Asparagus in the air fryer with butter is an easy side dish recipe that is not only delicious but it's also easy to clean up. 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.
I like to use an air fryer to prepare vegetables. It's speedy and yields flawless results, like these air fryer portobello mushrooms and of course 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🤍this recipe
- It's a simple recipe to make with just a few easy steps.
- Air fryer asparagus is a flavorful dish that's made with simple ingredients.
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Here is what you will need
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This is an overview of the ingredients and steps to make this air fryer asparagus recipe; scroll down for a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions.
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 until tender which will be about 8 minutes.
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 thick asparagus turns out tender.
Butter - I like to use unsalted butter, but salted will work too. You can also use olive oil or avocado oil for a vegan version.
Garlic - For this recipe, I prefer to use fresh garlic, but you can easily replace it with chopped garlic or ¼ 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.
Serving suggestions
Serve this delicious side dish garnished with lemon wedges and a dash of sea salt an pepper with your favorite main course such as grilled chicken, pork, or seafood.
This flavorful asparagus also tastes great tossed in your favorite salad, such as an arugula salad.
💡Tips
- To ensure even cooking, shake or flip the asparagus halfway through the cooking process.
- To prevent overcooking, it's important to keep a close eye on the asparagus while it's cooking.
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.
You might like these easy air fryer recipes
Do you like this recipe?
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📖 Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound Fresh asparagus
- 1 ½ tablespoons Butter melted
- 2 cloves Garlic
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees f.
- Clean and trim 1 pound Fresh asparagus
- Melt 1 ½ 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 7 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
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