Indulge in crispy perfection with our delectable air-fried asparagus recipe! Savor the aromatic blend of dried dill, EVOO, garlic powder, and fresh garlic. A healthy and flavorful delight that is gluten- and dairy-free.
Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links, this means when you sign up or purchase from these links we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. However, we only promote products and services that have provided insight and been very helpful to us. The Radiant Root is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Learn more about our disclosure statement.
Asparagus is one of those vegetables that can taste kind of bland and not so flavorful on its own. One way to make this veggie shine is by adding the right blend of seasoning.
If you want a quick way to make asparagus taste great then you are in luck. Look no further because this air fryer asparagus recipe has got you covered.
With just 5 ingredients you can turn this earthy vegetable into a scrumptious snack or side dish that will tantalize your taste buds. If you want to learn how to make asparagus taste good read on to learn how to make this perfectly seasoned and crispy veggie in under 30 minutes.
Why you’ll love this air-fried asparagus recipe
Air fryer asparagus is a recipe that you’re sure to love, and here are a few reasons why:
- Quick and easy
- Delicious taste
- Similar results to regular frying
- Potential health benefits
- Versatile
In just 20 minutes you will have air fryer roasted asparagus. This includes both prep and cooking time. This is much faster than making asparagus in the oven, which is great for those hot days when you don’t want to turn on the stove.
This easy asparagus recipe also tastes great too! This combination of olive oil, dill, and garlic will turn the earthy and bitter taste of asparagus into a mouthwatering flavorful savory, and aromatic side.
If you enjoy the crispness of deep-fried foods, air fryer recipes are perfect for you. Cooking asparagus in the air fryer can deliver the same texture you love from regular frying—crispy on the outside and tender and flavorful on the inside. It’s a fantastic way to turn your veggies blah to ah in no time at all.
Asparagus is a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. Air frying has been said to retain more nutritional value than traditional frying, so this air fryer asparagus recipe may offer some health benefits as well.
With its ability to seamlessly fit into different meal options, this air fryer asparagus recipe offers a versatile and tasty way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable.
This recipe for air fry asparagus recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It is simple to make, quick, flavorful, crispy, versatile, and nutritional.
How to pick asparagus at the store
If you’re wondering when to pick asparagus here are the deets. Luckily, this veggie is practically around all year especially here in North America. I feel like I’ve seen asparagus since January.
While asparagus’ prime time is April through the end of May, you can still get some good asparagus into July. You just need to know what to look for.
Asparagus is usually sold in bundles at about a pound each. This takes the guesswork out of having to measure. One bundle of asparagus will contain between 12 to 15 spears. The asparagus serving size is about 6 spears. So one pound of asparagus makes about 2 to 4 servings.
If picking is daunting here are tips to help you get a quality vegetable:
- Color: Asparagus should be bright green in color. Avoid spears that are wilted, discolored, or have brown tips.
- Firmness: When you bend a spear, it should snap easily. If it bends and then slowly returns to its original shape, it is not as fresh.
- Compactness: The head of the asparagus should be compact with closed tips.
- Uniformity: The spears should be uniform in size. Avoid spears that are very thin or very thick.
- Cleanliness: Asparagus is a delicate vegetable, so it is important to choose spears that are free of dirt. If the spears are dirty, you can rinse them under cold water before cooking.
Asparagus Nutrition Facts
According to the USDA’s asparagus nutrition information, 1 cup of raw asparagus contains the following:
- Calories: 27 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Total fat: 0.16 g
- Fiber: 3 g (12% Daily Value)
Asparagus is a low carb veggie that offers a good source of fiber. This vegetable also gives you a good intake of essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
Aside from these nutrients asparagus also contains the antioxidants alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C, glutathione, flavonoids, and polyphenols.
Benefits of eating asparagus
Consuming asparagus may offer some potential health benefits thanks to all the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds found in this veggie.
These nutrients have been associated with improvements in blood pressure, brain function, cell growth, weight management, bone, and gut health. Asparagus is also rich in antioxidants, which help prevent free radical production and reduce inflammation in the body.
Asparagus Side Effects
Normally safe to eat, there are some side effects that may occur after eating asparagus.
One thing that happens is your pee will smell shortly after eating asparagus. This is because when asparagus is digested it produces asparagusic acid. This compound contains sulfur and will make your urine smell.
