Easy Asparagus with Butter in the Air Fryer
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Asparagus in the air fryer with butter is an easy side dish recipe that is delicious and so easy to make. This healthy side dish is a perfect complement to any main course and could easily become your first choice for serving asparagus that the whole family will love.
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Asparagus is a popular spring vegetable and the perfect side dish for any occasion. There are countless ways to prepare it. In my opinion, the best way to cook asparagus (and most vegetables) is by using an air fryer. It’s a quick method that produces flawless results, such as these air fryer portobello mushrooms and, naturally, this tender asparagus recipe.
Despite its fast cooking time, the air fryer ensures that the asparagus is always tender and perfectly cooked quickly, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
Why you will love air fryer asparagus
- It’s a healthy and easy recipe with just a few easy steps.
- Air-fried asparagus is made with simple ingredients; the combination of garlic and butter takes it to the next level.
Here is what you will need
This is a brief summary of the ingredients needed to make this delicious air fried asparagus recipe and a convenient shopping list from my Instacart affiliate link. Scroll down to the recipe card section for a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions.
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How to make the best air fryer asparagus
Prepare the ingredients: Rinse and trim the ends of the asparagus and pat it dry with a towel. Chop the garlic and measure the butter.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees f.
STEP 1: Add the chopped garlic and butter to a small saucepan and melt it over low heat.
STEP 2: Arrange the trimmed asparagus spears in a single layer in an air fryer basket or tray and brush the asparagus with the garlic butter sauce.
STEP 3: Place the asparagus spears in an air fryer preheated to 400 degrees F. Air fry for 4 to 5 minutes, shake or turn the asparagus spears and air fry 4 minutes longer – until tender, about 8 – 10 minutes total. Drizzle with leftover garlic and butter.
Note: cooking time can vary depending on the model of your air-fryer. The asparagus will be done when you can easily insert a fork in the spears.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
Asparagus – Look for fresh asparagus spears that are similar in size and not too thin. I find that thin asparagus gets tough while thicker asparagus turns out tender when cooked in an air fryer.
Butter – I prefer using unsalted butter, but salted works too; alternatively, olive oil or avocado oil can be used for a vegan version.
Garlic – For this recipe, I prefer to use fresh garlic, but you can easily replace it with chopped garlic or 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.
How to store leftovers
Leftover air fried asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Enjoy leftovers cold or heated as a snack, side dish or in a salad.
Recipe variations
Bread crumbs – For crispy asparagus, sprinkle panko bread crumbs over the asparagus before air frying.
Parmesan cheese – Sprinkle on some grated parmesan cheese.
Nuts – Before cooking the asparagus spears, try tossing them in some chopped nuts for added flavor.
Bacon – Enhance the taste with the addition of some chopped cooked bacon.
Lemon –For a refreshing flavor, mix in some freshly squeezed lemon juice with the garlic butter.
Dairy-free lemon and garlic- Mix a little oil such as olive or avocado together with a splash of lemon juice and garlic.
Serving suggestions
My favorite way to serve this delicious side dish is garnished with lemon wedges and a dash of sea salt and pepper. It goes well with your favorite main course, such as grilled chicken, beef, pork or seafood.
This flavorful asparagus tastes great tossed in your favorite salad, such as an arugula salad or kale Caesar salad.
Tips
- Instead of using a knife to trim asparagus, after rinsing it, snap the woody ends off of the asparagus spears by bending teh spear at the bottom portion. It will snap exactly where it should at its breaking point; where the stem becomes tough.
- To prevent overcooking air-fried asparagus, keep a close eye on i
Recipe FAQs
If you don’t see an answer to your question, leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
If you have frozen asparagus, you can easily make delicious air fryer asparagus. Simply coat the asparagus spears in melted butter or oil and place them in the air fryer basket or tray. Set the fryer to 400 degrees and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Enjoy!.
You can easily roast asparagus with butter in the oven. For delicious roasted asparagus, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, and place the asparagus spears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with butter and roast for 8 to 10 minutes.
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Air Fryer asparagus with Butter
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound Fresh asparagus
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Butter melted
- 2 cloves Garlic
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees f.
- Clean and trim 1 pound Fresh asparagus
- Melt 1 1/2 tablespoons Butter over low heat with 2 cloves Garlic
- Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer in an air fryer basket or tray and brush them with the melted butter garlic mixture.
- Place the asparagus into a preheated air fryer and cook for 5 minutes, turn or shaek and cook 3 to 5 minutes longer until spears are tedner when pierced with a fork.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
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