Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook asparagus? Air frying is the perfect solution!
Not only does it require minimal effort, but it also results in a flavorful and crispy side dish that pairs well with any meal. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to cook asparagus in an air fryer in no time.
So grab your ingredients and prepare for a quick cooking lesson.
Let’s get into it!
Why Asparagus In An Air Fryer?
Asparagus is one of those vegetables that truly shines when cooked in an air fryer. The combination of heated air with just a little oil makes for an incredibly delicious side dish.
The spears get lightly golden brown on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside, perfect for pairing with grilled meat or fish.
The cooking time is also incredibly short, usually around 10 minutes, depending on how large your pieces are. So it’s perfect for a busy week or nights when you want something tasty but doesn’t have much time to spare.
Plus, there’s no need to stand over a hot stove stirring or flipping things. Once everything goes into the basket, simply set it and forget it!
Using an air fryer to cook asparagus also has some great health benefits. Since you are not submerging them in oil, the vegetables retain much of their natural vitamins and minerals.
This means that you can enjoy a delicious side dish without sacrificing nutrition. Plus, it’s much faster than roasting or steaming.
Finally, cooking with an air fryer is incredibly convenient. All you need to do is wash your asparagus spears and toss them with olive oil and seasonings before putting them into the basket.
Then close the lid, set your timer, and wait for perfectly cooked veggies every time! No more checking or stirring; just set it and forget it.
Overall, using an air fryer for cooking asparagus is a great way to get dinner on the table quickly while still enjoying all its nutritional benefits.
With minimal effort required from start to finish and consistently delicious results, this vegetable side dish will become a regular go-to in no time!
How To Cook Asparagus In An Air Fryer
Ingredients And Prep
You’ll need just five simple ingredients: asparagus spears (trimmed if necessary), olive oil (or another type of cooking oil), salt & pepper, garlic powder (optional), and Parmesan cheese (optional).
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, preheat your air fryer according to manufacturer instructions. This should take about 5 minutes.
Then toss all ingredients together until everything is well-coated before transferring them into your preheated basket.
Air Fry Your Asparagus
Add the asparagus spears to your air fryer basket to make your asparagus. Make sure they are spread out in a single layer and do not overlap.
Cook for 8 minutes at 400F (204ºC), shaking the basket once or twice during cooking. Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with salt & pepper, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
If needed, shake the baking sheet halfway through cooking so that all sides cook evenly. When done right, your asparagus will have a nice crisp texture with enough tenderness underneath.
It should look golden brown.
Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
You can go right with air-fried asparagus for an easy side dish that can be served alongside almost any meal.
You could serve it with roasted chicken breasts or pork chops for a complete dinner. It also pairs nicely with grilled salmon and tilapia fillets for a light summer meal.
If you’re looking for vegetarian options to pair it with, try serving it over quinoa or alongside some roasted potatoes.
Leftovers Storage And Reheating Tips
Any leftovers can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for three days. To reheat, place back into the preheated basket; heat at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190ºC) for approx 4-5 minutes till warmed through.
Regarding storing food, you should keep a few important tips in mind. Firstly, when storing leftovers, always make sure they are tightly covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days only.
If you plan on re-heating them later and keeping them longer than that time frame, then consider freezing them instead.
Similar Cooking Tips With Air Fryer
FAQs
Should I Soak Asparagus Before Roasting?
Yes, it is recommended to soak asparagus in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting. This helps remove dirt or debris and helps the asparagus cook more evenly.
Should Asparagus Be Peeled Before Roasting?
No, asparagus does not need to be peeled before roasting. The skin is thin and will become tender when cooked.
Can You Put Foil In An Air Fryer?
Yes, you can put foil in an air fryer. However, it is important to use caution when doing so, as the heat of the air fryer may cause the foil to melt or catch fire if it comes into contact with heating elements.
What Spices Go Well With Asparagus?
Common spices that go well with asparagus include garlic, lemon pepper, thyme, oregano, basil, and parsley.
How Do You Tell If Roasted Asparagus Is Done?
Roasted asparagus is done when it is tender and lightly browned. To test for doneness, insert a fork into the thickest part of the stalk; if it slides in easily, the asparagus is ready to eat.
Conclusion
Cooking asparagus in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and healthy side dish.
Following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly whip up this tasty vegetable treat with minimal effort.
With just a few minutes of prep time and some basic ingredients, you’ll enjoy perfectly cooked asparagus full of flavor every time.
So why not give it a try?
You won’t regret it!