Asparagus may also cause some people to toot or bloat, especially those with IBS or other gut issues. This is because asparagus contains fermentable fibers that can be difficult to digest.
Asparagus is a delicious vegetable, but it’s important to be aware of its oxalate content. Oxalates are compounds that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones in some people. If you have a history of kidney stones or are at a higher risk, you may want to moderate your asparagus intake.
What is an air fryer and how does it work?
Air fryers are compact appliance that cooks food quickly and evenly using less oil than traditional frying methods. They work by circulating hot air around the food, which helps to cook it from all sides evenly.
This is similar to how a convection oven works, but air fryers use a smaller fan and basket, which allows them to cook food more quickly.
Air fryers can be used to cook a variety of foods, including vegetables, chicken, fish, french fries, pizza, and desserts.
Air fryer pros and cons
Like any appliance, there are some pros and cons of using an air fryer. Here we go over the benefits and disadvantages.
Air fryer benefits
Some benefits of using an air fryer over other frying methods include
- Save time and energy
- Healthier and more nutritious
- Fewer toxins
- Multi-purpose appliance
- Similar results to frying
- Easy clean up
Air frying cooks food faster than conventional ovens. This saves you time in the kitchen. These machines may also use less energy preheating and make it an efficient way to cook meals.
Food cooked in an air fryer will be healthier than when it is deep fried. Using the air fryer also retains more nutrients in foods than other frying methods.
Cooking at high heat creates toxins. Air fryers will reduce the formation of compounds like acrylamide when compared with deep-fried foods.
This is a multi-purpose appliance that can cook many different foods.
If you love fried crispy foods you can get similar results with air frying.
Most air fryers are really easy to clean. They may even have parts that can go right in the dishwasher so you don’t even have to wash them yourself.
Disadvantages of air fryer
While there are numerous benefits to using an air fryer, it’s important to consider its downsides as well. They include:
- Limited space
- Some getting used
- Not exactly the same as deep frying
- Another expense
- No room for another appliance
- Could ruin your food
Air fryers are not as big as regular ovens, so you may need to batch-cook larger items. This can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
Air fryers can have a learning curve, as cooking times and temperatures are different from a regular oven. You may need to trial and error recipes to find what works best for you.
Air fryers do not produce the same results as deep frying. The food will not be as oily, but it may not be as crispy either. However, this is great for anyone wanting some tasty veggies.
Air fryers can be an additional expense, especially if you want to get add-on accessories.
Depending on your kitchen, you may not have any room for an air fryer. Even the smaller models can be bulky.
Air fryers are powerful appliances, and if you are not careful, you could cook your food for too long and ruin it.
While there are cons to this appliance, there are a lot of benefits that make having an air fryer so great. Also, following recipes like this air fryer asparagus can help ensure quality outcomes.
Is air frying healthy?
When compared with conventional frying, air frying is considered a healthier alternative. Since air is used to cook food in an air fryer, these foods tend to have less fat and calories than regular deep-fried foods.
Veggies cooked in an air fryer also contain more nutrients after frying than those that have been deep-fried.
These appliances have also been able to reduce the amount of acrylamide produced. This toxin is a byproduct of cooking foods containing starches and other natural sugar at high temperatures.
When looking at the big picture, air frying is a great way to make your veggies taste great while keeping the nutritional content. However, like with anything excess is not warranted.
So don’t just rely on cooking in the air fryer. Use an array of cooking methods. This is good for health and also keeps things from getting boring in the kitchen.
How to use an air fryer
Directions for how to use an air fryer will vary from appliance to appliance.
If you’re wondering, “Do you have to preheat an air fryer?” It depends on the type of air fryer you have. The one I own does not need to be preheated. I just set the time and temperature when I want to cook.
Here are the steps for using an air fryer include:
- Prepping your food
- Placing it in the air fryer basket
- Putting the basket in the air fryer
- Setting the time and temperature (or preheating if necessary)
- Pushing start
- Checking for doneness
- Reheating if necessary
It is best to adhere to cooking instructions. For this particular recipe, follow the tips below to get the best air-fry asparagus.
How to prepare asparagus spears
Prepping asparagus is pretty easy and only consists of a few steps:
- Clean the asparagus
- Trim the asparagus stalk ends
- Add seasonings
- Cook it
How to clean asparagus
How to prep asparagus starts with cleaning. There are just two steps involved in cleaning asparagus. First, rinse the spears under cold water removing any dirt or debris. Then pat it dry with a clean towel.
