The absolute best way to roast asparagus is in an air fryer because it’s super quick and the asparagus is perfectly tender and crisp! There are no fancy ingredients for this healthy asparagus recipe and absolutely no oil–not one drop. It’s as simple as a few spices and about 7-minutes, and you’ve got a delicious wholesome side dish. Perfectly cooked, fast & easy, completely oil-free & healthy, absolutely delicious.
Key Takeaways:
- Air fryer asparagus is a quick and healthy side dish that requires no oil.
- By using an air fryer, the asparagus becomes perfectly tender and crispy.
- It only takes a few spices and about 7 minutes to make this delicious dish.
- Air fryer asparagus pairs well with a variety of main meals or can be incorporated into salads and bowls.
- Whether you’re following a specific diet or not, this recipe is suitable for anyone looking for a flavorful and wholesome vegetable dish.
How to Make Air Fryer Asparagus
To make delicious and healthy air fryer asparagus, follow these simple steps:
- Rinse the asparagus spears under cold water and trim about 1/2″ off the bottom to remove the tough part.
- In a small bowl, mix together your choice of spices. Popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast flakes, or coarse sea salt. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors!
- Place the asparagus spears in the air fryer basket and toss them with your hands or a spoon to ensure they are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Once preheated, place the basket with the asparagus in the air fryer and set the cooking time to 7 minutes.
- If the asparagus spears are particularly thick, you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.
- While the asparagus is cooking, prepare a drizzle by combining lemon juice or balsamic vinegar with a little bit of olive oil or your preferred dressing.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer.
- Transfer the air fryer asparagus to a serving dish and drizzle the prepared lemon juice or balsamic vinegar mixture over the top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
Air fryer asparagus is a quick and easy vegetable side dish that pairs well with a variety of main meals. It’s a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable without any additional oil. Try making this simple air fryer asparagus recipe as a tasty and wholesome addition to your next meal!
Can Asparagus be Cooked in an Oven?
While the air fryer is the best way to cook asparagus for a perfectly tender and crisp result, you can also cook asparagus in the oven.
Serving as an excellent alternative, the oven method is a good option if you don’t have an air fryer.
To roast asparagus in the oven, simply set the temperature to 425°F and allow the asparagus to cook for approximately 15 minutes. Keep in mind that thicker spears may require slightly longer cooking time to achieve optimal tenderness.
The oven-baked asparagus will result in a slightly different texture compared to air frying, but it still produces delicious, flavorful roasted asparagus that pairs well with various dishes.
If you’re looking for an easy and convenient way to enjoy oven-baked asparagus without the need for oil, give it a try alongside your favorite meals.
Asparagus in the oven offers a simple and accessible cooking method, allowing you to enjoy the satisfying flavors of roasted asparagus without the need for an air fryer. Try this oven-baked asparagus recipe today and discover a delicious and healthy side dish to complement your meals.
Dishes That Pair Well with Air Fryer Asparagus
Air fryer asparagus is a versatile side dish that can complement a variety of main meals and add a healthy twist to your plate. Whether you’re looking for vegan options or simply want to enjoy flavorful air fryer side dishes, here are some delicious dishes that pair well with air fryer asparagus:
1. Homestyle Vegan Meatloaf
A hearty vegan meatloaf made with plant-based ingredients is a perfect match for air fryer asparagus. The meatloaf’s savory flavors and the crispy asparagus create a delightful combination, providing a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
2. Crispy Baked Tofu
For a protein-packed vegetarian option, try pairing air fryer asparagus with crispy baked tofu. The tofu’s texture and the crunchy asparagus complement each other, offering a satisfying bite and a burst of flavors.
3. Hearty Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a comforting and filling dish that pairs perfectly with air fryer asparagus. The rich flavors of the pie, such as seasoned ground meat or lentils, mashed potatoes, and vegetables, are enhanced by the light and crispy asparagus.
4. Best Vegan Mashed Potatoes
A creamy and smooth bowl of vegan mashed potatoes is an excellent choice to serve alongside air fryer asparagus. The buttery mashed potatoes and the crunchy asparagus create a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, making it a satisfying and tasty meal combination.
5. Salads and Grain Bowls
Air fryer asparagus also makes a fantastic addition to salads and grain bowls. Simply chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces and mix them with fresh greens, quinoa, or your favorite grains. The crispy asparagus adds a healthy and delicious element to salads and grain bowls, making them more vibrant and nutritious.
With these diverse pairing options, you can enjoy air fryer asparagus as a flavorful side dish that complements a variety of main meals. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for healthy meal side dishes, these combinations will satisfy your taste buds and elevate your dining experience.
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Homestyle Vegan Meatloaf | A hearty vegan meatloaf made with plant-based ingredients |
| Crispy Baked Tofu | Protein-packed vegetarian option with a crispy texture |
| Hearty Shepherd’s Pie | Comforting dish with seasoned ground meat or lentils, mashed potatoes, and vegetables |
| Best Vegan Mashed Potatoes | Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes |
| Salads and Grain Bowls | Combine air fryer asparagus with fresh greens, quinoa, or grains |
Conclusion
Air fryer asparagus is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be prepared without any oil. With its quick cooking time and delightful crispness, it is the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you follow a vegan, keto, or paleo diet, this simple air fryer asparagus recipe is a must-try.
By seasoning the asparagus with your favorite spices and herbs, you can customize the flavors to suit your taste. With just a few minutes of cooking in the air fryer, you can enjoy perfectly tender yet crispy asparagus that will satisfy your cravings for a flavorful vegetable dish.
Air fryer asparagus is not only a versatile side dish, but it also pairs well with a variety of main courses. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty vegan meatloaf, crispy baked tofu, or a comforting shepherd’s pie, the crispy and flavorful asparagus will complement these dishes beautifully. You can also add it to salads or grain bowls to enhance the nutritional value of your meals.
With its simplicity, health benefits, and delectable taste, air fryer asparagus is a favorite among those who are looking for quick and easy air fryer vegetable recipes. So why not give it a try and elevate your meals with this delightful and wholesome side dish?
FAQ
Can I make air fryer asparagus without using any oil?
Absolutely! This air fryer asparagus recipe requires no oil at all. The asparagus comes out perfectly tender and crispy without the added oil.
How long does it take to cook asparagus in an air fryer?
Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the asparagus spears, but generally, it takes about 7 minutes in an air fryer to achieve the perfect texture.
What other spices can I use to season the asparagus?
You can get creative with your seasoning choices! Try using garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast flakes, or coarse sea salt to enhance the flavor of your air fryer asparagus.
Can I cook asparagus in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 425°F and cook the asparagus for approximately 15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired tenderness. Thicker spears may require a little longer cooking time.
What are some dishes that go well with air fryer asparagus?
Air fryer asparagus makes a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs well with various main meals. Some great options include Homestyle Vegan Meatloaf, Crispy Baked Tofu, Hearty Shepherds Pie, and Best Vegan Mashed Potatoes. It can also be added to salads or grain bowls for added nutritional value and flavor.
