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This single serving air fryer asparagus is a quick and easy side dish made with just a few ingredients. It cooks in under 10 minutes and comes out tender with lightly crisped tips every time. It’s simple to make, packed with fresh flavor, and perfect when you just need a small batch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast Cooking: Ready in about 10 minutes.
- Simple: Made with just a few basic ingredients.
- No Oven Needed: Uses the air fryer, perfect for warm days or small kitchens.
- Single Serving: Perfect for one, but easy to double.
- Reliable: Comes out crisp and tender every time.
I make this small batch air fryer asparagus at least once a week. It’s one of those simple recipes that just works every time. The asparagus comes out tender and crisp without being dry or overcooked, and it’s ready in minutes.
You don’t need a lot of prep or cleanup, and the results are always fresh and flavorful. Whether I’m making a quick lunch or a full dinner, this is the side dish I reach for when I want something light, easy, and delicious.
I like to pair this asparagus with other air fryer favorites like our single serving pork chop, single sirloin steak, small batch chicken wings, or our small batch air fryer shrimp. It’s a great way to build a full meal without much effort.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch air fryer asparagus recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Asparagus Spears: Use about 6 thick spears of fresh asparagus. If your asparagus is smaller or thinner, just use enough to make a single layer in your air fryer basket. The number doesn’t need to be exact. Look for spears that are straight, firm, and bright green with just a little white at the bottom. If using thinner spears, reduce the cooking time slightly and keep an eye on them, as they cook faster than thicker ones.
- Olive Oil: Helps the asparagus brown and crisp in the air fryer. Avocado oil can be used as a substitute.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: These seasonings bring out the fresh flavor of the asparagus.
- Lemon Wedge: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish before serving.
Recipe Variations
I love these asparagus just as they are, but here are a few easy ways to change up the flavor:
- Parmesan: Sprinkle grated parmesan after cooking.
- Balsamic Addition: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the cooked spears.
- Taco Seasoning: Toss with a hefty pinch of homemade taco seasoning before cooking. Since it contains salt, skip the added salt in the main recipe.
- Garam Masala: Add a light sprinkle of homemade garam masala for warm, bold flavor. Be sure to still add salt, as this blend doesn’t include any.
- Creole Seasoning: Use a little of our homemade Creole seasoning for a Southern kick. This blend contains salt, so leave out the salt from the original recipe.
- Butter Finish: Add a pat of melted butter after cooking for a rich finish.
How To Make Air Fryer Asparagus
These photos and instructions help you visualize how to air fry asparagus. See the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Rinse the asparagus and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
- Trim the tough ends by snapping them off or cutting with a knife. When bent, asparagus naturally breaks where it starts to get tough.
- Place the trimmed spears on a plate and set aside.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
- While it preheats, drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Place the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Remove the asparagus from the basket, transfer to a plate, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
Expert Tips
- Trim the Ends: Snap or cut off the tough, woody bottoms before cooking.
- Dry Thoroughly: Pat the spears dry after rinsing. Wet asparagus will steam instead of crisping.
- Adjust for Thickness: Thin spears cook quickly and may be done in 4 to 5 minutes. Thicker ones may need a minute or two longer. Keep an eye on them.
- Arrange Properly: Trim the spears if needed so they fit flat in your air fryer basket. Keep them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Serve Right Away: Asparagus is best when hot and fresh from the air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
It usually takes around 6 minutes at 375°F. Thin spears may be ready in 4 to 5 minutes, while thicker ones might need 7 to 8. Check early to avoid overcooking.
Snap off the tough, woody ends with your hands or cut them with a knife. The stalk naturally breaks where it starts to get tough.
Fresh asparagus works best. Frozen tends to release more moisture and won’t crisp up the same way.
The tips should be browned and slightly crisp. The stalk should be tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve quick and easy air fryer asparagus or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Air Fryer Asparagus For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 thick asparagus spears * If your asparagus is smaller or thinner, just use enough to make a single layer in your air fryer basket.
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- a squeeze of a lemon wedge
Instructions
- Rinse the asparagus and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
- Trim the tough ends by snapping them off or cutting with a knife. When bent, asparagus naturally breaks where it starts to get tough. Place the trimmed spears on a plate and set aside.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
- While it preheats, drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Place the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Remove the asparagus from the basket, transfer to a plate, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
Notes
- Trim the Ends: Snap or cut off the tough, woody bottoms before cooking.
- