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If you’re looking for the best garlic parmesan air fryer asparagus, this is the recipe you’re going to make on repeat! It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with bold garlic flavor, savory parmesan, and a simple sprinkle of Italian herbs. The air fryer works its magic in minutes, giving you perfectly roasted asparagus without turning on the oven.
Garlic, parmesan, and Italian herbs remind me of my Nonna’s simple, flavorful cooking. She believed the best dishes were fresh and thoughtfully seasoned, never complicated. This lighter air fryer version brings that same comforting flavor together in minutes. For more air-fried veggies, try our crispy air fryer green beans, air fryer carrots, and air fryer cauliflower next!
Table of Contents
🔍 Quick Look: Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Asparagus
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
- 🕒 Total Time: ~15 minutes
- 🍽 Calories: ~70 kcal per serving
- 👥 Servings: 2 servings
- 🥣 Key Ingredients: Asparagus, garlic, Parmesan cheese
- 📖 Dietary Information: Vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free
- 👩🍳 Cook Method: Air-Fried
- ⭐ Difficulty: Easy
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: Both Ella and I agree that this is the best asparagus we’ve ever had! What sets it apart is the fresh garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. If you love the flavors of garlic and Parmesan, try our garlic Parmesan spaghetti squash recipe next!
- Cooks Quickly: Asparagus cooks quickly in the air fryer for an easy and delicious side dish in minutes!
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe comes together with a handful of simple ingredients.
- Tender & Crispy: The air fryer makes the asparagus crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Healthy: Made with minimal oil and simple seasonings for a lighter option.
“This recipe is so delicious. I left it sitting out for us to snack on as we walked by. It’s a great way to work in a serving of veggies.”
– mary
Key Ingredients
- Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is the base of this recipe.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds incredible depth of flavor.
- Seasoning: Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Parmesan: Grated Parmesan cheese adds incredible flavor and is not to be missed! Try our air fryer frozen broccoli with Parmesan and air fryer Parmesan potatoes next!
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Fresh Garlic Substitution: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but if you don’t have any, use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free and vegan option, omit the Parmesan cheese from this recipe.
- Kick of Heat: For a kick of heat, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
- Balsamic: You can drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for a tangy flavor. Or, try our balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts!
- Bacon: You can crumble some cooked bacon or turkey bacon over the asparagus before serving for even more flavor. See our post on how to cook bacon in the oven. Or, top with crumbled crispy prosciutto!
How To Make Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Asparagus
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Rinse and dry the asparagus. Then, cut the ends off.
- Add the asparagus to a large bowl and spray with olive oil. We like this olive oil sprayer. Then, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss until the asparagus is evenly coated.
- Add a parchment paper liner to your air fryer basket for easy cleanup. Arrange the seasoned asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry the asparagus, shaking halfway through, until tender-crisp. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus and air fry for 1-2 more minutes, until melted.
- Serve warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.
Expert Tips
- Cook in a Single Layer: Arrange the seasoned asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook it in batches if needed for even crisping.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on it to prevent mushy asparagus.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan toward the end so it melts and gets crispy without burning.
- Trim the Ends: Remove the woody ends for the best texture.
- Serve Immediately: Once done, enjoy it warm while the asparagus is crisp.
Serving Suggestions
- With Pasta: Serve it as a side dish with our chicken Alfredo linguine, healthy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, or pistachio pesto pasta for a delicious meal!
- With Protein: Serve alongside air fryer Parmesan chicken thighs, air fryer salmon, air fryer shrimp, air fryer chicken breast, or air fryer pork chops.
- Main Dishes: It’s a perfect side for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, healthy baked chicken parmesan, or one-skillet cream of mushroom pork chops.
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve with our cottage cheese quiche or cottage cheese egg bake for an easy breakfast or brunch pairing.
- Holiday Meals: This recipe is great for Easter with our honey and orange-glazed ham and healthy carrot cake recipe, or as a simple veggie side for any holiday spread.
Air Fryer Asparagus FAQs
What Temperature for Asparagus in an Air Fryer?
Air fry asparagus at 400°F (200°C) for the best results. This high heat helps it get crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside without burning.
How Long for Asparagus in an Air Fryer at 400 degrees?
Cook asparagus in the air fryer at 400°F for 6-10 minutes, depending on thickness, shaking halfway through. Thin spears take about 6-7 minutes, medium spears take about 7-9 minutes, and thicker spears may need 10-12 minutes. Add the grated Parmesan at the end and cook for another 1-2 minutes until melted and lightly golden.
Does Asparagus Do Well in an Air Fryer?
Yes, asparagus cooks beautifully in the air fryer, becoming crispy on the outside and tender on the inside in less time than the oven.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try!
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Air Fryer Apples
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Air Fryer Red Potatoes
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Air Fryer Carrot Chips
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Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★, letting us know how it turns out for you.
Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Asparagus
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed, about 12 oz
- olive oil spray, about 2-4 sprays
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pinch Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- squeeze of fresh lemon for serving, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Rinse and dry the asparagus. Then, cut the ends off.
- Add the asparagus to a large bowl and spray with olive oil. Then, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss until the asparagus is evenly coated.
- Add a parchment paper liner to your air fryer basket for easy cleanup. Arrange the seasoned asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry the asparagus at 400°F for 6-9 minutes, depending on size, see notes, shaking halfway through, until tender-crisp. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus and air fry for 1-2 more minutes, until melted.
- Serve warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.
Video
Notes
- For small or thin asparagus spears (less than ½ inch thick), air fry at 400°F for about 6 to 7 minutes, checking at 6 minutes to make sure they stay tender but still crisp.
- For medium asparagus spears (½ to ¾ inch thick), cook at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- For large or thick asparagus spears (¾ inch or more), air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, checking for tenderness, and add 1-2 extra minutes if needed.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
this recipe is so delicious. I left it sitting out for us to snack on as we walked by. It’s a great way to work in a serving of veggies. Asparagus is high on the list. I also do this with green beans,carrots, brus sprouts,broccoli,cauliflower etc. thanks for all the great recipes.
Hi Mary, we’re so happy you enjoyed the asparagus! This makes me so happy to hear! I love that you enjoy so many different veggies, they all sound delicious! I’m so happy you’re enjoying our recipes, thank you so much for leaving a review.
We seriously love how easy and delicious this garlic parmesan air fryer asparagus is! Crispy, flavorful, and ready in minutes it’s our go-to side. Make sure to give this one a try it’s so good!