How to trim asparagus
The second step in how to prepare asparagus for cooking involves trimming the stalks. I like to use kitchen shears* and cut about an inch off the bottom of each of the asparagus spears.
Usually, you can stop by just trimming off the bottoms of the asparagus spears. However, for this recipe, I like to cut the asparagus spears into four pieces so they are bite-sized and become air fryer asparagus fries.
This helps them cook more evenly and also makes them easier to eat. I like to spread the asparagus spears out in a single layer in the air fryer basket so they cook evenly.
Once you have all the ends trimmed off you can discard them. Alternatively, the ends can be cut off with a sharp knife*.
Season the asparagus
Seasoning is what makes your recipe great. Since asparagus is such a bland veggie you want to add as much flavor as possible. I like to mix different spices with olive oil for a delectable and appetizing taste.
How to cook fresh asparagus
The last step in asparagus preparation is to choose a cooking method. Asparagus can be steamed, boil, roasted, grilled, stir-fried, and air frying.
How to cook asparagus in the air fryer
Thanks to the ease and speediness of this appliance, the air fryer has become one of the best ways to cook asparagus. It can make a good asparagus recipe even better.
Cooking asparagus in the air fryer can be very easy when you follow the preparation steps outlined in this recipe.
You just want to remember that air fryers vary from appliance to appliance. So how long to air fry asparagus could vary depending on your air fryer. It is best to start out with a few minutes and see how the asparagus feels and tastes.
Another factor that can affect cooking time is the thickness of the spears. For this fried asparagus recipe, I used medium-sized asparagus stalks. If you can only find smaller or larger stalks this will affect the cooking time.
Check out the tips section below on how to get the best results.
Asparagus air fryer recipe ingredients
A good recipe for asparagus is one that is easy and does not need a lot of ingredients. There are only 5 things needed to make this air fryer roasted asparagus. They include:
- Asparagus
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Dried dill
- Fresh garlic
- Garlic powder
Asparagus
Fresh asparagus is the star ingredient in this air-fried asparagus recipe. It works in harmony with the other ingredients to create a delectable dish.
Its vibrant green color and distinct flavor bring a unique earthy and slightly bitter taste to the recipe. Air frying asparagus makes the spears tender on the inside and a nice crispy crunch on the outside elevating the flavor profile while keeping the nutrient content when compared to regular frying.
Extra virgin olive oil
Another key ingredient in this recipe is extra virgin olive oil. For two reasons. First of all, It is how to make asparagus crispy. This ingredient promotes the crispness of asparagus. Secondly, it works together with the other seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
Dried dill
I love dill and think it’s one of the best asparagus seasonings. I like the ease of using dried dill in a lot of recipes. It saves so much time when you don’t have to prep any spices.
Dill has a delicate and slightly sweet flavor. When combined with the other seasonings it adds a subtle yet distinct herbal aroma and tanginess that complements the natural taste of asparagus.
Fresh garlic and garlic powder
I wanted to get this recipe to be very garlicky. That’s why I added both fresh and powdered garlic.
The savory taste of fresh garlic brings a pungent and robust taste to the recipe making it a savory treat.
Garlic in powder form allows for even coverage. This ensures its strong, savory aromatic taste will infuse every inch of the asparagus.
The combination of fresh garlic and garlic powder really penetrates the asparagus creating a more pronounced garlic flavor than when you just use one type of garlic. So in a way, you could say this is an air-fried garlic asparagus recipe.
Together these ingredients work in harmony with the olive oil, dried dill, and asparagus adding an additional layer of flavor and making an overall delightful taste.
When blended together, asparagus, fresh garlic, dried dill, extra virgin olive oil, and garlic powder create a well-balanced and flavorful coating that once air-fried will make your asparagus taste so good you won’t want to stop eating it.
How to air fry asparagus (step-by-step instructions)
Here are the instructions for making asparagus in the air fryer. If you want the full recipe information scroll down to the recipe card and you will find the full ingredient and instruction information.
1. Gather all your ingredients together. You can start by peeling the garlic cloves. Cut them into slices and set aside.
2. Prep your asparagus. This involves cleaning and trimming the asparagus. Rinse it under cold water and remove any visible debris. Pat it dry with a towel.
