Air Fryer Asparagus

Healthy, tasty, and easy to make air fryer asparagus! Look no further than this deliciously air fried asparagus recipe. We’re using simple, classic seasoning and just enough garlic to give these mighty green vegetables a huge flavor kick.

Air fryer Asparagus Recipe Details

• There’s plenty to love about asparagus. Technically a grass, we usually eat the asparagus plant’s tender, young shoots. Asparagus comes absolutely packed with crucial nutrients like vitamin B6, protein, and fiber.
• The naturally strong flavor of asparagus responds well to salty and sharp tastes. Think acids and salts. We’re seasoning our asparagus with salt, lemon pepper, and garlic as the main flavoring agents to complement, rather than obscure, the asparagus’ natural taste.
• By using an air fryer, we’ll be getting beautiful asparagus stalks that are crispy on the outside and oh so tender on the inside. None of that damp sogginess you can get from pan-frying. With the smaller amount of oil we need for an air fryer, you get all the benefits of using oil like taste and texture.
• Perhaps best of all, this convenient recipe is ready in only ten minutes. You can throw the asparagus in the air fryer while your main is finishing up on the stove or in the oven. Asparagus is a timeless classic when it comes to side dishes. Think of these delicious asparagus stalks served with a gorgeous Chicken Roast or Salmon Wellington.

Air Fryer Asparagus Ingredients

You’re going to need only a few simple ingredients.

• Asparagus
• Salt
• Lemon pepper
• Garlic
• Avocado oil or cooking oil spray

You don’t necessarily have to use avocado oil. We’ve chosen it because of its pleasant, slightly nutty flavor, and high levels of healthy fats. Extra virgin olive oil is a great substitute if you don’t have avocado oil handy.

How To Make Air Fryer Asparagus

• First, you’re going to trim your asparagus spears. One to two inches off the bottom of each spear ought to do the trick.

• Next, drizzle your avocado oil over them. Be careful not to use too much oil! Make sure the asparagus has a good dispersal of oil and even coverage.

• Next, mix in your pressed garlic. Be sure to get an even coating of the garlic on your asparagus.

• Finally, add your seasonings. Sprinkle lemon pepper and salt over the asparagus and toss, until each asparagus spear has a nice even coating of salt and pepper.

• The last thing you need to do is air fry the asparagus! Place your seasoned spears into the air fryer basket and cook on high - about 400 degrees F - for seven minutes.

Be sure to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you can’t get decent spacing to your asparagus in a single layer across the bottom of the basket, simply fry it in batches. An overcrowded basket will steam, rather than air fry, the asparagus, and while it will still be tasty it won’t have the texture we want from this recipe.

Air Fryer Asparagus Tips

• You want to choose the best asparagus you can get. Look for spears that are plump and firm. They should have tightly closed tips with a strong, green color. You don’t want asparagus with a faded color.
• Always trim the whitish pale bottoms of your asparagus before preparing. This part is tougher and chewier than the rest of the spear, and isn’t as appetizing.
• Ensure that your spears are evenly covered in oil before adding the rest of your seasoning. This allows the other seasonings to stick to the asparagus, and helps it to get the nice, crispy texture we want from this dish.

Add ins and Substitutions

There are a few ways you can alter this recipe or take it to the next level.

• Try adding parmesan cheese and lemon. The cheese adds a subtly sweet nutty flavor, while the lemon will bring fresh acidity. A simple teaspoon of lemon zest and about a tablespoon of lemon juice will be plenty for this recipe.
• You can use balsamic vinegar instead of garlic if you want. Balsamic has more tang and more acidity than garlic, and a natural sweetness to this acidity that will beautifully complement the asparagus.
• You could channel the classic Asian asparagus stir fry and pursue a sweet-and-salty flavor profile. Throw in some soy sauce and maple syrup to create a sticky-sweet Japanese-inspired take on air fryer asparagus.
• You could add some red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, or even toss your asparagus in hot sauce or Sriracha!

Asparagus FAQs

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