Air fryer asparagus
Air fryer asparagus is a quick and delicious side dish that highlights the natural flavors of this healthful vegetable while maintaining a lovely crispness. This recipe is simple to make and goes well with a variety of foods, from grilled meat to pasta.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of fresh, trimmed asparagus
- 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil.
- One teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt.
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional; for serving)
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the asparagus.
- Begin by thoroughly washing the asparagus with cold water to eliminate any dirt or grit.
- Trim the rough ends off the asparagus. You can do this by snapping off the ends, which will naturally break where the tender and tough parts meet.
Step 2: Season the asparagus.
- Toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil in a large mixing bowl, making sure to coat each spear completely.
- Add the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Toss again to evenly distribute the seasonings. Feel free to alter the seasonings to your liking.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes. Preheating helps to get a good crispiness.
Step 4: Air-fry the asparagus.
- Arrange the seasoned asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Air fried the asparagus for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. When fully cooked, the asparagus should be soft and somewhat crunchy. Cooking durations may vary based on the thickness of the asparagus stalks and the model of air fryer you are using.
Step 5: Serve.
- Once cooked, carefully take the asparagus from the air fryer and place it on a serving tray.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and, if wanted, sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Serve warm as a side dish or a nutritious snack.
Nutritional data (per serving, based on four servings):
- Calories: 70.
- Protein: 3 grams.
- Carbohydrate: 7g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugars: 2 grams
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg.
- Sodium: 300 mg (depending on the extra salt).
Air fryer asparagus is not only quick and easy to cook, but it is also a nutritious addition to any meal. The air fryer improves the flavor and texture, making it a popular side dish for weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy this vivid vegetable and feel good about serving a healthy meal to your family!