This Air Fryer Asparagus is the ultimate quick and easy side dish. It's crispy, tender, and ready in just 6 minutes! With olive oil, flaky salt, black pepper, and a hit of fresh lemon, this recipe brings out the natural sweetness of asparagus while keeping it light and healthy. The air fryer ensures perfectly roasted asparagus without needing to turn on the oven-ideal for busy weeknights.

You could also recreate this recipe in the oven (perfect if you're cooking asparagus in large quantities or as part of a tray bake recipe), cooking your asparagus for about 15 minutes to get the same outcome.

Asparagus is delicious served with almost any meal - try it with my Greek roasted potatoes, these creamy butter beans, or served on top of this creamy whipped ricotta dip.

Ingredient Notes

Here's what makes this recipe so simple yet delicious:

• Asparagus: Choose fresh, firm spears with bright green color. If they are thick, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. You can often buy asparagus with the woody ends already trimmed - check yours and trim accordingly.
  
• Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy, golden exterior. Use avocado oil or melted butter as an alternative.
  
• Flaky Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavor of the asparagus. You could also add some dried thyme, rosemary, or basil for more flavors.
  
• Lemon (Zest & Juice): Adds freshness and brightness to balance the roasted flavors. Swap for balsamic glaze or Parmesan cheese for a different twist.

Variations & Substitutions

There are so many ways to serve air fryer asparagus - think of this recipe as the foundation you can build upon and expand as you like! Here are a few ideas for perfect air fryer asparagus every time:

Make it spicy 

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a spicy alternative. You could also cover the asparagus with harissa paste or even chipotle paste for a spicy, smoky twist. 

Cheesy upgrade 

Grate some Parmesan or Pecorino on top of your asparagus after cooking. You could also serve it with a cheesy dip, such as this whipped feta or this whipped ricotta recipe.

Make it crunchy

Coat your asparagus in an egg, then dip each spear in seasoned breadcrumbs before air frying for asparagus "fries". Alternatively, you could also add a scattering of sliced almonds over your cooked asparagus for that added crunch but a little less effort!

How To Make Your Easy Air Fryer Asparagus

The full recipe is below, but here's a quick breakdown. I use my Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer for this recipe, often using one shelf for the asparagus and the other for another component of my meal!

You can use any air fryer, or cook your asparagus in the oven (I've provided cooking times for that below).

1. Prep the Asparagus

Trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears. Toss with olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.

2. Air Fry the Asparagus

Arrange the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 6-8 minutes until it's crispy and golden brown.

3. Finish with Lemon

Plate the asparagus. Squeeze over your fresh lemon juice and zest for extra brightness and a zest finish!

How To Cook Asparagus in the Oven

If you would prefer to roast your asparagus in the oven, here's how:

• Follow step 1 above, and then arrange the asparagus in one even layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 
• Roast in a preheated oven at 425F | 220c for 15 - 18 minutes, until the asparagus is crispy and turning golden brown in some places.
• Finish with the lemon zest, lemon juice, and any other other toppings as above.

Top Tips \ Chef's Notes

Here are a few helpful notes to help you get the best results from this recipe!

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: If needed, cook your asparagus in batches for maximum crispiness.
  
• Cooking time may vary: Thicker spears may need 7-8 minutes, while thin spears cook in 5 minutes.
  
• For extra crispiness: Toss with grated cheese - pick a hard cheese like Pecorino or Parmesan - after air frying.
  
• Make it a full meal: Serve with a poached egg on top for a simple yet elegant dish.

Storage

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes or enjoy them cold in salads.
Freezer: Not recommended, as asparagus tends to lose texture when frozen.

FAQs

Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes, but thaw and pat it dry before air frying to prevent sogginess.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
No, you don't need to preheat your air fryer.

Can I make this in the oven instead?
Absolutely! Roast at 220°C (425°F) for about 15 minutes.

How do I know when it's done?
The asparagus should be bright green, tender, and slightly crispy at the tips.

For more roasted veggies and air fryer recipes, try my roasted frozen green beans or this delicious buffalo air fryer cauliflower!