Name: Air Fryer Asparagus (Quick & Easy!)
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 lb Asparagus; 2 Garlic cloves, minced (or half teaspoon of garlic powder); ½ Lemon; 1 tbsp Avocado oil or cooking oil of choice; 3 tbsp Freshly Grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish); Salt and pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe

Air Fryer Asparagus are crispy, tender asparagus drizzled with avocado oil, lemon, garlic, and parmesan cheese. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, this is an easy vegetarian and gluten-free side dish. Enjoy it as part of a no-fuss, well-balanced weeknight meal! (This recipe is completely gluten-free and can be made vegan by omitting the cheese.)

Looking for more air fryer side dishes? You have to try our low-carb Cauliflower Tots, crunchy Air Fryer Okra, and savory Brussels sprouts with maple and bacon.

air fried asparagus on a white plate garnished with lemon and fresh basil

Air Fryer Asparagus tastes like roasted asparagus even though it’s made without an oven and in half the time. If you love this vegetable, then you have to try this air-fried asparagus recipe!

This is the Best Air Fryer Asparagus because it’s:

Healthy – Low in calories and high in fiber, asparagus is a nutritious addition to any meal.
Convenient – Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s ready in under 10 minutes!
Versatile – This tasty vegetable can be seasoned in a variety of ways and it can be served with so many different entrees!
Diet Friendly: This is a great recipe for those with dietary restrictions. Whether you are on a keto, low-carb, or vegetarian diet, you can enjoy this tasty side! Skip the cheese to make it vegan!

a plate of the raw asparagus on a plate with minced garlic and parmesan cheese

Ingredients You Will Need

Asparagus: Use fresh asparagus. When shopping, select asparagus spears that are firm to the touch and avoid those that appear to be wilted.
Garlic cloves: Nothing beats the flavor of fresh garlic but you can use garlic powder if none is available.
Lemon: The acidity in this citrus fruit brightens up this side dish.
Avocado oil: It has a higher smoking point than most oils and a rich nutty flavor. If you prefer a more neutral taste, olive oil would work well but lower the temperature to 375°F.
Parmesan cheese: For savory flavor and a nice crunch, sprinkle the asparagus with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Seasoning: I kept it simple with salt and pepper; just enough to taste.

overhead view of ingredients needed for air fryer asparagus

What makes asparagus chewy and stringy?

When prepared and made properly, Air Fryer Asparagus is crunchy. But if the ends of the asparagus are not removed prior to cooking, it will be tough to chew. The ends are fibrous so if they aren’t cut, you will have stringy asparagus.

How to Trim Asparagus

You can either snap the ends of the asparagus or cut them. Slice the asparagus where the ends turn a whitish or brown hue. If you choose to snap, use your thumb to determine where the soft and hard parts meet and snap it in two. You want to preserve the green, firm portion of the vegetable to air fry.

However, the ends of the asparagus don’t have to go to waste. They still contain great flavor and nutrients. Freeze them for later use in a soup, sauce, or veggie stock.

uncooked, cut and seasoned veggies in the air fryer — Asparagus in the air fryer before cooking

How to Make Air Fryer Asparagus

Wash the asparagus and chop off the tough ends.
Place the asparagus in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with cooking oil, grated parmesan, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat all the asparagus. Then arrange the asparagus in a single layer.
Cook at 400°F for 7-8 minutes or until the asparagus is golden brown. (Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the asparagus. Check the asparagus occasionally for your desired doneness.)
Serve the asparagus with lemon wedges and sprinkle with a bit more parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!

cooked asparagus in the air fryer — Asparagus fully cooked in the air fryer

Tips For Making The Best Air Fried Asparagus

The thickness of the asparagus will determine the exact cooking time. Thinner stalks will cook faster. Be sure to check the asparagus periodically for your desired doneness.
Avoid overcooking the asparagus so it’s not too tough or burnt.
Don’t use canned asparagus because it will end up soggy.

Variations & Additions

Fresh Herbs: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for an herbaceous flavor.
Bacon: Add sliced bacon for a savory, salty side dish.
Drizzle On Sauce: it with some balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, or coconut aminos for additional flavor.
Make It Vegan: this recipe vegan by omitting the parmesan.
Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy dish.
Make It An Appetizer: Wrap the asparagus in prosciutto and serve as a tasty appetizer

cooked asparagus on a white plate garnished with lemon and fresh basil

How to Serve

Air Fryer Asparagus is the perfect side for any meal! Here are some of our top suggestions:

Pasta: For a meatless meal, try vegan pasta like this Creamy Cajun Pasta.
Chicken: Pair it with a saucy, flavorful chicken like Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings or Grilled Spatchcock Chicken.
Salmon: Doing meal prep? Prepare and serve this alongside Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon or our Air Fryer Salmon!
Meatballs: Try out Baked Bison Meatballs, Air Fryer Cheese Stuffed Meatballs, or Greek Chicken Meatballs!

Leftovers and Reheating

Leftover asparagus should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I don’t suggest freezing it unless you plan to repurpose the leftovers for something like a casserole, soup, or frittata. To reheat, simply add it to the air fryer at 350ºF for about 3 minutes.

I hope you enjoy this Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe!

If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram and Pinterest! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.

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