I started making air fryer asparagus in our house a few years ago and since then my kids won’t eat it cooked any other way. My recipe is fast, delicious, and I make it all the time!
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Easy Asparagus in the Air Fryer
The first time I cooked air fryer asparagus, I did it for quickness. I already had dinner cooking and realized I didn’t have any vegetables ready. So I turned on my air fryer, threw the asparagus in and they were done cooking in just minutes! It was less than half the time my oven would take!
The funny part is that our kids were never a fan of asparagus, but with the Parmesan cheese and them looking nice and roasted, both kids tried them and liked them!
Now we make it a tradition for one of my kids to come with me to our local farm and pick out some asparagus to air fry.
They love it and I have way to get more veggies into their dinner.
And, if you love asparagus, try my recipes for air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus, air fryer frozen asparagus, and roasted carrots and asparagus!
Air Fryer Asparagus Ingredients
- Asparagus — fresh asparagus that’s bright green
- Olive oil
- Garlic salt
- Parmesan cheese — I use grated cheese, but shredded works great if you already have it on hand
- Pepper
How to Cook Asparagus in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees.
STEP TWO: Clean the asparagus with water and pat dry. Then, cut about 1-inch off the bottom of each spear and spritz or toss them in a large bowl with oil.
STEP THREE: Place the asparagus in the air fryer in a single layer and sprinkle it with garlic salt plus a bit of pepper to taste before adding Parmesan cheese on top.
STEP FOUR: Air fry the asparagus at 400 degrees F for 7-10 minutes and remove from the air fryer once tender, topping with a little more parmesan cheese.
Asparagus Air Fryer Tips
- Air fry the asparagus in a single layer for even cooking.
- Trim the bottoms enough so they fit easily in the air fryer — at least 1 inch off the bottom.
- Use fresh asparagus that is bright green with a moist bottom — woody ends means an older pack and I’ve found they don’t taste as great.
- Use consistently-sized spears. Always look for asparagus that is all thinner or thicker and never mixed. I’ve found they won’t cook evenly otherwise.
- They’re done when you can easily poke them with a fork. I like a little tenderness but not mushy.
- Add more parmesan cheese on top when serving for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Variations for Air Fry Asparagus
- Skip the parmesan cheese and just serve with a simple garlic salt and pepper. I do this when we don’t have any cheese on hand.
- Coat the asparagus in a little balsamic vinegar and soy sauce.
- Add some fresh lemon juice for an added fresh flavor.
- Use a store-bought seasoning. I like to use Balsamic & Roasted Onion Veggie Roaster Seasoning Blend to add a different flavor.
- Add some red pepper flakes to kick up the spice level.
- Try adding Italian seasoning and smoked paprika for some extra flavor.
- Cook the asparagus with bacon chunks for some added protein.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Asparagus
On a typical weeknight dinner, I serve this with either my pork loin, salmon, chicken thighs, or pork chops. I also serve it with alongside another side dish such as a salad, mashed potatoes or garlic bread.
In the warmer months, I’ve also found the flavor pairs up nicely with my london broil marinade, hot dogs, and brats.
Air Fryer ASparagus Recipe FAQs
How long to Cook Asparagus in the air fryer
Thinner stalks will cook in just 7 minutes while thicker spears will take a little longer to cook and may need up to 10 minutes in the air fryer.
Can You Cook Frozen Asparagus in the Air Fryer?
Yes! I’ve cooked the packaged frozen asparagus in the air fryer when the kids are asking for it and I can’t find it in stores.
Just cook it in a preheated air fryer at 390 degrees for about 8 to 13 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus.
How to Store Cooked Asparagus
If there are any leftovers, just reheat them in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 2 to 3 minutes. I find the air fryer helps them get crisp and roasted again.
More Easy Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Sliced Potatoes in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Baby Carrots
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Squash
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Easy Air Fryer Asparagus
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bundle asparagus
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 Tablespoon Parmesan cheese powdered or grated
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Clean asparagus and pat dry. Cut 1 inch off the bottom to take off the woody stems.
- Lay asparagus in a single layer in air fryer and spritz with oil.
- Sprinkle garlic salt evenly on top of asparagus. Season with pepper and then add a little Parmesan cheese across the top.
- Cook at 400 degrees for 7-10 minutes. Thinner asparagus may cook faster.
- Once asparagus is removed from the air fryer, add a little more Parmesan cheese to finish it off!
- Enjoy immediately.
Video
Notes
- Thinner stalks will cook in just 7 minutes.
- Thicker spears will take a little longer to cook and may need up to 10 minutes in the air fryer.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
This recipe looks amazing, and I can’t wait to make it!
Now I need to get an airfryer after seeing THIS recipe…it looks like perfection. Thank you!
Absolutely lovely! And so quick and easy. Thank you for posting. : )
I followed your directions and it came out great, thank you. I will try it over and over again.
Love this recipe. Easy and delicious! Make this all the time.