Looking for a simple and nutritious side dish for dinner tonight? Look no further than air fryer asparagus!
This easy-to-follow recipe yields perfectly crispy asparagus spears with a delightful crunch while retaining their natural flavors and nutrients. With the help of your air fryer, you can whip up a delicious side dish or a tasty appetizer in no time.
Related: Love asparagus? Try Roasted Asparagus, Cheesy Asparagus Sticks, or an Asparagus Bacon and Goat Cheese Tart. Yum!
Ingredients
- Asparagus
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon – optional, for serving
Directions
Preparing the Asparagus:
Start by washing the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim off the tough woody ends by snapping them off gently or using a knife. The asparagus should naturally break at the point where the tender part begins.
Once trimmed, pat the asparagus dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Dry asparagus will help achieve better crispness.
Place the trimmed and dried asparagus spears in a bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus, ensuring they are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.
Air Frying the Asparagus:
Arrange the seasoned asparagus spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between each spear to allow for proper air circulation.
Cook the asparagus at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 7-8 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and slightly browned. Remember to shake the basket or flip the spears halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Once done, transfer the air-fried asparagus to a serving platter or individual plates. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Not sure what to serve with asparagus? Here are some main course ideas:
By following these simple steps, you can achieve perfectly crispy asparagus spears without the need for excessive oil or unhealthy frying methods.
The use of an air fryer allows for a healthier cooking alternative, while still preserving the vibrant flavors and nutritional benefits of this fantastic vegetable. Happy air frying!
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how to make perfectly tender asparagus in the air fryer
Instructions
-
Start by washing the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim off the tough woody ends by snapping them off gently or using a knife.
-
Pat the asparagus dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Dry asparagus will help achieve better crispness.
-
Place the trimmed and dried asparagus spears in a bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus, ensuring they are evenly coated.
-
Season with salt and pepper.
-
Cook the asparagus at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 7-8 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and slightly browned.
-
Shake the basket or flip the spears halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
-
Transfer the air-fried asparagus to a serving platter or individual plates. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus and serve warm.
Notes
- You can season with more than salt and pepper if you like. Some additions could include: garlic salt, onion powder, or grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Asparagus
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.