Quick and Easy Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
If there's one thing I adore about spring and summer, it's the abundance of fresh vegetables available at the grocery store. Among my favorites is asparagus. This versatile green vegetable can be prepared in various ways, but my absolute favorite method is using the air fryer.
I'm excited to share with you my quick and easy air fryer asparagus recipe, which takes just 11 minutes from start to finish. This recipe results in asparagus that's perfectly crunchy and crispy, making it the perfect side dish for any meal. Plus, it's vegan, gluten-free, and incredibly light and bright—perfect for the warmer months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are. Here's what you'll need:
1 bunch of asparagus
1 lemon, zested
1 teaspoon avocado oil or olive oil
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
These basic ingredients come together to create a dish that's both flavorful and healthy. The lemon zest adds a refreshing brightness, while the garlic powder, salt, and pepper enhance the natural taste of the asparagus.
How to Prepare the Asparagus
Prepping asparagus is straightforward and quick. Here’s how to do it:
Wash the Asparagus: Start by washing the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. This ensures you're cooking with clean, fresh asparagus.
Trim the Asparagus Tips: The bottom 2 inches of the asparagus stalks tends to have tough and woody ends. Using a sharp knife, remove these ends to ensure you're left with only the tender, edible parts of the asparagus.
Season the Asparagus: Place the asparagus in the air fryer. Add the oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the asparagus to coat it evenly with the seasoning and ensure the asparagus is in a single layer.
Add the Lemon Zest: Finally, wash your lemon and zest it using a citrus zester. Add as much or as little zest as you prefer for a burst of citrusy brightness. Now your asparagus is ready for the air fryer!
Why Use an Air Fryer?
Using an air fryer for cooking asparagus is my new favorite way. It cooks the asparagus evenly and quickly, giving you crisp stalks without the need for much oil. This method is healthier than traditional roasting, which often requires more oil for even cooking. Plus, it saves you time—an air fryer can cook asparagus in just 6 minutes!
Cooking the Asparagus
How Long Should You Cook Asparagus in the Air Fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees f (200°C). Once it's ready, place the seasoned asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry the asparagus for 6 minutes. This cooking time is perfect for achieving that ideal crispy texture without overcooking the asparagus.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Asparagus
Single Layer: Ensure the asparagus is in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This promotes even cooking and prevents some pieces from becoming soggy while others remain undercooked.
Shake Halfway: For more even cooking, shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This redistributes the asparagus and helps them cook uniformly.
Why I Like This Recipe
There are so many reasons why this air fryer asparagus recipe has become a staple in my kitchen:
Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 11 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy side dish in a pinch.
Crunchy and Crispy: Unlike boiled or steamed asparagus, which can sometimes turn out wilted and unappetizing, air-fried asparagus is delightfully crispy.
Healthy and Light: This recipe is both vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. It's also low in calories, perfect for those mindful of their daily values.
Versatile Side Dish: This asparagus pairs well with many main courses, from air fryer salmon to chicken cutlets, making it one of my personal favorite side dishes.
Other Ingredients You Could Add
This basic recipe is delicious on its own, but you can easily customize it to suit your tastes:
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus before cooking for an extra layer of flavor. I recommend using between ¼ cup to ⅓ cup.
Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. This adds a spicy kick that's absolutely delicious.
How to Store Leftover Asparagus
If you have any leftover asparagus, store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat the asparagus in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2 minutes, or in a skillet for a couple of minutes. You can also use the microwave for about 60 seconds, though this might make the asparagus a bit wilted.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Asparagus
Leftover asparagus can be incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:
Scrambled Eggs: Chop the asparagus into 2-inch pieces and add them to scrambled eggs for a nutritious breakfast.
Pasta Dishes: Incorporate the leftover asparagus into your favorite pasta dishes for added texture and flavor.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Asparagus
Wondering what main courses pair well with this air fryer asparagus? Here are a few of my favorites:
Air Fryer Salmon: The crispy asparagus complements the tender, flaky salmon perfectly.
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets: A classic pairing that makes for a complete, balanced meal.
Salmon Teriyaki Bowl: The fresh, bright flavors of the asparagus are a great match for the rich teriyaki salmon.
Product Recommendations
To make this recipe even easier, here are a couple of products I highly recommend:
Citrus Zester: This zester makes it simple to add fresh lemon zest to your dishes.
Air Fryer: A reliable air fryer is essential for this recipe. This one is my personal favorite.
FAQ
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Absolutely! You can ditch the oil entirely for a lighter option. However, keep in mind that the asparagus won't be quite as crispy without a little oil to help it brown.
If you're looking to use less oil but still want some crispness, try using a minimal amount of oil or a light coating of cooking spray. This is a great option for those watching their calorie intake.
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Nope! This recipe is all about minimal prep. You can toss the asparagus directly in your air fryer basket with the oil and seasonings.
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Leftover cooked asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Check out the recipe card above for reheating instructions.
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Absolutely! Asparagus is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It's also low in calories and fat.
Air fryer asparagus is an easy, quick, and healthy side dish that's perfect for any meal. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy deliciously crispy asparagus in minutes. Whether you're serving it with salmon, chicken, or incorporating it into other dishes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Air Fryer Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of asparagus
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil or olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Wash the asparagus under cold water.
- Remove the bottom 2 inches of the asparagus with a sharp knife.
- Add the asparagus to the air fryer, add the oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Shake well to coat the asparagus. Ensure it’s in a single layer.
- Finally, wash your lemon and use a citrus zester to zest the lemon. To do this, place the fine, sharp-edged holes on the citrus, push slightly and move the citrus side to side until the pith (white part). Add as much or as little as you want!
- Air fry the asparagus at 390 fahrenheit for 6 minutes.
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
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