Air Fryer Asparagus! This simple yet impressive method delivers perfectly crisp-tender asparagus in minutes, with minimal oil and maximum impact.
Enjoy the bright, earthy notes of the asparagus, accentuated by a touch of char and a delightful textural contrast. Air Fryer Asparagus is the ideal complement to any protein, and its ease of preparation makes it a weeknight hero.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and trim the asparagus, removing the woody ends (about 2-3 inches).
3. In a bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
4. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket.
5. Air fry for 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your asparagus. Check for doneness by piercing a thick spear with a fork – it should be tender-crisp.
6. For an extra crispy texture, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Remove the asparagus from the air fryer and serve immediately.
8. Optionally, top with grated Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Tips
- You can use a zip-top bag to toss the asparagus with the seasonings for easier coating.
- Thinner asparagus will cook faster than thicker spears. Start checking for doneness after 4-5 minutes for thin asparagus.
- Asparagus will continue to cook slightly after removing it from the air fryer, so err on the side of undercooking rather than overcooking.
- Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like Italian seasoning, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
Enjoy your delicious air-fried asparagus!