Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
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Want to make tasty asparagus fast? Try this air fryer recipe! It’s quick, easy, and only needs three things. You can have crispy, flavorful asparagus ready in just 15 minutes.
This recipe is perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving a healthy side dish. The air fryer gives the asparagus a nice crunch while keeping it tender inside. Plus, it’s a great way to get your veggies without much fuss.
Exact Ingredients List
You’ll only need 3 simple ingredients to make this tasty air fryer asparagus:
- 1 bundle (14 to 16 ounces) asparagus
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste
That’s it! The recipe keeps things quick and easy with just these basics.
If you don’t have garlic salt on hand, no worries. You can use regular salt instead. Or try a mix of 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder to get a similar flavor.
Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic salt to your liking. Some people prefer more, while others like less. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more if needed after cooking.
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F while you get the asparagus ready. This helps ensure even cooking.
Prep the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends. Give them a quick rinse and pat dry with a clean towel.
Place the asparagus on a small baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt. Use tongs to toss and coat evenly.
Transfer the seasoned asparagus to your air fryer basket. Make sure they’re in a single layer for best results.
Cook for 9-10 minutes total. Halfway through, shake the basket to help them cook evenly.
Keep an eye on thinner asparagus – they’ll cook faster. Thicker spears may need an extra minute or two.
You’ll know they’re done when they’re crisp-tender and bright green. Serve right away for the best flavor and texture.
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 5 days.
To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes. They’ll crisp right up!
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily mix up this air fryer asparagus recipe with some simple swaps. Try these tasty alternatives:
Seasonings:
- Lemon pepper instead of garlic salt
- Italian herb blend for a Mediterranean twist
- Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick
Oils:
- Avocado oil
- Coconut oil
- Butter (melted)
For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on the asparagus during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This adds a nice cheesy crust.
Want to make it a full meal? Toss in some cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers with the asparagus. The veggies will roast together nicely.
For a fancy touch, wrap 3-4 asparagus spears in prosciutto before air frying. The prosciutto gets crispy while the asparagus stays tender.
You can also try different cooking times for varied textures:
- 7-8 minutes for crisp-tender
- 10-12 minutes for softer asparagus
Remember to adjust cooking times if you use very thin or thick asparagus spears. Thinner spears cook faster, while thicker ones need a bit more time.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the best air fryer asparagus, try these tips:
Choose spears of similar thickness so they cook evenly. Thin spears will cook faster, while thicker ones need more time.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer for crispy results.
Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Experiment with seasonings. Try lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
To store leftovers, let the asparagus cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
When reheating, pop the asparagus back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F. This will help maintain its crispy texture.
You can also enjoy leftover asparagus cold in salads or as a quick snack.
For meal prep, wash and trim the asparagus ahead of time. Store it in the fridge wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag.
Remember, fresher asparagus will taste better and cook more evenly. Look for firm stalks with tight, compact tips when shopping.
