with the olive oil and season with garlic salt, salt, and pepper as desired.
- Spray the bottom of the air fryer pan with non-stick cooking spray for easy clean up.
- Place the asparagus in a single layer in the bottom of the air fryer.
- Set the air fryer to 400℉ and set the timer for 8 minutes. If asparagus is thin, start checking for doneness at 6 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review or a question in the comment section below the post.
I’m curious, do you actually use the Air Fry setting or do you use the Roast setting when using your Instapot?
If Air Frying in the instant pot, we use the Instant Pot Air Fryer lid. https://amzn.to/3hlarMu
Comes out perfectly crispy and tender-crisp in minutes—the easiest side dish!