This post may include affiliate links; see our disclosure policy.
You won’t believe how easy and delicious it is to make air fryer asparagus! This is now my favorite way to cook this green vegetable.
This might sound weird, but I’ve never been an asparagus fan: until this recipe came along! I am one of those people who are a little wary of its bitter flavor. But this air fryer asparagus comes out tender and juicy, with browned and crispy tips. I literally inhaled the spears like French fries the first time I made this!
My husband Alex suggested using two unique seasonings here: nutritional yeast and tarragon, which make a surprisingly delicious flavor combination! The nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy flavor. But you can use other seasonings (see below) and it comes out delicious! Here’s what to do.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick: Season your asparagus, place it in the air fryer, and you’re done in under 10 minutes!
- Crispy goodness: The tender spears have crispy tips
- Healthy side dish: It’s low-oil, low-calorie, and full of nutrients and fiber, making and easy and healthy side dish idea.
⭐ Air fryer recommendation: I use this air fryer, which has a very large basket so you can cook larger quantities at once.
Tips For Air Fryer Asparagus
After making air fryer asparagus several times, I’ve found some things that are important for this method:
- Trim the woody ends: Cut off the tough ends of the asparagus before cooking. The bottom part is fibrous and chewy. (Here’s how to cut asparagus.)
- Choose the right asparagus: Thin to medium-thick spears work best for air frying. I find thinner spears have a sweeter flavor, so I always look for thin spears when shopping.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Spread the asparagus in a single layer to allow the hot air to circulate properly. If you pack too many spears into the air fryer at once, they’ll steam rather than roast. Depending on the size of your basket, you may need to cook in batches.
- Watch the timing: Thin asparagus may be done after just 4 minutes, and thicker spears might need the full 7 minutes.
Seasoning Variations
While nutritional yeast and tarragon make an incredible combination that Alex and I love, air fryer asparagus is incredibly versatile. Here are some other delicious ways to season it:
- Parmesan and garlic: Add ¼ teaspoon garlic powder when tossing with oil and salt. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the asparagus immediately after air frying.
- Lemon and pepper: Add ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper when tossing with oil and salt. After air frying, squeeze half a lemon over the asparagus and garnish with lemon zest if desired.
- Red pepper flakes: Add a pinch before or after air frying for a spicy kick.
- Everything bagel seasoning: Sprinkle this trendy spice blend over the asparagus after cooking.
- Sesame: Try a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
What To Serve Alongside
Air fryer asparagus pairs beautifully with almost any main dish. You can serve alongside baked salmon, air fryer chicken thighs, or crispy tofu for a complete meal, or pair with pasta dishes like lemon ricotta pasta or mushroom risotto. Or, add it to a rice bowl or power bowl for a hearty meal.
You can also include it with breakfast food like a frittata, sunny side up eggs, or even savory oatmeal for a nutritious way to start the day. Or , serve it as an appetizer over a creamy spread like tahini yogurt sauce or on a veggie tray with dill dip.
Storing Leftovers
As with most vegetables, air fryer asparagus is at its absolute best when fresh from the air fryer. If you do have leftovers, here’s what to do with them:
- Storage: Let the asparagus cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. This helps restore some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving because it tends to make the asparagus soggy.
- Leftover ideas: Cold leftover asparagus makes a great addition to asparagus salad, a grain bowl, or can be chopped and added to frittatas, asparagus quiche, or pasta salad.
My Favorite Air Fryer Recipes
Dietary Notes
This air fryer asparagus recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Preheating for about 5 minutes helps ensure even cooking and better browning of the asparagus.
The asparagus should be bright green, tender when pierced with a fork, and slightly browned and crispy at the tips. The exact time depends on the thickness of your spears.
Unlike conventional oven roasting, you don’t need to flip each spear individually. However, shaking the basket halfway through cooking (around the 4-minute mark) helps ensure even cooking.
While not absolutely necessary, nutritional yeast is what gives this recipe its unique “cheesy” flavor without dairy. You can find it in most health food stores, well-stocked grocery stores (often in the natural foods section), or online. If you don’t have it, you can substitute Parmesan cheese or simply enjoy the asparagus with just salt and a squeeze of lemon.
If you don’t have tarragon, simply omit it and still enjoy delicious air fryer asparagus. I asked Alex if you could use another dried herb, but he indicated the tarragon blends very well and he wouldn’t recommend even dill or oregano (though you’re welcome to experiment!).
Air Fryer Asparagus
You’ll never believe how easy and delicious it is to make air fryer asparagus, the perfect quick side dish! All you need is 10 minutes and a few simple ingredients. This is now my favorite way to cook this green vegetable! The nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy flavor and tarragon brings a delicate herbal note.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Air fryer
- Cuisine: Vegetables
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus (thin spears preferable but not required)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ tablespoon nutritional yeast
- ⅛ teaspoon dried or fresh tarragon (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to between 375°F to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Cut off the tough bottom ends of the asparagus. Place the asparagus stalks on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle them with olive oil, add the kosher salt, and toss until well coated.
- Place the asparagus in the air fryer basket and roast for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking after 4 minutes, until tender and lightly browned on the tips.
- Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with nutritional yeast and tarragon. Serve immediately.
Notes
A few seasoning variation ideas:
-
- Parmesan and garlic: Add ¼ teaspoon garlic powder when tossing with oil and salt. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the asparagus immediately after air frying.
-
- Lemon and pepper: Add ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper when tossing with oil and salt. After cooking, squeeze half a lemon over the asparagus and garnish with lemon zest if desired.
-
- Red pepper flakes: Add a pinch before or after air frying for a spicy kick.
-
- Everything bagel seasoning: Sprinkle this trendy spice blend over the asparagus after cooking.
-
- Sesame: Try a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
The asparagus crisped up so nicely in the air fryer, and soooo much quicker than roasting in the oven. I don’t think I’ll actually ever make asparagus any other way. The dried tarragon and nutritional yeast were the perfect flavour complement, simple and delicious. I will try with some toasted almonds next time too!