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!
If you've run out of oil or simply prefer not to use any, you can still make delicious asparagus in the air fryer. Just omit the oil from the recipe and cook it as directed. You can also rub the asparagus in melted butter or ghee in place of the olive oil.
Any brand or model of air fryer can be used. If using a basket style air fryer, you may have to work in batches if making the full 2 pounds of asparagus. Oven style air fryers generally can fit more food in at once.
I use both my Instant Pot Duo Crisp (basket) and Instant Omni Plus (oven). I am happy with air frying in them both and highly recommend them!
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
- Wash and dry the asparagus. Trim ½ to 1 inch off the end of the stalks.
- Preheat the air fryer (if your model requires doing so) to 400°F (204°C).
- 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.
- Air fry for 4-6 minutes, depending on thickness. Asparagus stalks will be bright green and slightly golden on the leaves when done.
- Squeeze juice of the lemon over asparagus before serving.
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.
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.
Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to give it a star rating and let me know what you thought in the comments! And follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for more delicious recipes!
Air Fryer Asparagus Spears
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs asparagus spears
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Wash and dry asparagus. Trim ½ to 1 inch off the end of the spears.
- Preheat the air fryer (if your model requires doing so) to 400°F (204°C).
- Rub asparagus with olive oil. 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.
- Air fry for 4-6 minutes, depending on thickness. Asparagus stalks will be bright green and turning slightly golden on the leaves when done. *It's not necessary to rotate the asparagus halfway through.
- Squeeze juice of the lemon over asparagus before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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Natalie
Quick and easy. And perfectly cooked. I'm going to give this a try.
Michael DiMaggio
This is the perfect side dish to almost any meal! I love how easy it was!
Andrea White
Such a fun way to make asparagus! Love it!
Addie
So quick and easy! Yum!
Jean
love Asparagus, this is super quick and delicious
Genevieve
I need to get an air-fryer stat! This asparagus looks delicious and easy to make!
Oscar
Loved using my air fryer for this recipe. The asparagus turned out so crispy on the outside just the way I like them. Making these again tomorrow.
Linda
Simply seasoned asparagus is the best! Love your air fryer asparagus, especially when the weather makes it hard to grill (my other fave way to cook asparagus).
Marysa
This sounds like a great, quick recipe. I love how convenient it is to make in the air fryer!
Kayla DiMaggio
Such an easy side dish! This was so delicious and easy to prepare. Perfect as it is still 90 degrees here!
Amanda Dixon
This is such a great way to cook asparagus! I couldn't believe how quick it was, and I loved the fresh lemon to brightness things up.