Air fryer asparagus
Get creative with green asparagus and turn it into a delicious side dish with our air fryer asparagus recipe. The sweet and earthy vegetable cooks to perfection with garlic powder, parmesan, and simple seasoning, making it tender and flavourful. Toasted pumpkin seeds add a warm, nutty crunch, while a grating of lemon zest offers a refreshing citrus touch. Quick and effortless to make, this recipe is a brilliant way to transform everyday asparagus spears.
Ingredients
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500 g
Green asparagus
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60 g
Butter
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25 g
Grated parmesan cheese
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½ tsp
Flaked salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
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1 tsp
Garlic powder
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½
Organic lemon, zest
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40 g
Pumpkin seeds
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Choose asparagus spears of similar size. Evenly sized spears will cook in the same amount of time, so you will not risk some becoming crispy and succulent while others stay rigid and tough. If you can only find mixed-size asparagus, do not worry; you can slice the larger ones in half, allowing them to cook as quickly as the smaller, thinner pieces.
Preheat the air fryer so the asparagus starts cooking in a hot basket straight away. This helps the spears develop crisp edges while staying soft and tender in the middle. An air fryer only takes a few minutes to warm up, so it will not add much to the overall cooking time.
Cook the asparagus in batches so each spear browns evenly and develops a lightly crisp exterior. Give the spears a little space in the basket so the hot air can circulate around them properly. If you pack them in too tightly, they may steam instead of crisping.
Season the butter with garlic powder, salt, and cracked black pepper to give the asparagus more flavour. Stir the seasoning into the butter before dotting it over the spears, so everything is evenly coated. As the butter melts, it creates a flavourful coating that clings to the asparagus.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer asparagus
Our FAQ section is the perfect destination to learn more about making perfect air-fried asparagus. Here, you will find answers to questions about preparing the asparagus, using frozen spears, and storing leftovers, so you stress less and enjoy cooking more!
How do I prepare asparagus for the air fryer?
Rinse the spears under cold water and then dry them with paper towels. While the air fryer preheats to 200 °C, snap the bottom 5 cm from each spear before placing them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding by cooking in batches if needed. Dot the spears with the butter, sprinkle over the seasoning, and air-fry the asparagus for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through and sprinkling with Parmesan.
Can I air fry frozen asparagus instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus instead of fresh. In fact, it can be a little easier, as it is usually already trimmed and ready to cook. Arrange the frozen asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Add butter and season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook at 200 °C for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through and adding the grated Parmesan partway through cooking. Once done, the asparagus should be tender with crisp tips.
What is the best way to store air fryer asparagus?
Let the air fryer asparagus cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Keep the spears in a single layer, if possible, to help reduce excess moisture, and store the pumpkin seeds and Parmesan separately so they keep their texture. You can also freeze the asparagus for 1-2 months by laying the spears flat on a parchment-lined tray first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When you are ready to reheat it, use the air fryer or oven to bring back some of the crispness and finish with fresh Parmesan and pumpkin seeds.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
195 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
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| Fibre | - | 5 g |
| Protein | 11.9 % | 5.7 g |
| Fat | 78.9 % | 17.4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9.2 % | 4.4 g |
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Discover our easy air fryer green asparagus
Air fryer green asparagus is a delectable side dish with an inviting aesthetic of lightly browned spears and a warming garlic butter aroma. Our recipe is not only quick and delicious, but it also gives asparagus the attention it deserves. Air-frying the green spears brings out their natural sweetness with light seasoning and a complementary garnish of seeds and lemon. It is such an easy way to give the humble spring vegetable a well-deserved upgrade.
For more asparagus recipes, be sure to check out air fryer white asparagus, asparagus with miso butter, asparagus carbonara, and asparagus cannelloni – so many delicious ways to enjoy asparagus.
Crispy, buttery, and tender asparagus with a cheesy finish
Air frying gives the asparagus a tender centre and lightly crisp edges, while the garlic-buttery coating adds richness and helps the spears turn beautifully golden. Introducing grated Parmesan halfway through air-frying adds a rich, nutty flavour, with the cheese melting graciously over every asparagus spear for a savoury, cheesy finish. It makes the asparagus feel especially indulgent while still letting its natural flavour come through.
Brightness and crunch from lemon zest and pumpkin seeds
The air fryer green asparagus is delicious as it is, but we all know that when it comes to cooking, a few finishing touches can make all the difference. There is no shortage of ways to top asparagus, but lemon zest and pumpkin seeds are a particularly good match, bringing both freshness and crunch to the dish. The toasted seeds add a satisfying bite, while the lemon zest brings a fresh citrus note that brightens the overall flavour.
Serve as a dazzling starter or a quick side
Our air fryer asparagus recipe suits a myriad of occasions, as it is quick and easy to prepare, and offers an indulgent side dish. It brings vibrancy to a weekend lunch spread or can be whipped up in moments for a busy weeknight dinner. It pairs well with roasted meats, grilled salmon, or savoury quiches, but can also add volume to a vegetarian menu. Rosemary-roasted potatoes and a fresh salad work wonders alongside the crispy asparagus, celebrating its vibrant colour and robust flavour.
Get creative with the recipe
Make this air fryer asparagus your own by getting creative with the recipe. Add a sprinkling of crushed red pepper or dried chilli flakes for a kick of heat, or introduce a balsamic glaze for a tangy contrast. Chopped fresh basil or parsley works well with the garlic and lemon flavours, while also adding bright pops of green against the charred asparagus.
Substitute the toppings with toasted almonds or pecans for a luxurious touch, or douse the spears in truffle oil to take the entire dish to another level. Have fun experimenting with ingredients and garnishes that enhance the flavour and appearance of the asparagus spears. Each variation will offer a new, fun way to enjoy asparagus, so you will want to add it to every dinner menu.
Discover more ways to enjoy this spring favourite with our green asparagus recipes and white asparagus recipes, or explore the best ways to prepare asparagus for more cooking inspiration.
