Name: Air Fryer Asparagus
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: 1 pound asparagus spears; 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil (or any high-smoke-point oil); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

This Air Fryer Asparagus takes just 5 minutes of prep and cooks in under 10 minutes-perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need a healthy side dish that doesn't require turning on the oven.

It's one of those recipes I reach for again and again, especially when I have a fresh bunch of asparagus that needs using up.

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Ingredients

Asparagus spears - Go for medium to thick stalks so they don't get floppy. Trim off the tough woody ends first.
Avocado oil - A great high-heat oil. You can also use olive oil or spray oil if you prefer.
Salt - I usually start light, especially if serving with salty mains.
Black pepper - Adds a little kick and complements the natural sweetness of the asparagus.

📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.

How To Make Asparagus in Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes.
Trim the asparagus: Snap or slice off the tough ends of the spears.
Arrange in the basket: Place trimmed asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Add oil: Brush or drizzle with avocado oil.
Season: Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and gently toss to coat evenly.
Cook: Air fry for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Thicker spears may need a minute more.
Serve: Remove and serve warm.
My favorite air fryer.

How do I know when asparagus is done? It should be tender, bright green, and slightly charred on the tips. Use a fork to test.

Tips

Use thicker spears - They hold up better in the air fryer without overcooking.
Don't overcrowd - Cook in batches so the asparagus becomes crispy instead of steaming.
Try garlic butter - Toss with melted garlic butter after cooking for extra flavor.
Add parmesan - Sprinkle grated parmesan during the last 2 minutes of air frying.
Make it spicy - A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice little kick.
Go lemony - Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus before serving.
Soy-marinated twist - Toss with soy sauce and sesame oil before cooking for an Asian-inspired flavor.
Air fry mushrooms too - They cook in the same amount of time and pair perfectly.
Add a drizzle - Finish with balsamic glaze, tahini dressing, or honey mustard.
Use it in a bowl - Chop and mix into grain bowls with rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Can I use frozen asparagus in the air fryer? Yes! Just air fry from frozen without thawing. Add 1-2 extra minutes of cook time. It won't be quite as crisp but still delicious.
What's the best oil to use? Avocado or olive oil work great. Stick with a high smoke point oil for best results.
How long to air fry asparagus at 400°F? - Typically 6-8 minutes depending on thickness and your air fryer model.

Freezing And Storing Instructions

To Store. Let leftovers cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Freeze. I don't recommend freezing air-fried asparagus-it loses its crispness and texture.
To Make Ahead. You can trim the spears and store in the fridge a day ahead. Don't season or oil until right before cooking.
To Reheat. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to bring back some crispness.

If you use your air fryer often, you can also browse my Amazon storefront with my favorite air fryer tools and kitchen gadgets here, where I've collected many of the accessories I personally use.

More Asparagus Recipes

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Julia