Air Fryer Asparagus

Name: Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 pound asparagus; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper; 1/4 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese

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Air fryer asparagus is a quick and simple way to prepare this delicious veggie side. Asparagus is blended with olive oil, salt, and pepper then air fried to perfection and topped with freshly shredded parmesan cheese.

From learning how to cook asparagus in the air fryer to exploring a variety of seasoning ideas, you will be set to serve this vegetable side dish any night of the week. Plus, you can expect crispy asparagus from the air fryer every time! This is the perfect way to introduce asparagus for toddlers and young children.

The air fryer is a kitchen appliance that has easily become a go-to in our home. Air frying is a speedy cooking method that adds flavor and crunch to turn any vegetable into a family favorite.

It can also make many other great meal options. From Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp and Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu to Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders and Air Fryer Banana Chips, you’ll have to try them all.

We couldn’t wait to share this air fry asparagus because we know you’ll enjoy it as much as we do. It is quick, easy and kid friendly. Add this veggie recipe (along with all the others listed below) to your menus soon!

For more tasty vegetable recipes, check out Roasted Frozen Vegetables, Cheesy Green Bean Casserole, and Roasted Broccoli and Carrots.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

1 pound asparagus
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

How To Make

Wash the asparagus and trim the ends. To know where to cut them, bend a few spears and see where they snap.

Cut the rest of the asparagus to this same length.

Add the oil and spices

Place the asparagus on the baking tray. Add the oil, salt, and pepper.

Blend well with clean hands. If using an air fryer without a pan blend in a mixing bowl.

Air Fry

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Air fry for 5 minutes for crisp asparagus or add on 1-2 minutes for softer spears.

Serve hot topped with freshly shredded parmesan cheese.

What to Serve with Asparagus

Serve alongside pork such as Baked Pork Chops, Pork Roast Instant Pot, and Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast With Vegetables
Pair with beef like our Broiled Flank Steak, How To Cook Thin Steak, and Beef Tenderloin Recipe
Vegetable side dishes like Roasted Frozen Broccoli, Roasted Frozen Cauliflower and Sauteed Butternut Squash
Potato recipes such as Pan Fried Sliced Potatoes, Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, and Gluten Free Scalloped Potatoes
Serve with seafood entrees like Salmon Filets, Air Fry Frozen Fish Fillets, and Gluten Free Crab Cakes
Chicken dishes like our Broiled Chicken Breasts, Chicken Cutlet Sandwich and Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders

Seasoning Ideas

Asparagus in the air fryer can be served plain with salt and pepper or upgraded by sprinkling with freshly parmesan cheese (our personal favorite!).

These are a few other ingredients to consider adding to this recipe:

Balsamic vinegar
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Honey or agave
Red pepper flakes
Siracha or hot sauce
Terikayki or tamari sauce
Bacon bits

Frequently Asked Questions

How to trim asparagus?

Bend a few spears and see where they snap. Then, you can cut the remaining asparagus to this same length.

How long to cook asparagus in air fryer?

The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of the spears. For medium spears as shown, we suggest starting at a 5-minute cooking time. For thinner spears, cook for 2-3 minutes. For thicker spears, cook for 6-7 minutes.

Can I use frozen asparagus?

If you followed our step-by-step guide on How to Freeze Asparagus then grab the spears right from the freezer to use in this recipe.

How to store?

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

How to reheat?

Reheat by placing back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes or by microwaving in 20-second intervals.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Trimming asparagus helps to remove the tough ends that are difficult to chew. Plus, these tough ends take longer to cook that the spear tops.
Blend the oil, salt and pepper into the asparagus with clean hands or by tossing together with a pair of tongs.
If you prefer softer asparagus, increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. If you prefer extra crispy asparagus, decrease the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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