Easy Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Air Fryer Asparagus is an easy and healthy way to cook fresh asparagus. In just minutes, the asparagus spears become tender, juicy, and perfectly crisp. This simple air fryer vegetable side dish is a great beginner air fryer recipe.

Asparagus in the Air Fryer

The air fryer is such a great way to cook simple vegetable side dishes. You can make a very basic recipe, or get creative with spices and sauces!

Oven roasted vegetables are great, and I still use that method for larger batches of veggies. However, when I made my first batch of air fried asparagus I was sold! What a great way to cook veggies!

When cooking asparagus in the air fryer, you can make it as crisp as you like, and use a fraction of the oil. Another bonus is that you don't have to turn on your big oven for just one side dish.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Fresh Asparagus – Thin or medium stalks work best for air frying.
• Olive Oil – Just enough to help crisp the edges.
• Garlic Powder – Adds depth of flavor.
• Salt & Pepper – Season to your taste.
• Optional: Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Air Fried Asparagus

• After rinsing the asparagus, be sure to dry it with a paper towel.
• Only use as much oil as you need to give the asparagus a light coating. You can also use oil cooking spray.
• Season with a little salt & pepper, if you want.
• Don't crowd the air fryer basket or the asparagus won't crisp. Cook in two batches if you need to.
• Try to get asparagus spears that are all the same size (thickness), or close, as they will all cook to the same tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

This asparagus goes beautifully with:
• Air fryer salmon or chicken thighs
• Pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo
• As a topping for grain bowls or salads

This post contains Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Still Looking For an Air Fryer?

There are several types of air fryers out there.
• The most common are the basket-in-front models, such as the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 6-Qt.
• The Ninja Foodi, which is a pressure cooker and air fryer multi-cooker. Ninja Foodi.
• There are now also lids for Instant Pots and other pressure cookers that will convert them into air fryers (I haven't tried one).

Delicious air fryer asparagus can be cooked as crisp as you like. in a shorter amount of time than in the oven.

More easy air fryer recipes:
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

If you make this easy air fried asparagus recipe, please leave me a comment below and let me know how you liked it!

5 from 1 vote

Print

Air Fryer Asparagus

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

7 mins

Preheat Air Fryer

5 mins

Total Time

17 mins

 

Air Fryer Asparagus is an easy and healthy way to cook asparagus. This simple air fryer vegetable side dish is a great beginner air fryer recipe.

Course: Vegetable Side Dish

Cuisine: American, International

Keyword: How to cook asparagus in the air fryer

Servings: 4

Calories: 27 kcal

Author: Sandy Clifton

Ingredients

• 1 lb Asparagus
• 1-2 teaspoons Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Pepper
• Lemon Wedges, optional

Instructions

1. Rinse and pat the asparagus dry.

2. Break off the ends where the woody part starts. They will break naturally at that point when you bend them.

3. Arrange in the air fryer basket in one layer. try not to crowd the spears as air needs to circulate around them.

4. Use a basting brush to apply a thin coating of olive oil to the spears. Pay special attention to the tips as they can dry out quickly!

5. Sprinkle the salt and pepper on the asparagus.

6. Preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 390° F.

7. Air fry at 390° F for 7 minutes*. You can shake the basket or flip the asparagus halfway through cook time, checking for doneness.

8. If you need to, cook the asparagus in more than one batch. This will depend on the size of your air fryer.

9. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately. Garnish with lemon, if desired.

Recipe Notes

*Thinner asparagus will take less time to cook, thicker asparagus will take a little longer.