3. Take an asparagus spear and trim about an inch off the bottom of it with kitchen shears. Holding the spear over a large mixing bowl, cut the remaining spear into four bite-size pieces (about 2 to 4 inches long). Repeat until all the spears are cut into small pieces and placed inside the bowl.
4. In the bowl with the asparagus, add olive oil,
dried dill,
fresh garlic, and
garlic powder.
5. Mix the seasoning together so it evenly coats the asparagus pieces.
6. Place asparagus in a single layer inside the air fryer basket into the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Depending on how big your air fryer is you may need to cook the asparagus in separate batches.
7. Let cool and enjoy.
Tips for cooking asparagus
Here are some asparagus cooking tips on how to get great recipe results.
The best way to make asparagus in the air fryer is with fresh, crisp asparagus. Frozen asparagus may become mush and limp. Canned asparagus will be too salty due to the brine that is added to the can.
Cutting the asparagus into small pieces makes it fit easier in the air fryer basket. This also makes it an easy way to eat it.
To ensure even cooking don’t overfill the air fryer basket. Keep the asparagus in one flat layer in the air fryer basket.
You may be left with extra asparagus that needs to be cooked in separately. If that is the case no worries just cook it in batches until all the asparagus is fried.
Asparagus cooking time will also vary by the size of the asparagus. Thin, medium, and thick, asparagus will have different cook times. Here is the breakdown for each size
- Thin asparagus spears at 370°F for approximately 6-7 minutes
- Medium asparagus spears at 370°F for approximately 8-10 minutes
- Thick asparagus spears at 370°F for approximately 9-11 minutes
Follow your manufacturer’s directions. Cooking time and temperatures will vary by model. My air fryer does not need to be preheated but some do. Check to see if this is the case with your air fryer.
To get the perfect asparagus crispness check for doneness halfway through cooking. Pierce the asparagus with a fork or taste a piece. If it’s not crispy or tender enough you can throw it back in the air fryer and cook for another few minutes until it’s at your desired texture.
Follow these hot air fryer tips (pun intended) for some awesome and tasty asparagus.
Additions/Substitutions/Variations
With cooking comes creativity and personalization. If you are looking to add personalization to this recipe check out these recipe additions, substitutions, and variations.
Recipe additions
To make your recipe even more special here are some additions to consider.
Toss in some pieces of raw bacon before you cook the asparagus for an added savory and smoky flavor. Alternatively, you make bacon-wrapped asparagus. Simply cut the bacon into small pieces and wrap it around the asparagus spread.
Add a citrusy flavor with fresh lemon juice. Simply squeeze a slice of lemon over the air-fried asparagus just before serving
Salt and pepper can enhance the natural flavors in this recipe. So add a dash before cooking.
For a smoky and slightly sweet feel add paprika. Alternatively, if you’re looking for spiciness you can add drop a few red pepper flakes over the asparagus before frying.
Other spices you can add to this dish are cilantro, basil, oregano, rosemary or thyme. These spices will add their own twist on flavor to the recipe:
- Cilantro is fresh and herbal
- Basil is sweet and peppery
- Oregano is savory and slightly bitter
- Rosemary gives a piney and slightly minty flavor
- Thyme adds a slightly minty, lemony, and herbaceous flavor
Asparagus with cheese is also quite popular. Some may opt to turn this into a parmesan asparagus recipe. This would add a nutty, salty, and slightly sharp flavor. All you need is to add some vegan grated parmesan cheese before frying or as a topping after they are cooked. You can also experiment with other vegan cheeses to see what tastes the best.
All of these are just suggestions of what’s possible to expand the palate of air-fried asparagus.
Recipe substitutions
Here are some substitution ideas to use in case you can’t find an ingredient.
Instead of asparagus, you can use a variety of veggies including:
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Zucchini
Trim the ends of the green beans and then toss with seasoning and air fry. Cut the broccoli into bite-size florets. You can also save time by buying already prepared green beans* and broccoli florets* at the store.
Coat the broccoli with seasoning and then follow the air frying steps. Half or quarter Brussels sprouts, season them and cook in the air fryer.
For the zucchini, you want to cut the zucchini into long strips or thick rounds. Season with the ingredients and cook in the air fryer.
These veggies will have different cooking times than asparagus. Here is approximately how long to air fry them at 370°F:
- Green beans cook for 8-10 minutes
- Broccoli cook for 10-12 minutes
- Brussels sprouts cook for 15-20 minutes
- Zucchini cook for 10-12 minutes
In place of extra virgin olive oil, you can use avocado, walnut, coconut, or vegan butter. Just keep in mind these other oils can change the taste of the dish. You may also need to use less of them if they are more flavorful.
