How to Air Fry Asparagus

Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen!   It's Frugal Friday and one of the ways I save money at the grocery store is to buy produce that are in season.  Right now that's asparagus.  As of May 3, 2024, a 1 pound bundle of asparagus at my local supermarkets are fluctuating between $2 and $3, which is a great price (for 2024 anyway).  There are several ways to prepare asparagus, all of them have their pros and cons, but for me you need to look no further that the air fryer! 

In this post we will go over all my tips and tricks for achieving perfectly crips and flavorful asparagus using the air fryer.  From seasoning and cooking techniques, to serving suggestions and more get ready to elevate your asparagus game to a whole other level!  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!

WHAT MAKES ASPARAGUS THE PERFECT SIDE FOR SPRING?

Well aside from just being delicious and cost effective, asparagus is actually a bit of a super food.  Here are just a few of the health benefits from it. 

• It lowers blood pressure. 
• It contains potassium which helps keep your heart, bones, kidneys, and lungs functioning and healthy.  
• It may help fight cancer. 
• It is packed with antioxidants. 
• It's a brain booster (we all need that). 
• And it's a diuretic which means that it helps to reduce fluid build up in the body.  

As the real question here should be why are you NOT eating this with every meal?

It's also an easy air fryer side dish because ingredients are minimal and you don't have to babysit it at the grill or stove.  

HOW DO I PREPARE MY ASPARAGUS?

If I tell you nothing else about cooking asparagus, let me make sure it is this.  YOU MUST TRIM THE ENDS OF YOUR ASPARAGUS.  If you don't you are going to have a whole lot of woody, chewy yuck on your hands.  

There are several ways people go about knowing where to cut, but I'm gonna keep it easy for you.  2 inches from the bottom.  That is my standard and it works every time.  

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY ASPARAGUS IS COOKED PROPERLY?

This is an easy question.  

Though asparagus is delicious, it can be quite finicky to cook.  If you overcook, it comes of limp and soggy.  If you undercook it can be bitter and "raw' tasting.  Also, if it comes out black, you burnt it.  

That's why I love the air fryer method.  You can control the cooking time based on the size of your asparagus, and it is basically fool-proof!

For example:

• Thin Asparagus (the size of a pencil) will only need about 3-4 minutes. 
• Medium Asparagus (the size of a marker) will need about 5 minutes. 
• Thick Asparagus ( you'll know) usually takes about 6-7 minutes.

The asparagus will have some carry over cooking time, so allow for that.  You may think it's not done, but it is. 

Follow these simple time frames and you should have no problems.  

WHAT DO I NEED?

The best part about this "recipe" is that it only requires a few simple ingredients.

• 1 lb of Apsaragus 
• 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/4 tsp Paprika
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

This is my every day go-to, but I also like these variations.

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil and lemon pepper seasoning with lemon zest and fresh squeezed lemon.
2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a little brown sugar
3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a little good ol fashioned taco seasoning.  

HOW DO I MAKE IT:

1. Pre-heat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes. 
2. Wash and trim your asparagus. 
3. Place the asparagus in a bowl and add the oil and seasoning.  Toss so that everything is well coated. 
4. Place in the pre-heated air fryer and cook at 400 for 3-5 minutes depending on the size. 
5. Serve and enjoy!

It's that simple.  No muss, no fuss!

So there you have it!  All of my tips and tricks for getting perfectly cook asparagus in your air fryer!  I love that this recipe is simple and interactive because you can get the entire family involved no matter their age.  So pick up some asparagus and give it a try in your air fryer tonight!

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~