Air Fryer Asparagus [Vegan, Gluten-Free, Paleo]

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This easy-to-make 2-ingredient air fryer asparagus recipe cooks in less than 10 minutes and is the perfect side dish for any occasion! This dish is also extra tasty topped with our vegan hollandaise or vegan béchamel.

Let's face it.

Everyone has a favorite kitchen appliance.

My longtime favorite has always been my food processor.

But as of late, I've been leaning more toward my air fryer.

Shh...don't tell my food processor. I like to avoid the possible retaliation of electrical machinery. 😉

But for real, the air fryer is like a dream come true.

What's not to love about a device that cooks food faster than the oven...even frozen French fries!

Plus, you don't have to heat up your home with a super hot oven. Bonus!

I have to admit that after making this air fryer asparagus, I never want to make it any other way.

So, are you ready to give it a try?

Ingredients you'll need

This recipe requires just two ingredients, asparagus and extra virgin olive oil, plus sea salt to taste. 

How to make air fryer asparagus - step by step

Wash the asparagus spears and pat them dry.

Trim the ends enough so that they fit in the air fryer basket (about 1 to 1 ½ inches up from the bottom).

Add the asparagus to a rectangular container with a tight-fitting lid or a zip top bag along with the olive oil and salt.

Shake until asparagus is well-coated.

If your air fryer has a separate elevated crisping tray or plate, be sure to insert it. For example, my Ninja air fryer comes with a crisper plate that fits right into the basket.

Then, add the asparagus.

Air fry at 400° F for 6-9 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes.

Thinner spears will take less time to cook while thicker spears will take longer. Asparagus should be tender with a slight crisp.

Add more sea salt to taste before serving, if desired.

Ideas for serving

Take this asparagus to the next level by topping it with some of our lemony vegan béchamel or vegan hollandaise sauce (shown here).

This dish pairs perfectly with our marinated tempeh, maple Dijon baked tempeh or chickpea veggie loaf.

It also makes a great addition to Sunday brunch alongside our vegan "eggs" Benedict.

Or, chop it up and mix it into this vegan risotto or into some gluten-free pasta tossed with a little olive oil and vegan Parmesan.

Variations

Instead of regular olive oil, try using a flavored olive oil such as lemon-infused or garlic-infused.

Or, after the asparagus is cooked, toss with a bit of balsamic vinegar or squeeze on some fresh lemon juice.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Store leftover asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the air fryer at 350° F, in a nonstick skillet on the stove top or in the microwave in 15-second intervals until warmed.

Other air fryer recipes you might enjoy:

• Air Fryer Home Fries
• Mashed Potato Balls
• Tempeh Bacon
• Salt & Pepper Air Fryer Tofu
• Air Fryer Chickpeas

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