Name: Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Asparagus
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces fresh asparagus (trimmed); 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking asparagus has never been easier—or tastier! With just 10 minutes of cooking time, this recipe delivers perfectly crisp and tender asparagus every single time. Using the air fryer means less mess and hassle than traditional roasting or sautéing methods, making it a great option for every meal.

Make it a meal and air fry a Juicy Sirloin Steak or make Crispy Fried Chicken in your air fryer.

Why Our Recipe

Perfectly cooked asparagus with a crispy, tender texture in just 10 minutes.
Flavored with the classic combination of lemon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

The classic combination of lemon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese takes this simple vegetable up a few notches. You can’t go wrong with a classic!

Ingredient Notes

Asparagus: Thicker stalks tend to be a little tougher and slightly more bitter, so we like to pick out bunches with thinner stalks. Trim off the tough ends before cooking.
Olive Oil: No need for expensive olive oils, any extra-virgin olive oil will add good flavor.
Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice works well and keeps prep to a minimum, but freshly squeezed always has the best flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: For maximum meltage, freshly grate a wedge of parmesan cheese using the smallest size on your cheese grater. But to save time, pre-shredded parmesan cheese is a good pick.

Use Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup

For hassle-free cleanup, line the air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper designed specifically for air fryers. These pre-cut liners have perforations to ensure proper airflow, which is crucial for even cooking. If you’re using standard parchment paper, cut it to fit and punch a few holes to allow the air to circulate.

Ensure the parchment paper is trimmed so it doesn’t extend beyond the basket or tray edges to prevent burning.

Always place the parchment paper after preheating the air fryer to prevent it from lifting and touching the heating element.

Adapting for Different Air Fryer Styles

Basket Air Fryers: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer in the basket, ensuring no overlap for even cooking. Stick to the recipe’s cooking time of 8–10 minutes at 400°F. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispness.

Toaster-Oven Style Air Fryers: Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the air fryer tray. If using multiple trays, rotate them halfway through cooking for consistent results. Start with 10 minutes at 400°F, rotating the trays and checking for doneness after 8 minutes. You may need an additional 1–2 minutes if the asparagus isn’t browned to your liking.

Ovens with Air Fryer Settings: Place the asparagus on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow airflow underneath, or use the oven’s air fryer tray if provided. Keep the temperature at 400°F as directed in the recipe. Cooking time may extend slightly; start checking for doneness at 10 minutes and cook up to 12 minutes, depending on your oven’s efficiency. Rotate the tray halfway through cooking for even results.

Repurpose Leftovers

Don’t let leftovers go to waste! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to enjoy in these creative ways!

For breakfast, chop it into small pieces and add it to scrambled eggs, omelets, or a frittata.

For dinner, It’s a great addition to pasta dishes, risottos, or grain bowls. Toss it into a green salad or blend it into a creamy soup. You can even stir it into a quick weeknight stir-fry.