Air Fryer Asparagus
Air fryer asparagus takes just 7 minutes at 200°C, which makes it the quickest way to get a green side dish on the table. The tips char lightly, the stalks stay tender with a little bite, and a tablespoon of olive oil is all the fat you need. Finish with grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon, and serve it with fish, chicken or a soft-boiled egg.
- Total
- 15 min
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Serves
- 2
- Per serving
- 130kcal
Buying and preparing air fryer asparagus
British asparagus has a short season, from late April to the middle of June, and it is worth buying then, as it is at its sweetest. Out of season, choose firm spears with tight tips and no wrinkling on the stalks.
Try to pick spears of a similar thickness so they finish together. If they vary, group the thin and thick ones separately. One layer in the basket matters more than anything else here, as crowded spears steam instead of roasting.
Method for air fryer asparagus
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Trim Rinse the asparagus and pat it dry with a clean tea towel. Hold each spear at both ends and bend it gently. It snaps where the woody part ends, usually 2–3cm from the base. Discard the woody ends, or trim a stack of spears with a knife at the same point.
- Season Put the spears in a bowl, add the olive oil, salt and pepper and toss until every spear is lightly coated.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 200°C for . If your basket is shorter than the spears, cut them in half.
- Cook Lay the spears in a single layer in the basket, with a little space between them. Cook for , shaking the basket or turning them with tongs halfway, until the tips are slightly charred and a knife slides easily into the thickest stalk.
- Finish Tip the hot spears onto a plate, sprinkle with the Parmesan, if using, and squeeze over some lemon juice. Serve straight away.
What to serve with air fryer asparagus
Charred asparagus goes well with grilled fish, roast chicken, a rare steak or a soft-boiled egg for dipping. You can also toss the cooked spears through pasta, as in pasta with salmon and asparagus, or for a richer starter wrap them first, as in bacon-wrapped asparagus.
Lemon zest, a pinch of chilli flakes or a little crushed garlic stirred into the oil all work well in place of the Parmesan.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Asparagus
- The tips are burnt but the stalks are still tough.
- The spears were very different in thickness. Sort them into thin and thick, and give the thick ones 2–3 minutes longer, adding the thinner ones part-way through.
- The asparagus is soft and limp rather than lightly charred.
- The basket was too full, so the spears steamed. Cook them in a single layer, or in two batches, and shake halfway.
- The Parmesan has not melted.
- Sprinkle it over the spears straight out of the basket while they are still hot, using the fine side of the grater, rather than adding it before cooking.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Asparagus
How long do you cook asparagus in the air fryer?
Medium spears take 7 minutes at 200°C. Pencil-thin spears need about 4–5 minutes and thick ones 8–10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through.
Do you need to peel asparagus first?
No. Only thick, older spears benefit from peeling the bottom third with a vegetable peeler. Young, medium spears just need the woody ends snapped off.
Can you cook asparagus in the oven instead?
Yes. Roast the oiled spears on a baking tray at 220°C (200°C fan), gas 7, for 10 minutes, turning them once.
How should I store leftover asparagus?
Cool it quickly, cover it and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. It is best eaten cold in salads, as it goes soft when reheated.
How did you like the recipe?
4.6 / 5 · 78 ratings
