This garlic parm Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe is going to become your next favourite side dish – it only takes 15 minutes and 5 ingredients!
This asparagus dish makes for the perfect side for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and maximum crunch, this easy-peasy recipe will have you reaching for seconds!
Why you'll love this recipe
- Quick & easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with only 5 simple ingredients!
- Perfectly crispy: The air fryer gives asparagus the BEST crunch without needing a ton of oil.
- Pairs with anything: It goes great with chicken, steak, fish, or pasta.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Asparagus – the asparagus is pretty essential to this recipe, but you could also try making garlic parm green beans in the air fryer.
- Olive oil – or another neutral cooking oil like avocado or canola oil.
- Balsamic vinegar – use lemon juice if you don’t have any balsamic vinegar on hand.
- Garlic – freshly minced garlic is best but jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch..
- Parmesan cheese – nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free substitute.
How to cook asparagus in the air fryer
Step 1: Prep your ingredients.
Preheat air fryer to 400 F for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Season the asparagus.
Trim the ends off the asparagus and toss in a large bowl or on a sheet pan with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic and salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook in the air fryer.
Air fry asparagus for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy!
Remove and sprinkle parmesan overtop, then serve and enjoy!
Recipe variations
I bet this crispy asparagus will quickly become a staple side dish for any of your meals! Here are some ways to change them up:
- Cheesy twist: Swap Parmesan for grated pecorino, asiago, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat.
- Garlic to the max: Love garlic? Mix in some garlic powder for even more bold flavour.
- Bacon-wrapped: Wrap individual spears in thin-cut bacon or prosciutto for a next-level side dish.
Frequently asked questions
Is asparagus good for you?
Air-fried asparagus is very good for you, especially because it requires so little oil! It has a whole bunch of health benefits and is low in calories.
How long do I put asparagus in the air fryer?
The asparagus only needs to cook for 10 minutes in the air fryer, so it’s ready in a flash!
Why isn't my asparagus crispy?
If you find that your air fryer asparagus isn’t crispy and has gotten soggy, you’ve likely overcooked it. Make sure you only cook it for 10 minutes.
Do I need to peel asparagus before air frying?
No need to peel the asparagus, just make sure to trim the tough ends.
What goes well with this side dish
This crispy air fryer asparagus is super versatile and pairs well with almost any meal! Here are some ideas:
- Serve alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, baked or grilled salmon, or pork chops for a well-rounded meal.
- Pair with creamy alfredo, spaghetti carbonara, or shrimp pasta primavera for a delicious contrast.
How to store and reheat
Make-ahead: Trim and season asparagus up to a day in advance, storing it in the fridge until ready to cook.
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 375°F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freeze & reheat from frozen: It's best not to freeze these, because the asparagus can become mushy once thawed.
Meal prep tools for this recipe
- I own and love the Philips Digital Airfryer XXL.
- Store any leftovers you may have in these glass microwave-safe bowls.
Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus ends trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 F for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, trim about 1 inch of the ends off the asparagus (just the tough parts) and then toss in a large bowl or on a sheet pan with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic and salt and pepper.
- Air fry asparagus for 10 minutes.
- Remove and sprinkle parmesan overtop, then serve and enjoy!
Share With Me!
Did you make this recipe or want to share your thoughts? Make sure to leave your review below and tag me on Instagram #thegirlonbloor so I can check it out!