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For the best asparagus, air fry them! I used to roast them in the oven or grill them, but now I make this air fryer asparagus recipe, which takes less time and makes less mess. I season them with onion powder, garlic powder, and chili flakes, and top them with parmesan and lemon juice. The asparagus are crispy and perfectly cooked every time!

A metal tray filled with fresh green asparagus spears, placed on a wooden surface. A lemon half is partially visible on the right side. The scene is well-lit, highlighting the asparagus texture and natural color.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe 

These air fryer asparagus with parmesan are my favorite way to eat this green vegetable! Here are more reasons why I love them:

  • Fast and Easy: They cook in under 10 minutes!
  • Crisp Texture: Air frying asparagus gives them a crispy texture on the outside while keeping them tender on the inside.
  • Nutritious: Asparagus contain fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, and K and folate.
  • Versatile: Switch up the spices and toppings with whatever you have available.

🍋 Air Fryer Asparagus Ingredients 

  • Asparagus: Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears and rinse under cold water to wash them.
  • Seasoning: Sprinkle the asparagus with chili flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Parmesan Cheese: I prefer grating a block of parmesan over buying pre-grated cheese. It’s fresher and tastes better.
  • Lemon: Finish off the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. 

👩‍🍳 How to Air Fry Asparagus

  1. Season the Asparagus: Place the asparagus in the air fryer basket. Spray them with avocado oil and sprinkle with chili flakes, onion powder, and garlic powder.
  2. How Long to Cook Asparagus in Air Fryer: Air fry the asparagus at 400℉ for five minutes. Shake the basket, add more oil and cheese, and cook for four more minutes.
  3. How to Serve: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the veggies before serving.

Watch me make this crispy air fryer asparagus on Instagram.

🪄 Tips and Tricks

  • If the asparagus don’t fit in your air fryer, cut them in half.
  • How Long to Air Fry Asparagus: The time may need to be adjusted depending on the size of your spears. If the asparagus are very thin, check them at seven minutes. Thicker ones may need an extra minute or two.

🗒 Variations

  • Seasoning: Add other seasoning, like salt, black pepper, paprika, or dried herbs.
  • No air fryer? Roast the asparagus in the oven at 400℉ for about 10 minutes. 

🗒 Substitutions 

  • Spice: Omit the chili flakes to keep this side dish mild.
  • Can’t eat cheese? Omit the parmesan.
  • Cheese: Replace parmesan with feta–Top the asparagus with feta after you’ve removed them from the air fryer.
  • No lemon? The asparagus will still be good without it, or you can drizzle them with balsamic vinegar.
A close-up of an open mini oven with asparagus spears on a wire rack inside. The oven has three dials on the top panel. The asparagus is arranged evenly, ready to be roasted.

🍽️ Best served with

These air-fried asparagus would be great with just about any main dish. Pair them with chicken, steak, or seafood, and if you want a starch, add some rice, roasted potatoes, or some good bread. They’d also be great with pasta, like my sheet pan lasagna or high-protein pasta.

👝 How to Store

Leftover asparagus will last three to four days in the fridge. To reheat, microwave or air fry the spears until warm.

A metal tray filled with fresh green asparagus spears, placed on a wooden surface. A lemon half is partially visible on the right side. The scene is well-lit, highlighting the asparagus texture and natural color.
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Air Fryer Asparagus

For the best asparagus, air fry them! I season them with onion powder, garlic powder, and chili flakes, and top them with parmesan and lemon juice. The asparagus are crispy and perfectly cooked every time!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 9 minutes
Total: 14 minutes

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 1 lb asparagus
  • avocado oil spray
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • chili flakes
  • parmesan cheese
  • ½ lemon

Instructions 

  • Lay the asparagus in a single layer and spray with avocado oil.
  • Season the asparagus with chili flakes, onion powder, and garlic powder.
  • Air fry at 400℉ for 5 minutes. Open to shake and add more cheese and avocado oil. Then finish off at 400℉ for 4 minutes.
  • Squeeze a lemon over the asparagus and serve warm.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Make this recipe?Mention @itsnicolejaques or tag #nicolejaques!
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