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Here's how to cook asparagus in the air fryer perfectly tender and crispy in minutes with minimal oil. Try it with Parmesan and other seasonings!
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Why you'll love air fryer asparagus
- Easy recipe for any air fryer cooking level.
- Convenient 5-minute prep with 10-minute cook time.
- This recipe uses minimal oil.
- Accommodates most restricted diets.
- Endless flavoring ideas – Parmesan is a favorite!
- It's a versatile side dish, snack, or add-in.
- Crispy asparagus delivers nutrients in a delicious and satisfying way.
- The air fryer makes asparagus downright irresistible!
Ingredient notes
You'll find the ingredient amounts in the printable recipe card below.
- fresh asparagus - Use any size asparagus spears with this air fryer recipe.
- olive oil - Use other oils such as coconut oil, avocado oil, or cooking oil sprays.
- salt and pepper - These seasonings can be added as desired.
- (optional) grated Parmesan – A light sprinkle can make this dish even more irresistible.
- (optional) fresh parsley garnish – This adds a layer of texture and flavor.
How to make asparagus in the air fryer
This recipe is simple, but knowing how long to cook asparagus in the air fryer is crucial to achieve perfectly tender spears with crispy edges. Enjoy these step-by-step photos and get the full recipe below.
Step 1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2. Prep the asparagus by removing woody-textured ends, if needed. Coat asparagus with oil. Note: I prefer to roll asparagus in oil on a baking pan to reduce waste and achieve the lightest oil coating.
Step 3. Arrange asparagus in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook 5-7 minutes for medium-sized stalks, or as needed to reach a tender crisp texture. At your discretion, decrease cook time for thinner stalks and increase cook time for thicker stalks.
Step 4. Transfer asparagus out of the air fryer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add toppings such as grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe tips
- Oil is a necessity to make asparagus in the air fryer crispy because it helps brown the surface. It also prevents the asparagus from drying out.
- Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket because the circulating high heat is what makes asparagus cook so efficiently inside your air fryer.
- A half pound of medium-sized asparagus spears fit with no overlap in this pod-style air fryer basket. See photos in the above section for reference.
- Depending on your air fryer model, you may find it helpful to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cook cycle to promote even browning.
Recipe variations
- Asparagus can be seasoned before air frying, but diet-restricted eaters will likely appreciate the DIY aproach after the asparagus is cooked.
- Add flavor with other seasonings, such as garlic, Cajun seasoning, or Italian seasoning.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon adds a bright, citrus-y flavor to this dish.
- Add a spicy kick with a drizzle of chili crisp oil and enjoy as a snack.
Storage and reheat
Allow asparagus to cool completely and refrigerate up to 5 days in an airtight container. Enjoy chilled, or briefly reheat asparagus in the air fryer on 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
Serving ideas
Tender-crisp asparagus is the perfect side dish with oven-broiled salmon, baked chicken, a deliciously seared NY strip steak, the perfect pork chop, baked pasta, and air fryer garlic steak bites. It's equally delicious for breakfast alongside air fryer eggs or as an ingredient for asparagus egg casserole.
Favorite air fryer recipes
- Air Fryer Mushrooms
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Asparagus (with Parmesan option)
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Note about scaling
When scaling, the light gray ingredient notes after the comma don’t change. Adjust as needed.
Ingredients
- ½ pound Asparagus Spears, any size
- 2 teaspoons Olive Oil, or preferred oil
Optional add-ons
- Sea Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prep the asparagus by removing woody-textured ends, if needed.
- Coat ASPARAGUS with OIL.Note: I prefer to roll asparagus in oil on a baking pan to reduce waste and achieve the lightest oil coating.
- Arrange asparagus in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook 5-7 minutes for medium-sized stalks, or as needed to reach a tender crisp texture. Note: At your discretion, decrease the cook time for thinner stalks and increase cook time for thicker stalks.
- Season with SALT, PEPPER, and optional PARMESAN CHEESE. Serve and enjoy!
- To store, allow asparagus to cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container up to five days.
Recipe Notes
Equipment
- 5.8 quart basket air fryer (Cosori XL) or other air fryer
- baking sheet or mixing bowl to prep asparagus with oil
Nutrition
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on brands, ingredients, and portions.
Carol says
I'm still new to my air fryer and I love great, straightforward recipes like this! The asparagus turned out AMAZING! Thanks so much and I plan to try many more of your air fryer recipes!
Traci says
Yay! I'm so glad you went for it! The air fryer really is amazing for asparagus 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Enjoy!!
Karen Clayton says
Best asparagus recipe ever! Easy to make and delicious. Thanks, Traci!!
Traci says
Yay!! I'm so glad you went for it! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your experience. xoxo
Art says
Another way to enjoy vegetables. I love asparagus and the parm added goes perfectly! It's an easy and quick side, especially for weeknights.
Traci says
Yay! I couldn't agree more about the Parmesan and weeknights for the win. Thanks for your input. Enjoy!!
Mahy says
I love asparagus. It is the perfect side to so many of my favorite meals!
Traci says
Yes, I couldn't agree more! Thanks so much and enjoy!
Colleen says
Air frying is my favorite way to cook almost all veggies, but especially asparagus. It's perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Traci says
Of course, and I'm right there with you 🙂 Thanks so much! Enjoy!
Nathan says
I don't eat asparagus nearly enough for how much I love it, I'm adding it to my shopping list right now so I can make this air fryer asparagus ASAP!
Traci says
Yay I'm so glad you can enjoy this method. It is a game-changer! Cheers!
TAYLER ROSS says
I used this recipe to make asparagus for dinner last night and it was incredible! So easy and I love that it's made in the air fryer!
Traci says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed this one and thanks for sharing your experience 🙂
Chenee Lewis says
This is the only way I'll make asparagus from now on! So easy!
Traci says
Hooray!! I love them that much too LOL. Thank you so much. Enjoy!!!
Dana Sandonato says
What a fantastic recipe to have on hand! I love a good veggie air fryer side because they're always so easy to throw together on a whim. These turned out wonderfully!
Traci says
Yay! So glad to hear it! They really are great for last minute. I totally agree 🙂 Thanks to much. Enjoy!!
Caroline says
I love how it keeps the vibrant green color cooking it this way - easy, quick and tasty!
Traci says
Yes! I love that too! And it cooks so fast, you almost need it to not do that sometimes LOL. Thanks so much. Enjoy!!
Irena says
Followed your instructions and mine turned out perfect, with a little crunch, just the way I like it. Did Parmesan cheese on top as well, was great as a side dish to risotto.
Traci says
Woohoo! It's the best way to cook asparagus, imo 🙂 I can't get enough. Thanks so much! Enjoy!!
Kushigalu says
Totally in love with this air fryer version of asparagus. Thanks for sharing
Traci says
Yay!! Me too!! I'm glad you like it 🙂 Thanks so much. Enjoy!!
JB says
Yes! Love how easy it is to make air fryer asparagus. Parmesan is a must for me! I'll probably never cook asparagus any other way. Thanks for another winner KG!