Name: Air Fried Asparagus
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 bundle asparagus; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt; 1 Tablespoon Parmesan cheese (powdered or grated); pepper to taste

With over 225K page views since 2020 and still counting, this air fryer asparagus is one of the most popular air fryer veggie recipes on my site! It’s so tasty that it’s the only way I ever make asparagus in my house!

Air Fryer asparagus with cheese on a white plate

Perfect Asparagus in Air Fryer

I have a fail-proof way to get the perfect air fryer asparagus using this easy recipe – and it uses a simple fork.

Check on your asparagus right before the timer goes off and poke it with a fork. It’s done cooking when the fork easily pierces the vegetable. Thicker asparagus will take longer than thinner asparagus bundles so this method will result in crispy tips while the stalks stay tender every time.

Air Fryer I recommend: Large, easy to clean, square basket, burner on top and bottom. Click to see it.

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe ingredients

Asparagus — You want fresh asparagus that’s bright green
Olive oil
Garlic salt
Parmesan cheese — Powdered or grated works great
Pepper — Add to taste

Ingredients needed to make air fried asparagus

How to Air Fry Asparagus

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees.

STEP TWO: Clean your asparagus with water and pat dry. Then, cut about 1-inch off the bottom of each spear.

STEP THREE: Place your asparagus in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Sprinkle the asparagus with garlic salt plus a bit of pepper to taste before adding Parmesan cheese on top.

STEP FOUR: Air fry asparagus at 400 degrees F for 7-10 minutes and remove from the air fryer once tender, topping with parmesan cheese.

How long to Air Fry Asparagus?

Thin asparagus spears

Thin asparagus will cook in the air fryer in just 7 minutes.

Thick Asparagus Spears

Thick asparagus spears will take a little longer to cook and may need up to 10 minutes to be air fried.

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe Tips

Air fry asparagus in a single layer for even cooking
Trim asparagus enough so it fits easily in the air fryer — at least 1 inch off the bottom
Use fresh asparagus that is bright green with a moist bottom — a woody bottom means an older asparagus pack
This air fryer asparagus recipe is done when you can easily poke it with a fork
Add more parmesan cheese on top when serving for added flavor

Can You Cook Frozen Asparagus in the Air Fryer?

Yes! Cooking frozen asparagus in the air fryer comes out delicious and is super easy to make.

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees.
Place the frozen asparagus in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 8 to 13 minutes until fully cooked.

You can view my frozen air fryer asparagus recipe here for tips and how to season it.

Air Fried Asparagus Variations

Skip the parmesan cheese and just serve with a simple salt, pepper, and garlic powder seasoning
Coat the asparagus in a little balsamic vinegar and soy sauce for a new flavor profile
Add some fresh lemon juice for an added fresh flavor
Use a store-bought seasoning, like this Balsamic & Roasted Onion Veggie Roaster Seasoning Blend, for an easy new way to make asparagus
Add some red pepper flakes to kick up the spice level
Try adding Italian seasoning and smoked paprika for some extra flavor
Cook the asparagus with bacon chunks for some added protein

What to Serve with Air Fryer Asparagus