In place of fresh garlic you can use any of the following:
- 3 tbsp fresh chives
- 4 scallions
- 1 tsp onion powder
Please know that these have a slightly different taste from garlic and will influence the final flavor of the dish.
Dried dill can be substituted with 1 tbsp of fresh dill, parsley, or chives.
Garlic powder can be replaced with either
- 1.5 tsp onion powder
- 2.5 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
Please remember any change will affect the overall taste and texture of the finished recipe.
Recipe variations
If you’re looking for more asparagus recipe ideas check out these recipe variations.
Add some sweetness with balsamic vinegar. Toss a tablespoon or two into the asparagus seasoning before air frying.
Make your asparagus more aromatic with a tablespoon of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives.
Savor the spice with the addition of Sriracha sauce before frying.
Add another veggie or two for more flavor. The addition of broccoli, carrots, or zucchini can expand the taste.
Just know any of these variations will change the flavor and may alter the cooking time. Especially the addition of more vegetables.
What to serve with this recipe
Air-fried asparagus can be enjoyed alone as a snack or add it to a protein to make a complete meal. Here are some ideas of what foods to pair with this recipe:
- Animal protein (chicken, pork, beef)
- Fish or seafood (shrimp, salmon)
- Grains: quinoa or brown rice pilaf
- On top of a salad
This air-fried asparagus goes great with chicken, pork chops, or steak. Salmon and shrimp are other great complements to this recipe. You can even cook these proteins in the air fryer too. They might need to be cooked separately depending on how big your air fryer is.
If you are looking for a vegan meal you can pair the asparagus with cooked quinoa.
Asparagus tastes great in a salad. It gives a boost of fiber and taste to lettuce and veggies like cucumbers and carrots.
How to store asparagus
If there are any leftovers there are two ways how to keep asparagus fresh: place the spears in the fridge or freezer.
Here are the steps on how to store asparagus in the fridge:
First, let the cooked asparagus cool completely. Then place it in an airtight container and put the container in the refrigerator.
In regards to the question, “How long does asparagus last in the fridge?” It is only a short while. Cooked asparagus will stay good for about 3 to 4 days.
If you know you’re not going to be eating your asparagus leftovers within a few days you want to put them in the freezer. The steps on how to store asparagus in the freezer:
Once the cooked asparagus is cooled you can put it in a freezer-safe container and pop the container in the freezer. There it will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
If you want to make this recipe ahead of time. Here’s what you do
Prep the ingredients. Place the asparagus in a container with a lid then mix with the seasonings. Place the lid on the asparagus mixture and put in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
When you’re ready to cook the asparagus take it out of the fridge, let it cool, and put the spears in the air fryer basket and cook as directed.
How to reheat the recipe
Here are some different ways to reheat the recipe:
- Air fryer
- In the oven/toaster oven
- Microwave
- Stovetop
Preheat the oven/toaster oven to 375°F. Lay the leftover asparagus in a flat layer on a baking sheet. Put it in the oven and cook for about 5 to 8 minutes until it is warmed up. Be careful not to overcook it.
You can also use an air fryer to reheat your asparagus. Place the leftovers in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 370°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch the asparagus to avoid over-frying.
If you want to heat it up on the stovetop just grab a skillet or frying pan. Place it over medium heat then add a small amount of olive oil. Add the asparagus and cook for 3 to 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Once they are heated to your desire remove and enjoy.
It is important to note the texture may change once the asparagus has been reheated. Air frying may help to retain the original crispiness.
Alternatively, these spears can also be enjoyed cold as a snack or in a salad. So you don’t have to bother even cooking them at all.
Common and FAQs
Yes, you can fry asparagus. While pan and deep frying are common ways to fry. Air fryer asparagus has become a popular side dish. This involves prepping the asparagus, mixing it with seasoning, and then placing it in the air fryer and cooking it until it is to a desired crispness.
Cooking times will vary in an air fryer depending on the appliance used. I found that 370 degrees Fahrenheit is a good temperature for cooking asparagus in the air fryer. The thickness of the asparagus will determine how long to cook asparagus in the air fryer.
