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This air fryer asparagus recipe will become your new favorite way to prepare this springtime veggie. Forget roasting or steaming – air frying with just a little oil brings out the best in asparagus, creating tender-crisp spears with a touch of char and tons of flavor. It’s a healthy and easy side dish that’s ready in a fraction of the time, perfect for busy weeknights or a quick and impressive addition to any meal. Air fryer vegetable recipes are a fantastic way to add a colorful and healthy side dish to any of your main courses. Check out more healthy air fryer recipes.

Asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Air frying it with a touch of olive oil allows you to unlock all these benefits while keeping things light and healthy. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that’s as good for you as it is tasty. So ditch the complicated recipes and embrace the simplicity and health benefits of air fryer asparagus.

Cooking asparagus in the air fryer is the best way to cook fresh asparagus in less time. Air fryers work by mimicking convection ovens. It uses a powerful fan to circulate hot air rapidly around the food, for even cooking and crispy results.

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe Ingredients

You only need three simple ingredients to make this easy air fryer asparagus recipe. 

• 1 bunch of fresh asparagus stalks
• 1 Tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1-2 Tbsp Italian dressing

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This recipe is designed for an air fryer, and I’m using my Ninja Foodi all-in-one countertop appliance for this recipe. The Ninja Foodi can air fry, pressure cook, and slow cook – all in one! The good news is, that any air fryer model will work just fine with similar settings and timings.

Make sure to check out my other Ninja Foodi recipes!

How to Cook Asparagus in an Air Fryer

First, preheat the air fryer. Set the temperature to 390 degrees F, and press start to allow it a couple of minutes to heat up while you prepare and season the asparagus. 

Then use a sharp knife and a cutting board and cut off the woody ends of the asparagus. 

Next, place the trimmed asparagus spears in a large bowl, or shallow dish. Add the avocado or olive oil.

Then add the Italian dressing. This is a healthy salad dressing and marinade made with simple ingredients, unlike many other dressing brands made with seed oils, and questionable ingredients. If you don’t have a clean dressing, then you can opt for a little Italian seasoning, or sea salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and/or garlic powder if you’d like. 

Toss the asparagus to coat. 

Next, place the seasoned asparagus into the air fryer basket. Try to arrange them in a single layer to ensure full exposure to the hot air and even cooking.

How Long to Cook Asparagus in an Air Fryer

Close the air fryer lid, select the air crisp function, and set the time for 10-12 minutes. Press start.

Every few minutes give the air fryer basket a good shake, or simply toss the asparagus. When tosing, use silicone tongs to avoid scratching the bottom of the basket.  

When the cooking time is complete, check on the cooked asparagus. The stalks should be tender, while the ends are slightly charred and crisp.

For an even crispy texture, add a little extra air fryer time. To ensure the best results, add only 2 minutes at a time and check the asparagus after each addition. Toss the spears gently to promote even cooking. Remember, asparagus cooks quickly, so these short bursts are the easiest way to achieve the desired crispness without burning.

Easy Healthy Air Fryer Asparagus

Once the asparagus reaches your desired crispiness, serve it immediately alongside your favorite main dish. Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, or lemon wedges. 

This is the perfect side dish made with less oil than traditional frying, and can easily be adjusted with any seasoning blend. 

Thanks to the simplicity of this air-fried asparagus recipe it is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, keto, and paleo-friendly. 

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Want More?

Make sure to try these other easy air fryer recipes:

• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Green Beans
• Air Fryer Vegetables

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