Air Fried Asparagus is made in only 5 minutes using just fresh asparagus spears and olive oil. It's incredibly easy, healthy and delicious, especially when asparagus is in season during the spring and summer. This simple way to cook asparagus can be used as a base for variations with different seasonings, herbs, and toppings, like cheesy parmesan crusted asparagus.
Air frying roasted vegetables is incredibly easy. 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. You can air fry almost anything you would bake in the oven. From baby potatoes to cherry tomatoes to fresh summer zucchini, the possibilities are endless, effortless and quicker than they are in the oven.
Table Of Contents
Why I Love Air Fried Asparagus
- Asparagus is a quick easy side dish that compliments many meals
- It's simplicity makes it perfect for serving with elaborate holiday dinners, too.
- 2 ingredients!
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.
How To Make Air Fried Asparagus
- 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.
Kristina's Tips
- 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.
- Thicker spears may need longer than 5 minutes, depending on how crisp you'd like them.
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.
Recipe FAQs
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!
Recipe
5-Minute Air Fried Asparagus
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs asparagus spears
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- salt to taste
- black 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
Natalie says
Quick and easy. And perfectly cooked. I'm going to give this a try.
Michael DiMaggio says
This is the perfect side dish to almost any meal! I love how easy it was!
Andrea White says
Such a fun way to make asparagus! Love it!