• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Damn Tasty Vegan
  • Vegan Spring Recipes
  • Recipe index
  • Lifestyle
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Vegan Spring Recipes
  • Recipe index
  • Lifestyle
  • About
  • Contact
  • Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Vegan Spring Recipes
    • Recipe index
    • Lifestyle
    • About
    • Contact
  • Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

    Easy air fryer asparagus

    Published: Jul 19, 2021 · Modified: Dec 1, 2023 by Maria · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This easy air fryer asparagus recipe comes together in less than ten minutes. If you're new to using the air fryer, this is a great recipe to get you started. Olive oil, salt, cherry tomatoes and garlic powder come together as the perfect asparagus seasoning. Quick and easy side dish that goes with many different meals.

    Asparagus, cherry tomatoes and pine nuts on a plate.
    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to roast asparagus in an air fryer
    • Recommended equipment
    • How to clean and prep
    • Variations
    • Serving suggestions
    • Storing tips
    • FAQ's
    • More recipes you'll love
    • 📖 Recipe

    If you'd like more easy air fryer recipes, make sure to check out these Crispy Air Fryer Diced Potatoes or these Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts next!

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • Vegan and gluten free
    • Quick and easy side dish to add to any weeknight meal.
    • Asparagus is really healthy for us. Any time you can get more greens into your diet, it's a win.
    • Asparagus is full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, K, C and E, potassium and phosphorous.

    Ingredients

    This is one of the quickest and easiest side dishes you'll ever make. It only has five ingredients:

    • Asparagus - this is in season in the spring, so it will taste best around this time. Choose ones that have a nice color.
    • Olive oil, salt and garlic powder
    • Vegan parmesan cheese - This adds an amazing cheesy flavor that elevates this recipe to the next level. You can also use vegan feta or nutritional yeast.
    • Cherry tomatoes (optional) - tomatoes add a nice sweetness to the asparagus and they taste amazing when they've been caramelized a bit in the air fryer.

    How to roast asparagus in an air fryer

    Make sure to scroll to the recipe card for full step-by-step instructions.

    1. Clean off the dirt - The tops of asparagus get trapped with dirt and grit so rinse off or soak in some water. More on this below.
    2. Trim the ends - The ends of each stalk are a bit woody and not fun to eat, make sure to trim this part off.
    3. Season - Season with olive oil, salt and garlic powder.
    4. Air fry - Add to the air fryer basket and sprinkle with vegan parmesan cheese. Air fry for 7 minutes at 400 degrees. Then add the optional cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.

    Recommended equipment

    You can use any air fryer that you want. What I personally use is the AICOOK instant pot air fryer lid. I love this because I didn't have to buy a whole new appliance to take up space in my cupboards.

    It's perfect if you have a small kitchen with limited space.

    I could just use an appliance I already had and loved, the instant pot!

    Air fryers are amazing to use because it uses less energy to heat up, and it doesn't heat up your whole house. It's great for cooking on hot days.

    Black air fryer sitting on a counter.

    How to clean and prep

    Since asparagus grows near the ground, and the tips of asparagus have a lot of crevices, dirt and grit can get caught in the tips. It's important to rinse the tips of the asparagus very well before cooking.

    Run the tips under water for at least a minute, gently rubbing the tips.

    You can also fill up a large mason jar with water and store the asparagus upside down (tips in the water) for a few hours. This helps the grit to sink to the bottom of the mason jar.

    The other end of the asparagus are always woody and chewy. Always make sure to trip and inch or so off the ends of the asparagus, to keep it nice and crunchy, instead of chewy.

    Variations

    Top with a squeeze of lemon to brighten it all up. Smoked paprika and seasoning salt also taste good. Sometimes I use a steak seasoning salt and it really tastes amazing.

    Serving suggestions

    Asparagus is an amazing side dish to an endless number of meals. I love serving it with baked tofu, vegan chicken, or BBQ seitan. It also goes great on top of salad, pasta or with a baked potato. Serve with other delicious sides like vegan mac and cheese or roasted Brussels sprouts.

    Hand holding a bunch of asparagus.

    Storing tips

    Cooked asparagus will last in an air tight container in the fridge for about five days. Reheat it in the air fryer, oven or on the stove.

    FAQ's

    Can you freeze asparagus?

    Absolutely! Just follow the recipe below. Then after the asparagus is cooked, let it completely cool.
    Store in an air tight container or freezer zip-loc bag. You can also use a re-usable silicone freezer bag, if you want to cut down on waste. Cooked asparagus will last in the freezer for 10-12 months.
    When you're ready to eat it, just let it thaw in the fridge, then heat it up in the oven, microwave or sauté it on the stove.

    Can I make this oil free?

    You can absolutely make this oil free. It won't taste as rich and delicious, but it will be healthier for you.
    Just rinse off the asparagus so it's damp, then add the garlic powder and salt and mix well. Then follow the rest of the instructions for cooking the asparagus in the air fryer.
    As long as the asparagus is well seasoned, it will taste delicious, especially if it's in season, around the spring time.

