Enjoy crispy air fryer asparagus in just 7 minutes? Don't mind if I do! This quick, hassle-free side dish features fresh asparagus with capers and almonds.
After a long day of work, I often feel overwhelmed when I walk through the door, and hungry faces wait for me on the other side. The last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen figuring out what to make for dinner. That's when I turn to one of my weeknight staples—air fryer asparagus.
It's painless, healthy, and comes together in a flash. The air fryer does most of the work, so I can comfortably rest on the couch and catch up with my husband while dinner practically makes itself. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is on the table in no time, and the whole family flocks closer to enjoy something nourishing and comforting.
I’ve always had a soft spot for asparagus—one of those vegetables that instantly takes me back to when I was a young cook, experimenting in the ktichen. I'd make it for fancy family dinners, which was always a treat. But I didn't always know how to cook it.
Then years later, while traveling, I came across Yotam Ottolenghi's incredible way of elevating everyday ingredients. His love for bold, fresh flavors inspired me to bring more creativity into my own cooking.
Ottolenghi's approach to asparagus—light, crisp, and perfectly seasoned—opened my eyes to how even the most humble ingredients could be transformed. This air fryer asparagus, in a way, is a nod to his philosophy of combining simplicity with bold flavors while making weeknight cooking a breeze.
Air fryer asparagus has become a symbol of healthy comfort food in our home. It’s not just about the taste but the ease and the feeling it brings. The light crisp on the asparagus and the gentle seasoning remind me of the cozy family dinners of my childhood, where everyone would gather around the table for something wholesome yet uncomplicated.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel at ease and home, even on the busiest of days. There’s something so reassuring about knowing that you can prepare a healthy, heartwarming side in minutes, bringing everyone together without the stress.
Health Benefits of Asparagus
On top of being delicious and easy, asparagus is packed with health benefits. It's loaded with vitamins like A, C, E, and K, as well as folate, which is great for cell repair and growth.
Asparagus is also high in fiber, which aids digestion, and it's a natural diuretic, helping your body flush out excess salts and toxins. Plus, it's low in calories but full of antioxidants, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to eat lighter without compromising on flavor.
Knowing that I'm feeding my family something that tastes good and is good for them makes me smile when I take my roasted asparagus out of the air fryer.
Ingredients to Make Easy Air Fryer Asparagus
- Fresh Bunch of Asparagus Spears: Crisp and in season, this fresh asparagus is the base of the dish, providing a light, earthy flavor.
- Olive Oil: A small drizzle helps create that golden-brown crispness in the air fryer.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural taste of the asparagus.
- Sliced Almonds: Add a bit of extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Parsley (fresh): Gives a fresh flavor to the asparagus.
- Butter: Use regular butter or vegan butter like nut butter if you prefer.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a bright, tangy finish to each bite.
- Grated Parmesan (optional): For a cheesy, savory touch that takes it up a notch.
See recipe card for exact quantities.
Directions to Make Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
Prep the Asparagus
Rinse and dry the asparagus spears. Trim off the woody ends—this ensures that each bite is tender and flavorful. If you're short on time, you can break the stalks with your hands where they naturally snap.
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Season the Asparagus
In a large bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure each spear is coated lightly so that it crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
Air Fry the Asparagus
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the asparagus in the air fryer basket. Make sure to put asparagus in a single layer to allow the hot air to circulate evenly. Roast asparagus for 7-9 minutes in the air fryer, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure an even crisp.
Prepare the Toppings:
While the asparagus is roasting away in the air fryer, melt butter in a pan on medium heat. Slice the almonds and roast them in the butter until they turn golden brown. Once toasted, remove from pan.
Serve and Enjoy Your Easy Side Dish
Once the asparagus is golden and crispy on the edges, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Add the butter and almonds on top before serving.
For a burst of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice on top, and if you like, sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan to give it that extra comforting touch.
If you want to serve the air fryer asparagus with a dipping sauce, I recommend this roasted eggplant and tomato dip, creamy white bean hummus, or chickpea hummus.
Storage for Air Fried Asparagus
If you have leftovers, store the cooked asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back into the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crisp texture. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the asparagus soggy.
Variations
- Garlic-Parmesan Asparagus: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the olive oil before tossing the asparagus and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Spicy Asparagus: Toss the asparagus with red pepper flakes or paprika for a bit of heat.
- Herbed Asparagus: Mix in dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist that pairs well with roasted meats.
When You Don't Have an Air Fryer: Asparagus in the Oven
If you don't have an air fryer or prefer other cooking methods, asparagus can easily be prepared using different techniques, like steaming or roasting in the oven. To steam asparagus on the stove, simply place the spears in a steaming basket over a pot of simmering water. Cover the pot and let the asparagus steam for about 4 minutes to 7 minutes until tender but still crisp. It's a quick, no-fuss method that preserves the vegetable's nutrients while keeping it light and fresh.
For roasting in the oven, preheat to 400 degrees f and lay the seasoned asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toss the spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cook the asparagus for 12-15 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through for even cooking. The result is tender asparagus with lightly crisped edges, similar to air frying but with a bit more caramelization. Both methods are easy alternatives if you’re looking to switch things up from the air fryer.
More Air Fryer Recipes for a Quick and Easy Dinner
When I make my air-fried asparagus, I also love tossing a couple of breaded cheese curds into the air fryer. These air fryer cheese bites are the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. Great for an easy dinner or just as a snack! I also love using my air fryer for crispy tofu bites.
Though air fryer asparagus makes a great stand-alone dinner option, if you want to add something else to your dinner spread, try this instant pot chicken and pepper stew or cheesy cabbage casserole.
This is my favourite side dish for a quick and easy dinner with extra greens. It pairs great with a pasta bake, salmon casserole, lentil moussaka recipe, or chicken hashbrowns casserole. To double up on the greens, make an air fryer asparagus with creamy broccoli casserole or roasted cauliflower casserole.
Recipe
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Air Fyer Asparagus with Almonds and Capers
Equipment
- Air Fryer Liners
- Non-stick pan
- cooking spray
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus
- salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup parsley chopped
- ½ lemon sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Wash the asparagus spears thoroughly and trim off the tough ends. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
- Place the asparagus spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly coat them with cooking spray and season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the asparagus in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for even browning. The asparagus should be tender but still slightly crisp.
- While the asparagus is cooking, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and cook until they turn golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Once the asparagus is done, transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle the melted butter and almond mixture evenly over the asparagus.
- Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the asparagus, and garnish with lemon slices.
- Serve the air fryer asparagus immediately as a side dish or as a light appetizer.
