Easy Air Fryer Asparagus

How to cook asparagus in air fryer!

Air fryer asparagus is so easy and delicious! You almost won’t believe it. I love this perfect roasted asparagus and grilled asparagus, but air fryer asparagus feels even easier and faster. I will definitely be cooking asparagus in the air fryer more often now that I know how well it works!

Asparagus is such a healthy snack, appetizer, or side dish. It is low in calories, low carb, and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Asparagus is usually available year-round, but peak season is in the spring around April.

How to store asparagus

When you bring asparagus home from the store, trim the bottoms, put the bands back on, and store the spears upright in a glass container or jar with about an inch of water. Loosely cover it with a plastic bag. Refrigerate for up to 4 days and change the water if it gets cloudy.

How long does it take to cook asparagus in the air fryer?

First of all, there’s no need to preheat an oven or grill, so that’s nice. You can use those for something else! One pound of asparagus only takes about 6 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Thinner asparagus will cook faster and take closer to 5 or 6 minutes, while thicker stalks may take closer to 8 to 10 minutes.

You will know when it is done because it will be aromatic, crisp-tender, and bright green. If you cook too long, the asparagus will be crispier, but also dried out, which is not ideal.

Air fryer asparagus seasonings

Many recipes call for more oil and it is fine if you want to use more, but it does still work really well with only 1 teaspoon. I don’t see a reason to use more! Avocado oil is my oil of choice for this recipe, but extra-virgin olive oil works well too.

Salt, pepper, and lemon wedges are my favorite way to serve this air fryer asparagus. Simple, but perfect seasoning and that touch of fresh-squeezed lemon juice adds such a bright, fresh flavor!

Feel free to add some extra flavor by seasoning the asparagus with your favorite herbs and spices! The Lemon-Tarragon Gremolata recipe from America’s Test Kitchen Air Fryer Perfection sounds like a delicious option…

• Lemon-Tarragon Gremolata – Combine 2 tablespoons minced fresh tarragon, 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, and 1 minced garlic clove. Serve over cooked asparagus.

Sprinkling some Parmesan over the cooked asparagus would also be a great option.

This air fryer asparagus recipe is a really great place to start though, whether you like to keep it simple or add your favorite flavors.

How to reheat air fryer asparagus

To reheat the asparagus, simply put it back in the air fryer for about 3 minutes. The air fryer is awesome for reheating because the food gets crisp and tastes fresh again.

Serve air fryer asparagus with…

• BBQ Chicken Kebabs
• Grilled Ranch Pork Chops
• Instant Pot Whole Chicken
• Honey Lime Glazed Salmon
• Cheese Stuffed Shells
• Blackened Chicken with Avocado Cream Sauce
• Balsamic Beef Kebabs
• Poor Man’s Lasagna
• Honey Garlic Meatballs

Check out more of our favorite air fryer recipes!

Easy Air Fryer Asparagus

Air fryer asparagus for the win! This is my go-to way to cook asparagus now. I love how easy, quick, and delicious it is.

4.89 / 5 ( 9 Reviews )

Print Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes minutes

Total Time: 11 minutes minutes

Serves: 4

Adjust Servings: 4

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus
• 1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper
• lemon wedges

Instructions

• Rinse asparagus and dry well. Holding the center and bottom of each spear, snap off the bottom and discard.
• Toss asparagus with oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl or pan. Transfer to air fryer basket.
• Cook at 400˚F/204˚C until tender and bright green, 6 to 8 minutes, tossing half way through.
• Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Serve with lemon wedges. (For more bright flavor, top with gremolata.)

Recipe Notes

Lemon-Tarragon Gremolata: Combine 2 tablespoons minced fresh tarragon, 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 1 minced garlic clove. Serve over cooked asparagus.

Nutrition

Calories: 32kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 75mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g

Recipe Source: America's Test Kitchen Air Fryer Perfection