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Air Fryer Asparagus is the easy vegetable side dish your family will beg you to make again and again! Perfectly tender, irresistibly crispy, and ready in under 10 minutes, it doesn't get much better than this.
Looking for air fryer vegetable recipes? Don't miss my recipes for Air Fryer Zucchini Fries, Air Fryer Squash, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, and Air Fryer Corn on the Cob.
Kristen's Keys for Air Fryer Asparagus
While this recipe is easy, I have a couple of key things to remember to achieve crispy asparagus that is perfectly seasoned.
- Look for vibrant asparagus with firm stalks and closed tips. Any variety or color of asparagus will work in this air fryer asparagus recipe.
- Work in batches if needed. It is best to not overcrowd the basket of the air fryer, giving the asparagus room to crisp up and cook evenly.
- Size matters. How long it takes to air fry the asparagus will depend upon the width of the asparagus and how crispy you prefer the asparagus to be.
- Opt for kosher salt over iodized salt (table salt) to enhance the flavor of the asparagus, rather than simply taste salty.
How to Air Fry Asparagus
Let's walk through the simple process of making asparagus in the air fryer.
- Prepare Asparagus. Wash and dry the asparagus. Make quick work of trimming the asparagus, by holding one piece from both ends and gently bend the stalk. It will snap right at the portion of the stalk that needs removal. Use the one stalk as a guide as to where to cut the remaining bunch.
- Season Asparagus. Place the asparagus into the basket of the air fryer. Drizzle the asparagus with oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat and then spread the seasoned asparagus out in a thin layer in the air fryer. It is okay if some spears overlap each other a tiny bit, you just don't want much overlap.
- Air Fry Asparagus. Air fry at 400℉ for 4 minutes, remove the basket flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes. If needed, continue to cook in 1-minute intervals until it reaches your preferred texture/doneness.
Recipe Variations
- Swap Out the Salt: Swap the kosher salt for homemade seasoned salt or adobo seasoning.
- Add More Flavor: Along with the kosher salt, add crushed black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, etc.
- Finish the Lemon: Add the zest and juice of a lemon to the air fried asparagus for a bright acidic finish.
- Add Parmesan: Grate fresh parmesan cheese over the asparagus after it has been air-fried.
- No Air Fryer? Ty my oven roasted asparagus recipe.
More Favorite Air Fryer Recipes
Bonus, the following air fryer recipes all pair beautifully with this asparagus to make a delicious (and easy) meal!
Air Fryer Asparagus
Using just 3 simple ingredients, Air Fryer Asparagus delivers ultra crispy, perfectly tender asparagus in just 10 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, any variety
- ½ teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, or olive oil spray
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry 1 pound asparagus. To trim the woody bottom of the asparagus, hold one spear on either end and gently bend it in half. The stalk will snap naturally where the asparagus needs to be trimmed. Use that spear as a guide to where to cut the remaining asparagus.
- If required per your air fryer model, preheat to 400℉ (200℃).
- Toss the trimmed asparagus with ½ teaspoon extra virgin olive oil and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Spread out the seasoned asparagus in a thin layer in the air fryer. It is okay if some spears overlap each other a tiny bit, but you don't want significant overlap.
- Place the basket or tray into the air fryer and set to air fry at 400℉ (200℃) for 4 minutes. Remove the basket or tray and give the asparagus a shake. Return to the air fryer and continue to air fry for 2 minutes. If the asparagus has not reached the level of doneness/crispiness you prefer, continue to cook in 1-minute intervals, shaking between each interval.
- Season with additional salt if needed and serve immediately.
Equipment
Notes
Storage: Allow the asparagus to cool slightly and place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat the asparagus, place it into the air fryer for 3-4 minutes, at 380℉.
If using a smaller air fryer: You may need to work in batches to allow the asparagus to be evenly spaced. Keep the first batch in the oven at 200℉ while the other batch cooks up.
Nutrition
Calories: 27kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 293mgPotassium: 229mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 857IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe?Mention @amindfullmom or tag #amindfullmom!
Super easy to make and tasted delicious! Will surely make this again, Thanks a lot for sharing this asparagus recipe! Highly recommended!
This has become our new favorite way of cooking asparagus. So easy, so fast, and so delicious. Thanks for the great recipe.
This is currently our favorite way to cook asparagus! So fast and delicious!
I loved this easy recipe!
So happy to hear that Diana.
This was so delicious and the PERFECT way to make asparagus. My kids even said that it didn't stink like when I roast in the oven lol! Tasted delicious. We're looking forward to having this side dish again soon. Thanks for such a yummy recipe!
HA! My kids said the same thing about the smell. So happy to hear you all enjoyed the asparagus.