For thin asparagus cook it for 6-7 minutes, for medium asparagus cook for 8-10 minutes, and for thick asparagus cook for 9-11 minutes. Check the asparagus halfway through to prevent overcooking. When finished check for doneness. Peirce it with a fork to see if it’s crisp and tender.
If it’s lacking a crispy texture put it back in the air fryer for a minute until it’s at your desired crispness.
A few reasons why asparagus isn’t crispy may have to do with the following:
Overcooked: Asparagus is pretty delicate. The chemical reaction that occurs when heating breaks down all the bonds in this veggie causing it to become mushy and soft. Only cook it until it’s tender to avoid soggy asparagus.
Not hot enough: This veggie needs high heat to get crispy. Lower heat levels will steam asparagus and make it mushy. So keep the temperature up to ensure crispy asparagus.
Too little oil: Oil plays an integral role in crisping up asparagus. If there is no oil present it will stick to the pan and get limp.
Needs salt. If you find your asparagus is mushy and soft it may benefit from a sprinkling of salt. This seasoning draws moisture out of the vegetable and can keep it from getting soggy.
Using the air fryer can help to avoid all these problems. This appliance gets hot and needs very little if any oil and will ensure crispness.
There are many ways to cook asparagus. The popularity of the cooking method depends on no personal preference and how you want your asparagus to taste. Some of the most popular include:
Air frying: Air frying is a quick and easy way to get tender, crispy asparagus in a short period of time.
Roasting: Roasting asparagus carmelizes the vegetable giving it a somewhat slightly sweet and charred flavor with a nice crispy texture.
Grilling: Grilling gives asparagus a smoky flavor and crispy texture.
Sautéing: Sautéing gives asparagus a nice bit of flavor.
Steaming: Steaming is the easiest way to cook asparagus. This cooking method will give you a tender and crisp veggie. Steaming also gives you a bland taste so you will need to season it after cooking.
This all depends on the type of air fryer you have. The air fryer I used in this recipe does not need to be preheated which I like. I can just set it and cook. Check your air fryer settings to see if you need to preheat your air fryer.
Learn more ways to make this recipe awesome with our Tips Section above.
Yes, you can air-fry asparagus without oil. For this particular recipe, I added some olive oil to give it a little bit of extra flavor. The olive also helps increase the crispiness of the veggie.
Asparagus is a healthy vegetable. It contains a lot of essential nutrients including fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K. It is also rich in antioxidant compounds that have been associated with improved health.
When compared with traditional frying, air frying asparagus is a healthier choice. Instead of oil, it uses hot air to circulate heat and cook the food. This will cause a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.
Some air fryer recipes will call for oil but they will use significantly less oil and often will use healthier monounsaturated fats like olive oil. This will lower the total fat and calorie content. Air frying can also maintain nutrient levels better than other frying methods.
Asparagus itself is a low-calorie food, however, the total amount of calories in air fryer asparagus depends on the other ingredients used in the recipe.
This particular recipe uses only olive oil and spices to flavor the asparagus so the calorie count is still under 100 calories per serving.
Any additional oils, toppings, or sauces added to the recipe will affect the calorie content. When in doubt plug the ingredients into a nutrient database like Nutrifox* to see how many calories are in that particular air fryer asparagus recipe.
Equipment Used in this Recipe*
Here is a list of equipment or similar items used to make this air fryer asparagus recipe.
- Air fryer
- Cutting board
- Garlic peeler
- Paring knife
- Kitchen shears
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
*Some of these links are affiliate links, which means when you sign up or purchase from these links we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more in our disclosure statement.
More asparagus recipes you will love
Here are some other asparagus recipes you will love.
- “Cheesy” Asparagus
- Balsamic Glazed Asparagus
- Roasted Asparagus with Shallots
- Turkey bacon wrapped asparagus
Get recipes delivered right to your inbox
Want to be the first to get our new recipes?
Subscribe to our email newsletter for exclusive access to the recipes days BEFORE they are posted on our social pages!
PLUS when you Subscribe you will get our Meal Planning Cheat Sheet FREE! Click the button below to sign up!
Air Fried Asparagus (recipe card)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp dried dill
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients. Peel and cut the garlic into slices and place to the side.
- Wash off any debris under cold water. Pat the asparagus dry with a towel. Then take an asparagus spear and trim about an inch off the bottom of it with kitchen shears. Holding the spear over a large mixing bowl cut the remaining spear into four bite-size pieces (about 2 to 4 inches long). Repeat until all the spears are cut into small pieces and placed inside the bowl.
