Air Fryer Asparagus Parmesan

When you're in need of a simple yet comforting vegetable recipe for your dinner, and even holiday gathering, roasted asparagus is always a wonderful choice. It has a quick cook time and can be prepared in a variety of ways. From bacon wrapped asparagus to tossing it with pasta or simply enjoying it as a basic salt and peppered side, asparagus is a versatile vegetable with a slightly sweet flavor and a little bit of bitter undertones.

First I coat the asparagus spears lightly in olive oil and season them with pepper and garlic powder. I sprinkle on lots of parmesan cheese to create a tasty garlic parmesan crust and air fry til the asparagus is bright green and the cheese turns golden brown. It's delicious, simple, and there is barely any effort put into it!

I think my air fried garlic parmesan asparagus will become one of your new favorites!

• Fresh asparagus spears: for the most flavor and best crunch factor, canned or frozen asparagus should be avoided. While green is the most popular and widely available, white or purple asparagus can be used.
• Grated parmesan cheese: substitute with shredded parmesan cheese if desired.
• Garlic powder: substitute with a teaspoon of minced garlic per teaspoon garlic powder if you prefer a more garlicky taste.
• Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil in most of recipes, but your favorite oil is fine to use.
• Black pepper: the warm and spicy flavor of black pepper counters the slight bitterness that asparagus can have. You can substitute with crushed black peppercorns for a little more kick.

How To Pick Ripe Asparagus

Pick asparagus with stalks that are firm and plump. While you can use white, green, or purple asparagus, make sure the color is bright and not faded. The tips, or buds, should be tightly closed and dry. If the buds are open and slimy, the asparagus is past its prime. The thickness of the asparagus is up to you- thin or thick asparagus will work for this recipe.

How To Prepare Asparagus For Cooking

To prepare fresh asparagus for cooking, rinse the spears under cool water. Break off about ½ to 1 inch of the ends, where the asparagus is beginning to turn to white or gray. There is no need to use a knife- asparagus easily breaks when bent.

1. Prepare the asparagus by washing and drying it, and trimming ½ to 1 inch off the end of the spears. Preheat your air fryer (if your model requires doing so) to 400°F (204°C).
2. Rub the spears with the olive oil and place on parchment paper that has been cut to fit your air fryer. Sprinkle with desired amount of pepper, the garlic powder and parmesan cheese. Transfer to the air fryer basket or tray.
3. Air fry for 4-6 minutes. The asparagus will be bright green and the parmesan cheese beginning to turn golden brown when done. *It's not necessary to rotate the asparagus halfway through. Remove from the air fryer when done and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

How To Store Air Fried Asparagus

Store: keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. Asparagus will lose its crunch when stored for later use.

Reheat: put in the toaster or air fryer for 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, put on a baking sheet and warm in the oven.