Air Fryer Asparagus

The Air Fryer Does It Again

If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve been obsessed with tossing all of our veggies in the air fryer lately. And air fryer asparagus has now officially earned a spot in the permanent rotation. ♡

It’s a side dish that comes together in less than 10 minutes, takes very little effort, and goes well with almost any meal. Just toss the asparagus with olive oil and a few seasonings, let the air fryer do its thing, and you’ll end up with perfectly tender stalks and lightly crispy tips. We love finishing ours with a squeeze of lemon or a shower of freshly-grated Parmesan, but it’s also delicious with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or just served plain.

So the next time asparagus is on the menu, skip the oven and reach for the air fryer instead!

Recipe Tips

A few helpful tips to ensure your asparagus turns out perfectly every time:

Trim the tough ends. Bend each spear near the bottom to know where to cut — it naturally snaps where the woody part ends.
Dry the spears well. Moisture = steaming instead of crisping, so make sure the spears are patted dry before adding oil and seasonings.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. A mostly single layer ensures even cooking and caramelization.
Adjust the cook time to spear thickness. Thin asparagus cooks fast, while thicker spears need a few extra minutes.
Shake halfway for even browning. This helps the spears cook uniformly and prevents flat spots.

Recipe Variations

Here are some more fun ways to customize your air fryer asparagus:

Parmesan + lemon zest: Add both right after cooking for bright, savory flavor.
Balsamic drizzle: A light reduction or balsamic glaze is delicious with asparagus.
Everything bagel seasoning: A quick sprinkle adds crunch and savory flavor.
Red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat, add before or after cooking.
Pesto toss: Stir a spoonful of basil pesto through the warm asparagus.
Fresh herbs: Parsley, dill, basil, or chives add a lovely fresh finish.

FAQ

can i use frozen asparagus?

You can — but know that it will cook softer and may not crisp as much. Add 1–2 minutes and expect a more roasted, tender result.

how do i prevent asparagus from being soggy?

Dry the spears thoroughly, avoid overcrowding, and cook at high heat (400°F). Those three steps make the biggest difference!

what size of asparagus works best?

Medium or thick asparagus tends to hold up best in the air fryer, but thin asparagus works too — just reduce the cook time.