Air fryer asparagus has become one of my favourite quick sides. It is the kind of recipe that takes just a few minutes, but tastes so good. The stalks turn perfectly tender with a little crunch left in them, while the tips get slightly crispy. Honestly, it is hard not to snack on them straight out of the basket.
I usually toss the asparagus with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, but lately I have been adding nutritional yeast and Italian seasoning, and it takes the flavour up a notch.
The nutritional yeast gives a light, cheesy taste without actually adding cheese, and the herbs make it feel more complete. A squeeze of lemon at the end ties it all together beautifully.
It is a perfect side with a meal or even for a simple breakfast.
You will also love: air fryer brussels sprouts, air frying mushrooms, broccoli, air fryer zucchini and squash, butternut squash, turnips, parsnips, eggplants, radish and green beans.
Ingredient Breakdown
Asparagus: Look for fresh asparagus. Trim off the tough, woody ends before cooking.
Olive Oil: Just enough to lightly coat the spears so the seasonings stick and they crisp nicely.
Salt and Pepper: The basic seasonings that are always needed.
Seasonings: I use Italian seasoning, garlic powder and nutritional yeast for a tasty treat.
Lemon: A quick squeeze over the top before serving brightens the whole dish.
Instructions
Wash the asparagus and pat dry. Trim off the woody ends. Pick up a spear and try to bend it. Where it breaks off at the wooden end is the perfect place for using it.
In a bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and nutritional yeast. Make sure everything is well tossed.
Preheat the air fryer to 200C or 400F for 4 minutes. Lay the seasoned asparagus in the basket in a single layer.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears, until they are tender and well cooked but still have a little bite.
Remove and serve air fryer asparagus right away with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Expert Tips
- Thicker stalks take a bit longer to cook so keep an eye on your air frying time after 4 minutes.
- Spread the spears out so they roast evenly in the air fryer.
- For extra flavour, sprinkle some chilli flakes.
- If you want them crispier, cook for a minute or two longer, but watch closely so the tips don't burn.
- These taste best fresh, but if you have leftovers, pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to reheat.
Air fryer Asparagus
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp. nutritional yeast
- Lemon wedges to serve
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Instructions
- Wash the asparagus and pat dry. Trim off the woody ends. Pick up a spear and try to bend it. Where it breaks off at the wooden end is the perfect place for using it.
- In a bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and nutritional yeast. Make sure everything is well tossed.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C or 400F for 4 minutes.
- Lay the seasoned asparagus in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears, until they are tender and well cooked but still have a little bite.
- Remove and serve air fryer asparagus right away with a squeeze of lemon juice.
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