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A plate of freshly roasted asparagus seasoned with minced garlic, herbs, and lemon wedges.

Zesty Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Asparagus

This quick and easy air fryer asparagus recipe delivers perfectly crisp-tender spears infused with savory garlic and a hint of zesty lemon. A fantastic healthy side dish ready in under 15 minutes!
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Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 90
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Asparagus fresh, woody ends trimmed
  • 1.5 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese grated (optional)
  • 1 wedge Lemon for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Wash the fresh asparagus spears thoroughly. Snap or cut off the tough, woody ends (about 1-2 inches from the bottom). Pat the asparagus dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the trimmed asparagus, olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure all the spears are evenly coated.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, if your model requires preheating.
  4. Arrange the seasoned asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer to avoid overcrowding.
  5. Cook the asparagus for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through cooking (around 4-5 minutes) to ensure even cooking. For thinner spears, 8 minutes might be enough; for thicker spears, you might need closer to 10 minutes.
  6. If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This allows the cheese to melt and crisp slightly.
  7. Carefully remove the asparagus from the air fryer. Serve immediately, garnished with a fresh lemon wedge if desired, for an added bright finish.

Notes

Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your asparagus spears and the specific air fryer model. Start checking for doneness around 7-8 minutes. Ensure the asparagus is in a single layer to get crispy results; if crowded, it will steam instead of roast. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes.