Super Easy Air Fryer Asparagus

Air Fryer Asparagus is one of the fastest ways to put fresh asparagus on the table. I like this method because it delivers the roasted flavor people love from oven-baked asparagus, but without heating the kitchen. With a light coating of olive oil and a simple garlic-and-onion seasoning blend, the spears cook up tender-crisp with lightly browned tips. It is a reliable side dish for busy weeknights, and it is also the kind of vegetable that even picky eaters tend to accept because the texture is not mushy or watery.

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

Air-fried asparagus

Air fryers open up an entirely new way to make healthy, convenient, and delicious food. These little machines give you all the crispiness of regular deep-frying without the fat and calories. While most people use air fryers to make dishes like wings and French fries, they are equally great for cooking veggies like asparagus.

Making asparagus in the air fryer is quick and easy, but best of all, it produces a side dish that even the most veggie-phobic kid will gobble up.

Fresh asparagus cooked in the air fryer is incredibly healthy! Asparagus is a great source of fiber, anti-inflammatory nutrients, and vitamins.

Air fried asparagus is low fat, low calorie, gluten free, paleo, vegan, low carb, and keto friendly. Wow!

Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you need:

• Fresh asparagus – Choose firm, vibrant stalks with tight tips for the best texture.
• Olive oil – Helps create a lightly roasted exterior and keeps the asparagus from drying out.
• Garlic powder – Adds savory flavor evenly across the spears.
• Onion powder – Adds mild sweetness and depth, complementing asparagus.
• Optional finishing ideas: Lemon wedges, grated parmesan, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Choosing asparagus for this air fryer recipe

There are several varieties of asparagus, and of course, you can find them in all different sizes. For this asparagus air fryer recipe, it is best to stick with standard green asparagus, which is the most common in supermarkets and the least expensive.

As for size, choose stalks about the size of your thumb. Not only do thicker asparagus stalks hold up better to the heat of an air fryer, but believe it or not, they are more tender!

However, don’t buy any asparagus that is limp or soft to the touch. The color should be vibrant and not dull. Look for a bundle of asparagus with stalks that are roughly the same size so they will cook evenly.

Preparing asparagus for cooking

One of the most common bits of kitchen wisdom is that if you gently bend an asparagus stalk, it will naturally break where it should. But is it true? Some culinary experts oppose stalk snapping, claiming it wastes too much of an expensive vegetable.

As an alternative, these professionals suggest trimming off just a half-inch or so from the end, then peeling the last inch or two of the stalk to remove only the tougher outer layer. In almost all restaurant kitchens, prep cooks simply slice off the ends of the stalks and don’t bother to peel. Choose the method that makes you the most comfortable.

Once trimmed, give the asparagus a quick rinse and dry thoroughly. If you have an oil spray, the easiest way to season the stalks is to lay them out on a cutting board, give them a spritz or two of olive oil, and then sprinkle on the seasonings.

You can then roll the asparagus back and forth on the board to ensure they have an even coating. If you don’t have an oil sprayer, put everything in a zip-top bag and shake well.

How to cook asparagus in an air fryer

1. Wash and dry the asparagus. 
2. Cut off the woody ends of the asparagus. 
3. Place the asparagus in a large bowl or zip-top bag. 
4. Add the olive oil and spices.

5. Mix and coat the asparagus evenly.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. 
7. Place the asparagus in the air fryer basket. 
8. Air fry at 350°F for 12 minutes, flipping the asparagus halfway through or shaking the basket.
9. Remove the asparagus from the air fryer basket and serve.

What to serve with air fried asparagus

Air fryer asparagus goes great with roast beef, honey baked ham, and seafood. Serve it with lemon to squeeze over it before enjoying.

Tips for cooking asparagus in the air fryer

• Keep your asparagus fresh by trimming the bottom and wrapping only the bottom with a moist paper towel. Keep in a loose plastic bag in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Asparagus is done when it is bright green and fork-tender. Don’t overcook, or the stalks may become mushy.
• Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus spears. Reduce the time for thinner ones and increase the time for thicker ones.

How to store and reheat leftovers

You can store the asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge and eat it within 24 hours.

Reheat leftover asparagus in your air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

Check out more of our air fryer recipes on YouTube!

Love asparagus? Try these recipes!

• Cheesy Asparagus Casserole
• Creamed Asparagus
• Oven Roasted Asparagus
• Parmesan Asparagus
• Parmesan Crusted Asparagus

Great roasted vegetable recipes

• Roasted Beets with Sour Cream
• Roasted Brussel Sprouts
• Roasted Red Potatoes

Looking for more air fryer vegetable recipes? Try these!

• Air Fryer Baked Potato
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
• Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Check out more of my vegetable side dish recipes and the best recipes for air fryer here on CopyKat!