    Can I make this in the oven?

    Absolutely! If you don't have an air fryer, you can make this in the oven by pre-heating the oven to 400 degrees.
    Add the seasoned and oiled asparagus to a baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

    More recipes you'll love

    • Air fryer zucchini sitting in an air fryer basket.
      Easy Air Fryer Zucchini with Dairy Free Parmesan
    • Air fryer tofu cubes on a white plate.
      Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
    • Seasoned sweet potato air fryer cubes in an air fryer basket.
      Easy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
    • caramelized air fryer bananas topped with melted chocolate and peanut butter
      Air fryer bananas

    If you loved this recipe, leave a 5 ⭐️ rating on the recipe card and comment below!

    📖 Recipe

    Roasted asparagus on a plate

    Easy air fryer asparagus

    Simple quick and easy asparagus in the air fryer. This is the perfect side dish to any meal.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 57kcal
    Author: Maria
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Air fryer

    Ingredients

    US Customary or Metric
    • 1 pound asparagus
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • ⅓ cup vegan parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast)
    • ¼ cup cherry tomatoes (optional)

    Instructions

    • Rinse the asparagus very well. The tips can collect grit and dirt. I like to fill up a large cup or mason jar with water, and store the asparagus upside down (tips in the water) for a few hours, to let the dirt rinse out. Cut off the woody ends of the asparagus.
    • In a large mixing bowl, add the asparagus, salt, olive oil and garlic powder and mix well.
      1 pound asparagus, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • Let your air fryer pre-heat to 400 degrees. Then add the asparagus to the air fryer. Sprinkle the top with the vegan parmesan and air fry for 7 minutes.
      ⅓ cup vegan parmesan cheese
    • Add in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered.
      ¼ cup cherry tomatoes
    • Plate up and enjoy! These cool quickly, so eat as soon as they come out of the air fryer.

    Notes

    This will last a week in the fridge in an airtight container. Asparagus can also be frozen after cooked for up to three months. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 57kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 76mg | Potassium: 254mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 903IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today!Mention @DamnTastyVegan or tag #DamnTastyVegan!

    The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    More Vegan Air Fryer Recipes

    • Crispy golden brown vegan air fryer zucchini fries on a white plate with vegan ranch dipping sauce.
      Easy Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
    • Air fryer tempeh cubes on top of a salad with a tahini dressing.
      Crispy Marinated Air Fryer Tempeh
    • Diced air fryer potatoes on a white plate.
      Crispy Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
    • Frozen brussels sprouts in a white bowl that have been cooked in an air fryer.
      Easy Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts

    About Maria

    Maria is the creator of the blog and YouTube channel Damn Tasty Vegan. She has been a vegetarian since 2005 and vegan since 2015. She loves showing new vegans how easy and delicious living a vegan lifestyle can be. She is passionate about animal welfare and strives to help change the way animals are viewed and treated, by helping people transition to a vegan lifestyle.

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Woman with sunglasses sipping a green juice with a straw.

    Hi, I'm Maria Rose! I'm a professional singer by night, and recipe developer by day. I run this blog and am also the creator of the One Month (30 minute) Meal Plan. I love helping people learn how to cook easy and delicious plant based meals.

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Fresh Spring Recipes

    • Israeli couscous salad in a serving dish.
      Israeli couscous salad (pearl couscous)
    • Overhead view of large mixing bowl filled with rainbow salad.
      Crunchy rainbow salad
    • Roasted asparagus on a plate
      Easy air fryer asparagus
    • Orzo with cashew cream and roasted vegetables in a bowl.
      Creamy vegan orzo with chickpeas and roasted vegetables
    • Couscous stuffed peppers topped with melted vegan cheese in a casserole dish.
      Vegan Chickpea and Couscous Stuffed Peppers
    • Instant pot sweet potato curry in a bowl over quinoa.
      Easy Instant Pot Sweet Potato Curry with Chickpeas and Kale

    Popular Posts

    • Sticky glazed maple miso tofu in a pink bowl on top of rice.
      Sticky Glazed Maple Miso Tofu
    • Vegan Jackfruit Nachos
      Easy jackfruit nachos
    • Piece of bread dipped in vegan fondue
      Easiest vegan fondue (dairy free cheese fondue)
    • Crispy tofu cubes in a glass bowl.
      How To Make Crispy Tofu (Baked & Pan Fried)
    • Baked potato without foil on a plate topped with butter.
      Perfect baked potato (without foil)
    • Close up of banana protein pancakes with bananas and strawberries on top.
      Banana Protein Pancakes without Eggs

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Information

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility policy
    • Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Get your free Vegan High Protein Grocery List Download!

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2025 Damn Tasty Vegan on the Foodie Pro Theme

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    Roasted air fryer asparagus on a plate with cherry tomatoes

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.