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• My Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe Is The Fastest Way To Roast Asparagus
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Cook Asparagus In The Air Fryer
• My Recipe Tips
• How Long To Cook Asparagus In The Air Fryer?
• Air Fryer Asparagus (Fast & Easy) Recipe card
• Flavor Variations
• Serving Ideas
• More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

My Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe Is The Fastest Way To Roast Asparagus

Asparagus is already my go-to don’t-have-time-to-cook veggie since it’s so quick, but this air fryer asparagus takes it to the next level. Since I first tried it, here’s why it’s become my favorite:

• Amazing texture – I can’t get enough of these crisp-tender asparagus stalks with crispy, browned tips. The tips remind me of grilled asparagus , with less effort, and they’re the best part!
• Light and bright taste – I’ve got all the classic spring flavors going here. Zesty lemon! Nutty garlic! Earthy green veggies! My air fried asparagus is a little sweet, a little savory, and a little tangy in all the right ways.
• Fast and simple – This is a faster alternative to roasted asparagus and less mess than sauteed asparagus . You can have it on the table in less than 10 minutes, with just 4 simple ingredients (plus salt & pepper).

My air fryer asparagus recipe is that last-minute side dish to save your busy day just in time for dinner . Make it with me!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my air fried asparagus, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Asparagus – Look for fresh asparagus spears that are plump and firm, with closed tips. Any thickness works (cook time will vary — see below!), but I prefer medium or thick because they are less prone to overcooking. If you have extras, use them to make my asparagus salad or pickled asparagus .
• Oil – Helps the seasonings stick, adds flavor, and helps achieve the crispy tips. I usually use olive oil because the flavor pairs nicely with asparagus, but avocado oil works, too.
• Lemon Juice – For a bright, zesty pop.
• Spices – Garlic powder , sea salt, and black pepper. Simple!

For other flavors, see my flavor variations below.

How To Cook Asparagus In The Air Fryer

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Trim the asparagus. The fastest way to remove the tough, woody ends is to cut off about an inch from the bottom, but the most reliable way to remove just the right amount is to bend each stalk at the base — it will snap at the perfect spot.
2. Toss with seasonings. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. (I like to do this in a shallow baking dish because the spears can lay flat that way, but a large bowl also works.)
3. Let your air fryer work its magic. Place the asparagus in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry until tender, browned, and crispy at the tips. I like to serve it with lemon slices or wedges.

My Recipe Tips

• Choose stalks that are similar in thickness. You can air fry asparagus that’s thick, thin, or anywhere in between, but they all need to be about the same to cook at the same rate. Otherwise, you’ll end up with some pieces that are limp and others that aren’t done yet.
• Cook in batches if needed. Make sure your stalks are in a single layer and don’t crowd the basket! My air fryer asparagus recipe here fits in my basket in one go, but I cook in batches if I want to make more. It’s okay if the pieces touch or overlap a bit, but you don’t want them on top of each other. And the more spread out they are, the more of those delicious crispy tips you get!
• Wondering what to do with the woody ends? You can certainly toss them, but sometimes I use them to make my creamy asparagus soup .
• My air fryer recommendation: I have this air fryer , and it’s my most used appliance — I make easy air fryer recipes in it almost daily. Oh, and its square basket is particularly useful for air fried asparagus because you can lay all the long spears side by side.

How Long To Cook Asparagus In The Air Fryer?

Air fryer asparagus takes 3-6 minutes for thin stalks, 5-8 minutes for medium, or 7-10 minutes for thick . I love that it takes less than half the time it would take in the oven!

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1 lb Asparagus (woody ends trimmed) ▢
• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1 tsp Lemon juice ▢
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. In a shallow baking dish , drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Move the pieces around to coat evenly.
3. Working in batches if needed, arrange the asparagus in the air fryer in a single layer. Air fry for 5-8 minutes for medium thickness asparagus, 7-10 minutes for thick asparagus, or 3-6 minutes for thin asparagus, until the asparagus is tender, browned, and crispy on the edges.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 of entire recipe

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get evenly cooked asparagus, avoid over or under cooking, and my favorite way to use the woody ends.
• Variations: See my flavor variations to change it up with parmesan, dried herbs, balsamic, or even bacon.
• Storage & reheating: Asparagus tastes best fresh, but you can keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like to chop it up and toss it in fried rice or my salmon salad , but if you want to reheat it, using the air fryer again for a minute or two is your best bet.
• Freeze: You could freeze air fried asparagus, but I don’t recommend it. It gets mushy, though it could be okay to use in soups or casseroles .

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Air Fryer Asparagus

Flavor Variations

I make the simple recipe above more often, but have also changed it up in these ways:

• Parmesan – This is my favorite simple addition to air fryer asparagus. Simply toss the spears in grated parm before roasting for a cheesy, crispy coating. You can also just sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese right in the basket before cooking, which gives a more melty result.
• Italian – Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
• Balsamic – When I want a sweeter flavor, I use balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice. A drizzle of balsamic glaze at the end also tastes amazing.
• Bacon Wrapped – Prepare the stalks the same way as my regular bacon wrapped asparagus , then cook in the air fryer instead of the oven. The time is the same as air frying without the bacon.

Serving Ideas

Since air fried asparagus is so fast, I recommend a quick main dish to go with it! Try one of my other simple ideas:

• Chicken – My staples are air fryer chicken breast , baked chicken drumsticks , and crispy chicken wings . But lately we are loving my air fryer chicken leg quarters , which you can cook right after the asparagus.
• Steak – Choose one of my recipes based on the cut you like: sirloin steak , filet mignon , ribeye , or skirt steak .
• Fish – This vegetable pairs perfectly with my crispy air fryer salmon or air fried tilapia if you want to use the same appliance. When I want my main and side ready at the same time, I prepare baked haddock or broiled salmon first, pop it in the oven, then cook the asparagus in the air fryer.
• Brunch – Asparagus is awesome for brunch. Try it with my crustless spinach quiche or steak and eggs . Don’t forget the hollandaise sauce !

More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Air Fryer Asparagus (Fast & Easy)

My air fryer asparagus has perfect tender stalks and crispy tips. This fast, easy side dish cooks in minutes, with 4 simple ingredients!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/air-fryer-asparagus/

Ingredients

• 1 lb Asparagus (woody ends trimmed)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. In a shallow baking dish , drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Move the pieces around to coat evenly.
3. Working in batches if needed, arrange the asparagus in the air fryer in a single layer. Air fry for 5-8 minutes for medium thickness asparagus, 7-10 minutes for thick asparagus, or 3-6 minutes for thin asparagus, until the asparagus is tender, browned, and crispy on the edges.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 of entire recipe

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get evenly cooked asparagus, avoid over or under cooking, and my favorite way to use the woody ends.
• Variations: See my flavor variations to change it up with parmesan, dried herbs, balsamic, or even bacon.
• Storage & reheating: Asparagus tastes best fresh, but you can keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like to chop it up and toss it in fried rice or my salmon salad , but if you want to reheat it, using the air fryer again for a minute or two is your best bet.
• Freeze: You could freeze air fried asparagus, but I don’t recommend it. It gets mushy, though it could be okay to use in soups or casseroles .

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)