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    You are here: Home » Air Fryer Recipes » Best Damn Air Fryer Asparagus

    Best Damn Air Fryer Asparagus

    Last Modified: October 12, 2024

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 23 reviews

    Looking for a quick and easy way to cook asparagus? This air fryer asparagus recipe uses just 6 simple ingredients to create a delicious side dish bursting with flavor. The air fryer works its magic, giving the asparagus a perfectly tender inside with that crisp, roasted texture on the outside.

    Air fryer asparagus

    Why Asparagus is My Air Fryer Go-To

    People often ask me what I cook most in my air fryer, and the answer is always asparagus. I used to steam it, which was fine, but never really hit the spot. Roasting asparagus in the oven is fantastic, but it takes more time than I often have. That’s why the air fryer has become my go-to. It cooks asparagus quickly and perfectly every time, giving it that delicious, slightly crispy texture without the wait.

    What Size Asparagus Should I Use?

    When it comes to asparagus, sizes can vary quite a bit, and that’s totally fine! For this recipe, I usually grab a standard bunch, which is about 1 pound. But depending on the season and where you’re shopping, you might find spears that are super thin, almost like a pencil, or thick ones closer to the width of your finger. The good news? No matter the size, the air fryer works its magic and cooks them to perfection, whether you’re working with delicate, tender spears or those heartier, thicker ones. Just follow the directions for approximate times.

    Ingredients for air fryer asparagus

    Ingredients

    • Asparagus: The star of the dish! Asparagus has a naturally deep and rich flavor, and in this recipe, we aim to enhance it without overpowering it.
    • Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up the asparagus and brings a perfect hint of acidity that complements its natural flavors.
    • Garlic Powder & Minced Garlic: Using both garlic powder and minced garlic helps layer the flavor. The powder ensures that every spear gets an even garlic coating, while the minced garlic provides little bursts of extra flavor without overwhelming the dish.
    • Kosher or Sea Salt: A coarse salt like kosher or sea salt adds texture and enhances the other seasonings. Use about ½ teaspoon, but feel free to adjust based on your preference.
    Best Damn Air Fryer Asparagus

    Preparation

    Start by trimming about 2 inches off the bottom of the asparagus—those tougher, woody ends that aren’t great to eat. Next, toss the spears into a large zip-top bag along with some olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, minced garlic, and a pinch of coarse salt. Seal the bag and give it a good shake, making sure the asparagus is evenly coated. That’s it! Your prep work is done, and it couldn’t be easier, right?

    How to Air Fry Asparagus to Perfection

    Cooking times will depend on the thickness of your asparagus spears. For thin asparagus, 5-6 minutes at 400°F usually does the trick. Thicker spears might need a little longer—closer to 7-8 minutes. Personally, I find that 7 minutes is the sweet spot for perfectly tender asparagus with a slight crisp.

    To cook, place the seasoned asparagus spears in a single layer in your air fryer basket or tray. Make sure they aren’t stacked to ensure even cooking. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for the appropriate time based on the size of your asparagus. About halfway through, use tongs to turn the spears for an even roast.

    Once the timer is up, your air-fried asparagus is ready to serve immediately—crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked!

    Serving Suggestions

    I like to serve the asparagus on a plate with some lemon wedges and some additional salt and pepper. Fresh course ground black pepper is awesome as a final touch. Some Parmesan cheese is also excellent when sprinkled on top.

    What Does Asparagus Go Well With?

    Asparagus is one of those sides that just works with so many meals. One of my favorite pairings is with salmon – it’s a classic combo. If you want to make the most out of your air fryer, try it with my Best Damn Air Fryer Salmon. It’s simple, quick, and full of flavor. Chicken breast is another winner with asparagus. My Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Breast has a super easy marinade that brings out awesome flavors, making it a great, healthy option to serve with your crispy asparagus.

    As I mentioned earlier, air frying is my favorite way to cook asparagus. For more great air fryer recipes, be sure to check out my full air fryer recipe collection.

    Perfectly roasted air fryer asparagus

    Storage and Reheating

    Store your cooked asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place the asparagus on a microwave plate with a damp paper towel covering it and microwave for about 20-30 seconds. It doesn’t take long so don’t go too far. It will be heated through very quickly.

    You can also place this asparagus in the air fryer at 400°(F) for a couple of minutes to heat it through. Again, it can heat quickly so keep a close eye on it. You won’t need to add any additional oil since this recipe already uses oil in the initial cooking process.

    Air fryer asparagus recipe
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    Recipe

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    Recipe for air fryer asparagus

    Best Damn Air Fryer Asparagus


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 23 reviews

    • Author: RecipeTeacher
    • Total Time: 12 min
    • Yield: 2-4 servings
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    With just 6 simple ingredients, this air fryer asparagus is roasted to perfection in about 7 minutes. Tender on the inside and that crisp snap on the outside. It’s the perfect way to roast your asparagus quickly to go with any meal.


    Ingredients

    • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1lb)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • Salt to taste (about ½ – 1 teaspoon)

    Instructions

    1. Cut woody ends from asparagus (about 2 inches).
    2. Place asparagus in a zip-top bag or in a bowl and coat well with all ingredients.
    3. Place asparagus in air fryer in a single layer and set to “air fry” setting at 400° (F) for 5-6 minutes for thin asparagus; 7-8 minutes for thick asparagus.
    4. Remove to a plate and enjoy.
    • Prep Time: 5 min
    • Cook Time: 7 min
    • Category: Vegetable
    • Method: Air Fryer
    • Cuisine: American

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    Comments

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      Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    1. Cheryl W. says

      March 12, 2025 at 3:56 pm

      This was pretty damn great asparagus, it will be my go to recipe from now on!

      Reply
    2. Cassandra says

      November 05, 2024 at 6:43 pm

      Awesome Asparagus … I have NEVER tasted anything like this in my life! It’s sooo delicious! Thank you for sharing this recipe!!

      Reply
    3. Pamela T says

      October 15, 2024 at 3:56 pm

      OMG!!!! My 1st time EVER making asparagus at home. The recipe was easy to follow and the result was DELICIOUS!!!!

      Reply
    4. sara bezile says

      October 01, 2024 at 11:49 am

      My family loves this recipe. Its easy to make and even the picky eaters in our family like it. My mom has heart problems and can’t have salt. This recipe is low in sodium and is a great option for her.

      Reply
    5. Tiffany Journey says

      July 09, 2024 at 9:33 pm

      I wasn’t an asparagus person until now!! This recipe made me love them!

      Reply
    6. CityGirl says

      June 29, 2024 at 2:29 pm

      So easy So fast So good! I make this at least once a week!

      Reply
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    Jason of Recipeteacher.com

    Hi, I’m Jason and i’m here to help you make easy, delicious homemade recipes. My approach is to provide the easy-to-understand instructions, use simple ingredients, and have you make the best meals possible.

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