- In the bowl with the asparagus add olive oil, dried dill, fresh garlic, and garlic powder to it.
- Mix all the ingredients together so the asparagus pieces are well covered with seasoning.
- Place the asparagus in the air fryer so it’s in a flat layer. Depending on how big your air fryer is you may be left with extra asparagus. That is okay just cook it in a separate batch.
- Set the air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Check for doneness halfway through cooking by piercing the asparagus with a fork to see if it’s tender.
- Once it's at your desired crispness let it cool and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Recipe tips
Asparagus Cooking Tips- Use fresh asparagus.
- Cut the asparagus into small pieces.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Cook in batches if needed.
- Check for doneness.
- Thin asparagus: 6-7 minutes at 370°F
- Medium asparagus: 8-10 minutes at 370°F
- Thick asparagus: 9-11 minutes at 370°F
- Follow your manufacturer’s directions.
- Cooking time and temperatures may vary by model.
- Some air fryers need to be preheated, while others do not.
- Pierce the asparagus with a fork or taste a piece to check for doneness.
- If it’s not crispy or tender enough, cook it for a few more minutes.
Additions/Substitutions/Variations
Cooking is a creative and personal experience. If you’re looking to add your own touch to this recipe, check out these recipe additions, substitutions, and variations.Recipe additions
Here are some suggestions to make your air fried asparagus even more special:- Bacon: Add bacon pieces before air frying for a savory and smoky flavor. Alternatively, wrap asparagus spears with bacon pieces before air frying.
- Lemon juice: Add fresh lemon juice just before serving for a citrusy flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Add salt and pepper before air frying to enhance the natural flavors of the asparagus.
- Paprika: Add paprika for a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Herbs: Add herbs like cilantro, basil, oregano, rosemary, or thyme for their own unique flavor profiles.
- Vegan Parmesan cheese: Add vegan grated Parmesan cheese before or after air frying for a nutty, salty, and slightly sharp flavor.
Recipe substitutions
If you can’t find certain ingredients, here are some substitutions for an air-fried asparagus recipe:- Asparagus: green beans, broccoli florets, brussels sprouts, zucchini slices
- Oil: If you don’t have extra virgin olive oil, use avocado, walnut, coconut, or vegan butter. Consider the smoke point of the oil if you are air frying at a high temperature.
- Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 3 tbsp of fresh chives, 4 scallions, or 1 tsp of onion powder.
- Dill: If you don’t have dried dill, use 1 tbsp of fresh dill, parsley, or chives.
- Garlic powder: If you don’t have garlic powder, use 1.5 tsp of onion powder, 2.5 tsp of paprika, 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper, or 1 tsp of cumin.
- 8-10 minutes for green beans
- 10-12 minutes for broccoli
- 15-20 minutes for Brussels sprouts
- 10-12 minutes for zucchini
Recipe variations
- Sweeten it up by adding a tablespoon or two of balsamic vinegar to the seasoning before air frying.
- Infuse more aroma by incorporating fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives.
- Spice things up with a kick of Sriracha sauce before frying.
- Enhance the flavor profile by including additional vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or zucchini (adding all these additional veggies will take 15 to 20 minutes to cook in the air fryer)
How to store the recipe
The best way to store asparagus is to keep it in the fridge or freezer.- To store cooked asparagus in the fridge, let it cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. It will stay good for about 3-4 days.
- To store cooked asparagus in the freezer, place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 6 months.
How to reheat leftovers
You can reheat your asparagus leftovers in the regular/toaster oven, air fryer, and on the stove:- In the oven/toaster oven: preheat the oven to 375°F and cook for 5-8 minutes.
- In the air fryer: cook at 370°F for 3-5 minutes.
- On the stovetop: heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of olive oil and cook for 3-5 minutes.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is estimated using Nutrifox nutrition label maker**Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links, this means when you sign up or purchase from these links we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Radiant Root is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Learn more in our disclosure statement.
Have you tried this Air Fried Asparagus recipe? We love hearing from you and want to see your creation! Please leave a comment below or share a picture of your recipe and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.
The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. All website services, content, and products are shared for informational purposes only. The Radiant Root and Jnettk LLC cannot provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before making changes to your, diet, supplement regimen or lifestyle. Learn more in our disclaimer.
