This Air Fryer Asparagus is crispy and addicting. It’s an easy and quick side dish that pairs well with almost any healthy meal!
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Here’s the deal. I’ve had my air fryer for a long time now. I think I got it for Christmas 2019? But this is my first air fryer recipe I’m publishing on Happy Healthy Mama. What took so long?
I wanted to love it right off the bat, but I just didn’t. The first recipes I tried were so so. I didn’t see the advantage to air frying versus just using my oven. I love roasted vegetables like Roasted Broccoli, Simply Roasted Cauliflower, and Balsamic Roasted Vegetables and didn’t see how an air fryer would make them better.
I considered getting rid of my air fryer, but found myself using it a lot for reheating food since we don’t have a microwave and it takes less time than the oven, so I kept it. It does a great job of reheating food and not making it soggy like a microwave can!
Eventually, I started experimenting more and more and creating recipes I loved. I think what helped is finally realizing that the air fryer is best for either one main course or a small side dish. You can’t cook a whole meal in the air fryer like you do the Crockpot or even the Instant Pot. I’m finding more and more foods I love in the air fryer now!
Today I’m sharing a new personal favorite side dish: Air Fryer Asparagus. It’s quick, easy, and delicious!
All you need is a few simple ingredients. The end result is tasty, crispy asparagus. They’re like asparagus fries! Even if you’re not the biggest fan of asparagus, I think this recipe will change your mind. I even ate these as a snack. My whole family gobbles it up in minutes!
Air frying is my new favorite way to eat asparagus. Whatever you have planned for dinner tonight, this needs to be a part of the plan. I hope you love this recipe as much as we do!
Recipe Ingredients-What You Need
You only need 6 ingredients to make this air-fryer asparagus recipe. It’s a tasty and simple way to eat more vegetables!
Asparagus
Asparagus is a highly nutritious vegetable that makes a great side dish to almost any healthy dinner. It’s a great source of antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation. Fresh asparagus works best for this recipe which you should be able to find in your local grocery store this time of year. Seasoned and air fried, it’s incredibly tasty and one of my favorite air fryer recipes!
Avocado Oil Spray
Unlike deep frying, air frying requires much less oil. For this recipe, avocado oil spray is the best way to produce a crispy final result. Avocado oil has the highest smoke point compared to other oils such as olive oil which is why I use it to air fry. You need just enough to coat the asparagus all around. You can also coat the asparagus in regular avocado oil if you don’t have the cooking spray.
Salt
Just a little bit adds the perfect amount of saltiness making it SO addicting and one of my favorite side dishes!
Black Pepper
Black pepper is one of the few essential spices that gives this crispy asparagus the best flavor.
Garlic Powder
A little garlic powder brings this crispy air fryer asparagus to the next level. Half a teaspoon is all you need to bring this recipe from good to great. Feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover!
Lemon Zest
I have a recipe for Baked Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan Cheese. I loved the lemony flavor so much in that recipe, that I had to add some to this air fryer roasted asparagus recipe as well! Lemon zest is a great way to add that citrusy, lemony flavor making this asparagus irresistible! (Pro tip: Garnish with some lemon wedges which you can use to squeeze a little lemon juice over your asparagus. It’s delicious!)
How To Make Air Fryer Asparagus
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Using a sharp knife, trim the ends off the asparagus.
- Place your trimmed asparagus in a large bowl and spray with cooking oil so it is coated all around.
- Add the salt, garlic powder, and pepper and toss to evenly coat.
- Place in a single layer in the air fryer and air fry for 7 minutes, turning or changing position of the trays at the 3 1/2 minute mark. If yours has an air fryer basket, simply toss the asparagus half way through for even cooking and crisping.
- Place on a serving platter, top with lemon zest, and garnish with some lemon wedges if you’d like. Enjoy!
FAQS
Can I use a different type of oil?
Avocado oil has the highest smoke point which is why I use it when air frying. I would not recommend using a different type of oil such as olive oil as it will most likely result in a burnt flavor. If you don’t have the spray, you can use regular avocado oil. You need just enough to coat the asparagus.
What should I serve with this air fried asparagus?
Pan Fried Salmon and Baked Bone In Chicken Breasts would both pair well with this asparagus. You can really serve this delicious side dish with almost any meal!
Can you eat asparagus spears?
Yes! You can eat the whole asparagus stalks after you trim the woody ends.
How will I know if the asparagus is finished cooking?
The asparagus should be done cooking after 7 minutes. The end result should be tender asparagus that’s crispy on the outside.
How many servings is this recipe?
This recipe makes enough for my family (my husband, two kids, and myself). You can double it, but you won’t be able to fit all the asparagus in the air fryer at once.
How should I store leftovers?
In the rare case you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
How should I reheat the asparagus?
You can reheat the asparagus in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for just a few minutes or until it’s warm and crispy again.
More easy side dish recipes for you to try:
If you love this easy air fryer asparagus and are looking for some other easy recipes to pair with just about any meal, I think you’ll enjoy some of my other easy vegetable side dish recipes!
If you try this simple Air Fryer Asparagus recipe or any of my other healthy recipes, please share it on Instagram and I’ll feature you! Also, if you try it, please leave a comment with a star rating below! Those star ratings are so helpful in helping my recipes get discovered. I appreciate you!
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Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This is the easiest asparagus recipe ever and the results are DELICIOUS!
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed (about 1 pound)
- avocado oil spray
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- zest from 1/2 large lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Place the asparagus in a large bowl and spray with cooking oil so it is coated all around.
- Add the salt, garlic powder, and pepper and toss to evenly coat.
- Place in a single layer in the air fryer and air fry for 7 minutes*, turning or changing position of the trays half way through the cooking time, or tossing the asparagus if you have a basket style air fryer.
- Top with lemon zest and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
I have the Instant Vortex Plus air fryer, but whatever type you have will work with this recipe.
*The cooking time can vary based on how thick your asparagus is. Watch it closely, especially if you are using thin spears.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: side dish recipes
- Method: air fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 56
- Sugar: 2.2 g
- Sodium: 293.3 mg
- Fat: 3.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 2.6 g
- Protein: 2.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
I absolutely love this air fryer asparagus recipe! It’s so easy to make and brings out the best flavors of the asparagus. The crispy texture and vibrant color make it a perfect side dish for any meal. Plus, using the air fryer significantly cuts down on cooking time while still delivering that delicious roasted taste. I can’t wait to try adding different seasonings for extra flavor!
Air Fryer Asparagus is a great choice! The simplicity and convenience of the preparation, along with the great taste and just the right amount of crunch, make this dish the perfect side dish for any meal. The bright green color of the asparagus while having a slightly charred exterior really brings out its natural flavor. If you want a quick, delicious, and nutritious dish, air fryer asparagus is definitely a must-try.
I am forever indebted to you for your unwavering presence, understanding, and support.
This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds
It’s amazing, this is the dish I will cook for my family.
I totally get your hesitation with the air fryer. I was skeptical too until I tried this asparagus recipe it is a game changer. The crispiness and flavor are unmatched. Have you attempted other veggies in it? Id suggest giving them a shot.
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It’s so yummy! I try to cook
Great idea with the Air fryer!