Air Fryer Asparagus

This air fryer asparagus recipe is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. In under 10 minutes, the spears become tender, juicy, and perfectly crisp.

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Air fryer asparagus

This air fryer asparagus recipe is one of the quickest, easiest spring side dishes. It calls for 5 basic ingredients, and it’s ready in under 10 minutes.

I love that even though it’s that simple (5 ingredients! 10 minutes!), it’s still a fantastic way to showcase one of the best vegetables of the season. Who says recipes have to be complicated in order to be delicious?

When it comes out of the air fryer, the asparagus is tender and juicy, with perfectly crispy tips. I can never resist sneaking a few spears straight out of the air fryer basket, the frizzled tops crackling between my teeth. The rest, I serve as a side dish. It pairs nicely with polenta, pasta, a frittata, or baked eggs… You really can’t go wrong!

How to Make Air Fryer Asparagus

This air fryer asparagus recipe starts with 5 basic ingredients:

Ingredients

Fresh asparagus, of course! I like medium-thick spears best for this recipe, but thinner or thicker ones will also work. Just adjust the cook time accordingly.
Extra-virgin olive oil – It helps the asparagus crisp up in the air fryer. I love the rich flavor of the olive oil here, but if you prefer to use a neutral oil, avocado oil is a good substitute.
Fresh lemon juice – I squeeze it over the asparagus after cooking. It adds a delicious bright finish!
And salt and pepper – The best air fryer asparagus is well seasoned. Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper!

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

To make this air fryer asparagus recipe, start by trimming the asparagus. Trim off the tough, woody ends of the stalks with a sharp knife, or snap them off with your hands. While you work, preheat the air fryer to 370°F.

Next, season the asparagus. Place the asparagus spears in the air fryer basket or large bowl…

…drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Toss to coat, and then spread them in a single layer in the basket. If the asparagus spears don’t fit in a single layer, work in batches. If you try to air fry too much at once, the asparagus won’t become crisp!

Finally, cook. Air fry the asparagus for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway. The asparagus is ready when it’s tender and browned around the edges and the tips are lightly crisp. The exact cook time will depend on your air fryer.

That’s it!

Recipe Tips

Work in batches if necessary. The key to crispy air fryer asparagus is not crowding the air fryer basket. If the basket is too full, the asparagus will steam and soften as it cooks, and it won’t become crisp. Only cook as much asparagus as will fit in a single layer in the basket at one time. If you have more than that, work in batches.
The exact timing will vary. Different air fryers can vary considerably, and so can different bunches of asparagus! If you have very thin spears, start checking them early, after just 4 minutes in the air fryer. Medium to thick spears should cook in the time listed in the recipe, 6 to 8 minutes, though don’t hesitate to go longer if needed.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Asparagus

Air fried asparagus is a quick and easy side dish. Serve it with your favorite protein for a simple weeknight dinner, or pair it with any of these recipes:

Seasoning Variations

I love to season the cooked asparagus with a big squeeze of lemon juice, but that’s not the only way to dress it up! Try one of these seasoning variations for a fun twist:

Add some crunch. Top the asparagus with toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts.
Make it cheesy. Sprinkle it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Top it with fresh herbs like tarragon, basil, or parsley.
Spice it up with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Drizzle it with a punchy sauce like my creamy dill sauce, sesame ginger dressing, or a balsamic vinegar reduction.

You could also season the asparagus with additional spices before cooking. My favorites are Italian seasoning and garlic powder for savory depth of flavor.

How do you like to season air fryer asparagus? Let me know in the comments!

Storage

I like this recipe best right after it’s made, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat them briefly in the microwave or a 350°F air fryer, or add them to a salad, omelette, or frittata.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

If you love this recipe, try one of these easy air fryer side dishes next: