Air Fryer Asparagus

Air Fryer Asparagus is made in less than 10 minutes using fresh asparagus spears, salt, pepper, and an optional squeeze of lemon juice. It's incredibly healthy and delicious! This recipe can be used as a base for variations with different seasonings, herbs, and toppings.

Air frying roasted vegetables is incredibly easy- at the most basic, just rub with a little olive oil, sprinkle with your favorite seasonings, and you're done. Maybe layer on your favorite cheese, squeeze on a little lemon juice, or even wrap in bacon. There are so many ways to air fry vegetables! From baby potatoes to cherry tomatoes to fresh summer zucchini, the possibilities are endless.

We are keeping this air fryer asparagus recipe easy- just a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and an optional spritz of lemon juice. Sometimes less is more, so if you're looking to keep your asparagus simple yet still delicious, this is the way to go. The tangy flavor of roasted asparagus is enhanced with lemon juice and the most basic vegetable spices- salt and pepper.

Asparagus is an easy and healthy side dish that compliments many meals, especially steak, chicken and fish. It's simplicity makes it perfect for serving with elaborate holiday dinners of dressed turkey and sweet and savory mashed yams. Use this simple air fried asparagus recipe as the base for any variation you'd like. Make sure to check out my suggestions below for seasoning and add-on recommendations.

Ingredients

All you need is:

• Fresh asparagus spears: you can use canned asparagus but it won't be crispy crunchy!
• Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil, but use any neutral oil such as vegetable oil or canola oil.
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon juice: optional but encouraged!

Variations

Change up this basic recipe by adding one or more of these seasonings and toppings:

• Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, or asiago cheese
• Fresh minced or crushed garlic cloves
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Butter, dill and chives
• Make it spicy with cayenne pepper, cajun seasoning, or a dash of scotch bonnet powder
• Roast the asparagus over a layer of lemon slices
• Wrap it in bacon to make bacon wrapped asparagus!

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the asparagus. Trim ½ to 1 inch off the end of the stalks.
2. Preheat the air fryer (if your model requires doing so) to 400°F (204°C).
3. Rub the asparagus with olive oil and place into the air fryer basket or on the tray. Sprinkle with desired amount of salt and pepper. *You do not need parchment paper unless you prefer to use it for easy cleanup.
4. Air fry for 4-6 minutes, depending on thickness. Asparagus stalks will be bright green and slightly golden on the leaves when done.
5. Squeeze juice of the lemon over asparagus before serving.

Recipe Notes

• It's not necessary to flip the asparagus halfway through cooking.
• There is no need to line the air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper or foil. Only do so if you prefer it for easy cleanup.
• To prepare fresh asparagus, rinse under cool running water. Then snap about ½ to 1 inch of the ends off, where the asparagus begins to turn to white. There is no need to use a knife, as asparagus easily snaps apart when bent.

How To Store

Store in the fridge for 2-3 days. Note that asparagus will lose its crunch when not eaten immediately. Reheat it in the toaster or air fryer for 1-2 minutes.

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