This Air Fryer Asparagus recipe is a super simple vegetable side dish that pairs well with any entree. Fresh stalks of asparagus are quick and easy to cook in the Air Fryer, just add a beautifully savory mix of herbs and spices, a bit of olive oil, and finish with Parmesan. Or swap out the seasonings to change up the flavor–no matter what you’ll end up with a healthy, crispy, and tasty side!
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What’s in this Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe?
- Asparagus: You’ll need one bunch for this recipe. Make sure to trim off the woody ends of the stalks.
- Olive Oil: Helps the asparagus crisp up in the air fryer.
- Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper add so much flavor!
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and umami finish to the asparagus.
Notes From the Test Kitchen
To trim asparagus, grab a stalk with one hand at each end. Gently bend the asparagus spear; the woody end should naturally snap off. Keep in mind that the cooking time will vary based on thickness, so check on the asparagus often to prevent burning.
Variations on Asparagus in the Air Fryer
There are so many easy ways to change up the flavor of this asparagus to go with any meal!
- Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Make it Sweet: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
- Make it Umami: Top with bacon crumbles.
- Add Some Acid: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze.
- Asian-Inspired: Use sesame oil instead of olive oil, omit the Italian seasoning, and add a splash of soy sauce.
- Mexican-Inspired: Swap the Italian seasoning for taco seasoning and top with queso fresco.
- French-Inspired: Swap the Italian seasoning for herbs de Provence and finish with a pat of butter.
Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus (1 bunch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning store-bought or homemade
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges optional, for serving
Instructions
- Trim the ends of the asparagus.1 pound asparagus
- Toss the asparagus in olive oil and seasonings. Then, place in air fryer basket.1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Depending on the thickness of your asparagus, cooking time will vary. For thin: 5-7 minutes at 370°F. Thick: 7-10 minutes at 370°F.
- Asparagus is done when the edges are crispy and slightly browned.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the asparagus.2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Serve with lemon wedges.Lemon wedges
Becky’s Tips
- To trim asparagus, grab a stalk with one hand at each end. Gently bend the asparagus spear, and the woody end should naturally snap off.
- Feel free to change up the seasonings to suit your personal tastes.
- Cook time varies based on thickness, so check on the asparagus often to prevent burning.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer asparagus is the perfect accompaniment to just about any meal. Serve it alongside ribeye steaks, slow cooker brisket, or beef Wellington; Caesar chicken, oven fried chicken, or chicken parmesan; honey baked ham, pork tenderloin, or grilled pork chops; or garlic butter shrimp, caprese stuffed salmon, or cod fish tacos. And it’s the perfect side for Air Fryer meals too!
How to Make Air Fryer Asparagus Step by Step
Season the Asparagus: Trim the ends of 1 pound of asparagus. Toss the asparagus in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Then, place it in the air fryer basket.
Cook the Asparagus: Depending on the thickness of your asparagus, cooking time will vary. For thin: 5-7 minutes at 370°F. Thick: 7-10 minutes at 370°F. Asparagus is done when the edges are crispy and slightly browned.
Serve the Asparagus: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese over the asparagus. Serve with lemon wedges.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover air fryer asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F air fryer for 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness.
How to Freeze
Freeze air fried asparagus in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Asparagus most commonly is green, and some varieties are white and even purple. They can all be used interchangeably in this recipe.
To trim asparagus, grab a stalk with one hand at each end. Gently bend the asparagus spear, and the woody end should naturally snap off.
While you should definitely rinse your asparagus to clean off any dirt or residue, there’s no need to soak them before cooking. In fact, soaking them could make it more difficult for them to crisp up in the air fryer.
