This Air Fryer Asparagus recipe comes together with just 3 ingredients in just 10 minutes. It is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, low in fat, and one of the easiest, tastiest ways to enjoy asparagus.
Asparagus has to be one of my all-time favorite vegetables. Whether served in a frittata, in a chicken stir-fry, a vegetarian pasta, or simply roasted, seasonal asparagus is nutty, fresh, and cooks up extremely quickly.
But the easiest way to prepare this tasty veggie is to air fry it! And not only is Air Fryer Asparagus one of the easiest recipes, but it also happens to be one of the tastiest asparagus recipes as well.
Reasons to Love Air Fryer Asparagus
- Easy, Low-Fat Side Dish. Air Fryer Asparagus has the same crispy exterior as roasted asparagus, just made A LOT faster and with less oil.
- Amazing Texture. When air-fried, asparagus becomes tender on the inside and irresistibly crispy on the outside.
- Kid-Friendly Vegetable. Crispy, salty, and nutty, Air Fryer Asparagus is a simple, wholesome side dish that your entire family will beg you to make again and again.
- Pairs Well with Endless Entrees. Air Fryer Asparagus makes a delicious side dish for just about any meal, such as Chicken Marsala, Baked Salmon, or Balsamic Pork Tenderloin.
Notes on Ingredients and Equipment
- Asparagus: Look for vibrant asparagus with firm stalks and closed tips. Any variety or color of asparagus will work in this air fryer asparagus recipe.
- Oil: I recommend using a small bit of extra virgin olive oil or olive oil cooking spray which will help prevent the asparagus from sticking to the air fryer and allow it to crisp up beautifully.
- Seasonings: You need nothing more than kosher salt to season air fryer asparagus. However, you can opt to add crushed black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or even swap the kosher salt for seasoned salt or adobo seasoning if desired.
- Air Fryer: This recipe will work with any model air fryer you have. Keep in mind you may need to work in batches if you have a compact air fryer.
How to Air Fry Asparagus
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step One: Prepare Asparagus. Wash and dry the asparagus. You also want to remove the woody bottom of the asparagus, which is often fibrous, bitter, and unpleasant to eat.
Step Two: Season the 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. This will allow the asparagus to cook and crisp evenly. If needed, work in batches to air fry asparagus.
Step Three: Air Fryer Asparagus. 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. I suggest cooking for 4 minutes, shaking, and cooking for an additional 2 minutes at 400 degrees F. If needed, continue to cook in 1-minute intervals until it reaches your preferred texture/doneness.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Allow the asparagus to cool slightly and place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: To reheat the asparagus, it is best to place it into the air fryer for 3-4 minutes, at 380 degrees F. This will warm it up and allow it to get a crispy exterior again.
More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
- Air Fryer Potatoes
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Air Fryer Squash
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
If you enjoyed this recipe for Air Fryer Asparagus, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Air Fryer Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the 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℉.
- Toss the trimmed asparagus with oil and 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℉ for 4 minutes. Remove the basket or tray and give the asparagus a shake. Return to the air fryer and continue to air fry at 400℉ 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.
Allyssa
Super easy to make and tasted delicious! Will surely make this again, Thanks a lot for sharing this asparagus recipe! Highly recommended!
Beth
This has become our new favorite way of cooking asparagus. So easy, so fast, and so delicious. Thanks for the great recipe.
Anna
This is currently our favorite way to cook asparagus! So fast and delicious!
Diana
I loved this easy recipe!
Kristen Chidsey
So happy to hear that Diana.
Lisalia
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!
Kristen Chidsey
HA! My kids said the same thing about the smell. So happy to hear you all enjoyed the asparagus.