Air Fryer Asparagus

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my air fried asparagus, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.

• Asparagus – Look for fresh asparagus spears that are plump and firm, with closed tips. Any thickness works (cook time will vary — see below!), but I prefer medium or thick because they are less prone to overcooking. If you have extras, use them to make my asparagus salad or pickled asparagus.
• Oil – Helps the seasonings stick, adds flavor, and helps achieve the crispy tips. I usually use olive oil because the flavor pairs nicely with asparagus, but avocado oil works, too.
• Lemon Juice – For a bright, zesty pop.
• Spices – Garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Simple!

For other flavors, see my flavor variations below.

How To Cook Asparagus In The Air Fryer

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.

1. Trim the asparagus. The fastest way to remove the tough, woody ends is to cut off about an inch from the bottom, but the most reliable way to remove just the right amount is to bend each stalk at the base — it will snap at the perfect spot.
2. Toss with seasonings. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. (I like to do this in a shallow baking dish because the spears can lay flat that way, but a large bowl also works.)
3. Let your air fryer work its magic. Place the asparagus in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry until tender, browned, and crispy at the tips. I like to serve it with lemon slices or wedges.

My Recipe Tips

• Choose stalks that are similar in thickness. You can air fry asparagus that’s thick, thin, or anywhere in between, but they all need to be about the same to cook at the same rate. Otherwise, you’ll end up with some pieces that are limp and others that aren’t done yet.
• Cook in batches if needed. Make sure your stalks are in a single layer and don’t crowd the basket! My air fryer asparagus recipe here fits in my basket in one go, but I cook in batches if I want to make more. It’s okay if the pieces touch or overlap a bit, but you don’t want them on top of each other. And the more spread out they are, the more of those delicious crispy tips you get!
• Wondering what to do with the woody ends? You can certainly toss them, but sometimes I use them to make my creamy asparagus soup.
• My air fryer recommendation: I have this air fryer, and it’s my most used appliance — I make easy air fryer recipes in it almost daily. Oh, and its square basket is particularly useful for air fried asparagus because you can lay all the long spears side by side.

How Long To Cook Asparagus In The Air Fryer?

Air fryer asparagus takes 3-6 minutes for thin stalks, 5-8 minutes for medium, or 7-10 minutes for thick. I love that it takes less than half the time it would take in the oven!

Flavor Variations

I make the simple recipe above more often, but have also changed it up in these ways:

• Parmesan – This is my favorite simple addition to air fryer asparagus. Simply toss the spears in grated parm before roasting for a cheesy, crispy coating. You can also just sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese right in the basket before cooking, which gives a more melty result.
• Italian – Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
• Balsamic – When I want a sweeter flavor, I use balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice. A drizzle of balsamic glaze at the end also tastes amazing.
• Bacon Wrapped – Prepare the stalks the same way as my regular bacon wrapped asparagus, then cook in the air fryer instead of the oven. The time is the same as air frying without the bacon.

Serving Ideas

Since air fried asparagus is so fast, I recommend a quick main dish to go with it! Try one of my other simple ideas:

• Chicken – My staples are air fryer chicken breast, baked chicken drumsticks, and crispy chicken wings. But lately we are loving my air fryer chicken leg quarters, which you can cook right after the asparagus.
• Steak – Choose one of my recipes based on the cut you like: sirloin steak, filet mignon, ribeye, or skirt steak.
• Fish – This vegetable pairs perfectly with my crispy air fryer salmon or air fried tilapia if you want to use the same appliance. When I want my main and side ready at the same time, I prepare baked haddock or broiled salmon first, pop it in the oven, then cook the asparagus in the air fryer.
• Brunch – Asparagus is awesome for brunch. Try it with my crustless spinach quiche or steak and eggs. Don’t forget the hollandaise sauce!

More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes

Making veggies in the air fryer is incredibly fast and easy! If you like my air fryer asparagus recipe, you might also like some of these:

Air Fryer Broccoli

Air Fryer Eggplant

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips