This Air Fryer Asparagus might be the easiest recipe I’ve ever developed, and you know what? I’m not mad about it! Sometimes the simplest method truly is the best, and this crispy asparagus is proof of that. It takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish, and it’ll change the way you think about this sometimes polarizing veggie. Did you know asparagus takes 3 YEARS to fully mature so it looks and tastes the way you see it at the grocery store?! For that reason alone, let’s respect this ingredient, keep it simple, and truly let its flavor shine!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Asparagus
Here’s what you’ll need to make air fryer asparagus:
- Asparagus: I never have trouble finding a bunch at my local grocery store. However, prices can vary throughout the year, so take advantage of them while they are in season and sometimes on sale. Asparagus is in season during the spring and early summer from the end of March through late May or early June.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil helps keep the asparagus spears from burning. It also helps to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Seasoning: A mix of garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper adds just a touch of flavor that pairs well with just about any meal.
- Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (totally optional) adds a pop of freshness!
What Else Can I Add to Air Fryer Asparagus?
I love the simplicity of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, but feel free to get creative. Try:
- Cajun Seasoning
- Ranch Seasoning
- Garlic Herb Seasoning
- Parmesan cheese
- Lemon zest
Tips for Making Air Fryer Asparagus
- Trim only the bottom 1/2-1 inch of the asparagus spears. These woody ends are tough and can be unpleasant to eat. Some people like to use a vegetable peeler to peel off the skin at the bottom. I find that method works often, but the ends are usually still too tough for my liking.
- Try to leave a bit of space between the spears so they crisp up rather than steaming. You may want to cook the asparagus in batches.
- Don’t overcook the asparagus. Overcooked asparagus will go limp and soggy and turn a greyish color. When cooked asparagus turns a brilliant bright green, that typically means it’s done!
- Serve this asparagus as soon as it has finished cooking for the best taste and crisp texture.
What to Serve with Air Fryer ASparagus
This crispy asparagus goes so well with simple, wholesome meals like Parmesan Risotto, Chicken Cordon Bleu, or Honey Sriracha Tofu.
Air Fryer Asparagus
Servings 4 (about 5 stalks each)Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus (1 lb.) ($2.99)
- 1 tsp olive oil ($0.06)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder ($0.06)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt ($0.05)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper ($0.12)
- 1 lemon, to juice and zest (optional) ($0.79)
Instructions
- Cut off the woody ends of asparagus and preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 4 minutes.
- Combine garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning blend.
- Toss asparagus with olive oil and seasoning blend.
- Air fry at 400°F for 3 minutes, stopping halfway through to shake.
- Remove asparagus and spritz with a squeeze of lemon juice. Sprinkle with lemon zest if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Enjoy!
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Equipment
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?Mention @budgetbytes or tag #budgetbytes on Instagram!
how to make Air Fryer ASparagus – step by step photos
Cut off the woody ends of 1 lb of asparagus and preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 4 minutes.
Combine 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the seasoning blend.
Toss asparagus with 1 tsp of olive oil and then the seasoning blend.
Place in the air fryer and air fry at 400°F for 3 minutes, stopping halfway through to shake.
Remove asparagus and spritz with a squeeze of lemon juice. Sprinkle with lemon zest if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Enjoy!
So good and so easy that I made it again the next night. This time I cut the asparagus after they were done, roasted some cherry tomatoes as well in my dual chamber air fryer, then combined them with whole wheat penne and feta cheese. Such an easy way to do asparagus!
This is now my favourite way to roast asparagus! Made it just as written in the recipe, but I always do one thing differently with asparagus. I never cut off the bottom as much as shown in the pics, maybe just half of that. Then I use a potato peeler to remove the tough skin about an inch or two from the bottom. But also be mindful that the length fits in your air fryer. Thanks for this recipe!
I am all about easy recipes! This is a keeper!❤️