Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
Asparagus cooks quickly in an air fryer and stays bright green with a slight crunch. This recipe takes about 8 minutes and needs only olive oil, salt, pepper and a little garlic powder.
Prep 5 minCook 8 minServes 3
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) asparagus, woody ends snapped off
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Lemon wedges, to serve
- Grated Parmesan, to serve (optional)
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Toss the asparagus with the olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Arrange the spears in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd, or they will steam rather than crisp.
- Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Thick spears take 8 to 10 minutes.
- Check that the spears are tender but still have a little bite. Serve with lemon and Parmesan if you like.
Tips
- Thin spears cook in about 5 minutes. Start checking early.
- Cook in two batches for a large amount of asparagus, rather than piling it up.
- Air fryers vary, so adjust the time by a minute or two.
Frequently asked questions
How long does asparagus take in an air fryer?
About 6 to 8 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for medium spears, and 8 to 10 minutes for thick ones.
Should I peel asparagus?
No. Just snap off the woody bottom ends. The skin is tender once cooked.
Can I cook frozen asparagus in the air fryer?
Yes, but it releases more water. Add 2 to 3 minutes to the cooking time and cook in a single layer.