Air Fryer Roasted Asparagus
Air fryer roasted asparagus delivers tender-crisp, caramelized spears with minimal oil and effort. The high-heat circulation creates perfect texture in just 8 minutes, preserving the vegetable’s natural sweetness while adding delicious roasted flavor notes.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus about 1 pound
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 clove garlic minced (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional for brightness
- 1-2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional for serving
- Lemon wedges for serving optional
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus by rinsing thoroughly under cold water. Snap or cut off the woody ends (approximately the bottom 1-1.5 inches) where they naturally break when bent.
- Pat the asparagus completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Any excess moisture will prevent proper crisping in the air fryer.
- Place the trimmed asparagus in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss gently to coat each spear evenly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic (if using). Add lemon zest if desired, and toss again to distribute the seasonings.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2 minutes.
- Arrange the asparagus in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd – work in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the asparagus halfway through. Thinner spears will need closer to 6 minutes, while thicker spears may need the full 8 minutes.
- Check for doneness by testing with a fork – the asparagus should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Transfer to a serving plate immediately to prevent overcooking from residual heat.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- For even cooking, try to select asparagus spears of similar thickness.
- If your air fryer is small, cook in batches rather than overcrowding.
- The cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer. Start checking at the 5-minute mark for thin spears.
- This dish is best served immediately, but can be refrigerated for 1-2 days and reheated in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.
- The asparagus tips will get crispier than the stalks – this contrast in texture is what makes this recipe special!