Air Fryer Asparagus

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This air fryer asparagus recipe is how you get spring greens on a plate – super easy! The spears become perfectly tender and crisp in less than 10 minutes. Can’t beat that!

A plate of air fryer asparagus
Photo: Gayle McLeod

Is it just me, or does a bundle of fresh asparagus get you excited for the spring season? I love vibrant veggies recipes and if you do too, next time you’re at the market make sure to grab a bundle to make either my roasted asparagus or this air fryer asparagus. Lately, I’ve been choosing the latter for tender-crisp spears that are done in under 10 minutes!

Air fryer asparagus makes for the perfect side dish, and I love to serve it alongside herb baked salmon on a spring weeknight. But this would also be a delicious vegetable side dish for your Easter spread. Just don’t forget to make a pitcher of lavender lemonade to sip on for both occasions.

Ingredients for air fryer asparagus

Air Fryer Asparagus Ingredients

As we’re in the thick of asparagus season, it’s the perfect time to grab a fresh bundle! And to let the veggie shine, I’m keeping the seasoning minimal. Here is what you’ll need.

  • Asparagus: Depending on what’s in season at your local market, you can find spears of different shapes and colors. This recipe works great for all kinds, but today I’m using medium-sized green spears.
  • Seasoning: A simple combination of garlic, salt, and pepper is all you need to properly season the asparagus. But don’t forget to squeeze fresh lemon juice at the end. It makes all the difference!

Find the printable recipe with measurements below

How To Make Air Fryer Asparagus

I’m using the Ninja Max Air Fryer, but most air fryers should have a similar cooking temperature and time. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll be good to go!

Toss asparagus. In a small baking dish or sheet pan, toss the asparagus with the oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Prepping air fryer asparagus

Air frying time. Transfer the asparagus to the air fryer basket and cook for 6 to 8 minutes at 390°F (200°C). No need to preheat! If you have thinner spears, cook for 4 to 5 minutes. The spears should be tender with lightly browned edges.

A basket of cooked air fryer asparagus

Helpful tip: If you’ve a bigger bundle of asparagus that doesn’t fit in one even layer, cook your asparagus in 2 batches! A less crowded basket will ensure even cooking.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice. This will help brighten up the dish! You could also sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for a little kick of heat.

Adding asparagus into air fryer basket

Storage Tips

Any leftover asparagus will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days if stored in an airtight container. 

To reheat, you could pop them back in the air fryer or microwave for 30 seconds or so, until warmed through.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Looking for more air fryer recipes? Check out these easy main dishes that are reader favorites:

I hope your air fryer asparagus turns out perfectly with this recipe! Once you make it, let me know your thoughts in the comment box below.

Air fryer asparagus on a plate

Air Fryer Asparagus

4 from 1 vote
Prep: 3 minutes
Cook: 7 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Lisa Bryan

Description

This air fryer asparagus recipe is the perfect spring side dish! The spears become perfectly tender, crisp, and so delicious.

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 pound asparagus, woody ends trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • fresh lemon for garnish

Instructions 

  • Toss together. In a small baking dish or sheet pan, toss the asparagus, oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
    Coating air fryer asparagus with seasoning
  • Air fry the asparagus. Transfer the asparagus to the basket of an air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches as you want a single layer. Set the temperature to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 4 to 5 minutes for thinner spears, and 6 to 8 minutes for thicker spears.
    Air frying asparagus
  • Fresh lemon juice. Before serving, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top.
    A white plate of air fryer asparagus

Lisa’s Tips

Nutrition

Calories: 56kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 584mg | Potassium: 237mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 858IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2mg
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air Fryer Asparagus, Air Fryer Recipes, Asparagus Recipe
Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!

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About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

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Recipe Rating




2 Comments

  1. Absolutely delicious! I followed the recipe almost to a T :-)
    I did however use less oil and the salt seemed too much so I only used maybe 1/3 to a 1/2 of the recipe recommendation.
    Super delicious with a squeeze of lemon at the end, yumm x
    (my amount of asparagus was probably less than the recipe called for)4 stars