Air Fryer Asparagus

This Air Fryer Asparagus recipe is a super simple vegetable side dish that pairs well with any entree. Fresh stalks of asparagus are quick and easy to cook in the Air Fryer, just add a beautifully savory mix of herbs and spices, a bit of olive oil, and finish with Parmesan. Or swap out the seasonings to change up the flavor–no matter what you’ll end up with a healthy, crispy, and tasty side!

Why We Love This Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

The Air Fryer is a great way to cook asparagus. Coat the stalks in spices and cook to crispy perfection with minimal oil for a healthy side dish the whole family will love!

Variations on Asparagus in the Air Fryer

There are so many easy ways to change up the flavor of this asparagus to go with any meal!

Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Make it Sweet: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
Make it Umami: Top with bacon crumbles.
Add Some Acid: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze.
Asian-Inspired: Use sesame oil instead of olive oil, omit the Italian seasoning, and add a splash of soy sauce.
Mexican-Inspired: Swap the Italian seasoning for taco seasoning and top with queso fresco.
French-Inspired: Swap the Italian seasoning for herbs de Provence and finish with a pat of butter.

close up overhead view of air fryer asparagus on an askew white oval serving platter with lemon slices.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover air fryer asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F air fryer for 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness.

How to Freeze

Freeze air fried asparagus in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This air fryer asparagus is the perfect accompaniment to just about any meal. Serve it alongside ribeye steaks, slow cooker brisket, or beef Wellington; Caesar chicken, oven fried chicken, or chicken parmesan; honey baked ham, pork tenderloin, or grilled pork chops; or garlic butter shrimp, caprese stuffed salmon, or cod fish tacos.

Is all asparagus the same?

Asparagus most commonly is green, and some varieties are white and even purple. They can all be used interchangeably in this recipe.

How do you trim asparagus?

To trim asparagus, grab a stalk with one hand at each end. Gently bend the asparagus spear, and the woody end should naturally snap off.

Should you soak fresh asparagus before cooking?

While you should definitely rinse your asparagus to clean off any dirt or residue, there’s no need to soak them before cooking. In fact, soaking them could make it more difficult for them to crisp up in the air fryer.

How long do you cook asparagus in the air fryer?

That depends on how thick your stalks are! For thinner stalks, it takes 5-7 minutes; for thicker, it takes 7-10 minutes.

overhead view of tongs grabbing air fried asparagus from a white oval serving platter.

More Asparagus Recipes We Love

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Using the Air Fryer is one of the best ways to cook asparagus, because it's quick, simple, and it comes out crispy.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings

Calories 67kcal

Author Krista – The Cookie Rookie

Equipment

Air Fryer (click for my favorite)

Ingredients

1 pound asparagus (1 bunch)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning store-bought or homemade
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Lemon wedges optional, for serving

Instructions

Trim the ends of the asparagus.

1 pound asparagus
Toss the asparagus in olive oil and seasonings. Then, place in air fryer basket.

1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Depending on the thickness of your asparagus, cooking time will vary. For thin: 5-7 minutes at 370°F. Thick: 7-10 minutes at 370°F.
Asparagus is done when the edges are crispy and slightly browned.
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the asparagus.

2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Serve with lemon wedges.

Lemon wedges

Notes

To trim asparagus, grab a stalk with one hand at each end. Gently bend the asparagus spear, and the woody end should naturally snap off.
Feel free to change up the seasonings to suit your personal tastes.
Cook time varies based on thickness, so check on the asparagus often to prevent burning.

Storage: Store air fryer asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

How to Make Air Fryer Asparagus Step by Step

Season the Asparagus: Trim the ends of 1 pound of asparagus. Toss the asparagus in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Then, place it in the air fryer basket.

asparagus and seasonings in a glass bowl.

Cook the Asparagus: Depending on the thickness of your asparagus, cooking time will vary. For thin: 5-7 minutes at 370°F. Thick: 7-10 minutes at 370°F. Asparagus is done when the edges are crispy and slightly browned.