These Air Fryer Asparagus are tender on the inside and have a delicious crispness on the outside. Simple seasonings give this vegetable great flavor.
Air frying vegetables makes them taste so much better. There's just something about the juicy, tender insides and the slightly crunchy outside of these Air Fryer Asparagus that's so good.
This healthy side dish is also great because it uses just a little bit of oil compared to deep frying, so you get all the flavor and crispness without any sogginess from excess oil. This dish is easy to make variations to, as well, so it's versatile for whatever you plan to serve it with. Let's look at the simple ingredients we'll be using to make this Air Fryer Asparagus.
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Ingredients for Air Fryer Asparagus
- Asparagus. I recommend using thicker spears for this recipe.
- Oil. The best oils for air frying are: avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, and soybean oil. Read more here: Best Oils for Air Fryer.
- Spices. Paprika, salt, and black pepper.
How to Make Asparagus In The Air Fryer
1. Wash the asparagus and trim off the tough ends. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2. Place the asparagus onto a large dish or baking tray and season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with some oil and mix nicely using your hands.
3. Place the seasoned asparagus into the air fryer basket and spread in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 10-13 minutes. Note: the cook time will depend on how thick your asparagus is, so watch it carefully.
Ways to trim asparagus
There are two very easy ways to trim asparagus. One is by taking the asparagus in your two hands and bending it near where the white, woody parts begin. It will snap off, leaving just the edible green parts. Or you could just trim them off with a knife.
Recipe Variations
- Make them sweet and spicy. Add maple syrup and red pepper flakes for a deliciously sweet and spicy flavor on these Air Fryer Asparagus.
- Add Parmesan cheese and lemon. These two ingredients add a nice salty, nutty flavor, with a hint of citrus.
- Use balsamic vinegar. Adding balsamic vinegar give them a sweet acidity that complements the asparagus’ natural flavor.
- Make it savory. Add soy sauce for a salty, umami flavor, or some tempeh bacon to make it really savory.
FAQ about Air Fryer Asparagus
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
While it depends on the air fryer you're using, usually it's best to get the air fryer to temperature before adding anything so it cooks quickly and gets that delicious crust.
Can I use aerosol spray on my air fryer?
It's best not to use an aerosol spray that can mess with the finish of your air fryer. Instead, opt for an oil mister or non-aerosol oil spray when needed.
How much can I put into my air fryer?
It's important when filling the air fryer basket not to overfill it. This is because the air fryer works by quickly circulating hot air, and if the basket is really full, the air will not reach much of what's inside it. Keep everything in a single layer when adding to the air fryer basket and cook in batches if you have to.
How to Store
Store any leftovers of this Air Fryer Asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Since the asparagus will lose it's crispness, I advise reheating it in the air fryer for a few minutes, until the outside becomes crisp again and they are warmed through.
What to Serve with it
- Grains. Serve this over a bed of rice, quinoa, couscous, bulgur, or sorghum. You can also serve it with Spinach Rice, Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad, or Mushroom Rice.
- Proteins. Pair this Air Fryer Asparagus with a Vegan Black Bean Burger, Quick Maple Sriracha Tofu, Black Bean Tacos, Sofritas, or Quick & Easy Chipotle Pinto Beans.
- Soups. Serve this with a bowl of Vegan Potato Soup, Cabbage Soup, Easy Lemon Lentil Soup, or Spinach Orzo Soup.
- Sides. Pair this dish with other sides for a great meal. Enjoy it with Broccoli Rabe with Garlic, Baked Baby Potatoes, Skillet-Braised Brussels Sprouts, or Vegan Scalloped Potatoes.
These Air Fryer Asparagus are utterly delicious and so versatile. They make a wonderful side dish to any meal. I hope you enjoy them!
More tasty vegan recipes:
Air Fryer Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 lb. asparagus
- ½ tsp. garlic powder or to taste
- ½ tsp. paprika or to taste
- ⅓ tsp. sea salt or to taste
- ½ tbsp. grapeseed oil
Instructions
- Wash the asparagus and trim off the tough ends. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the asparagus onto a large dish or baking tray and season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with some oil and mix nicely using your hands.
- Place the seasoned asparagus into the air fryer basket and spread in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 10-13 minutes. Note: the cook time will depend on how thick your asparagus is, so watch it carefully.
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Make them sweet and spicy. Add maple syrup and red pepper flakes for a deliciously sweet and spicy flavor on these Air Fryer Asparagus.
- Add Parmesan cheese and lemon. These two ingredients add a nice salty, nutty flavor, with a hint of citrus.
- Use balsamic vinegar. Adding balsamic vinegar give them a sweet acidity that complements the asparagus’ natural flavor.
- Make it savory. Add soy sauce for a salty, umami flavor, or some tempeh bacon to make it really savory.
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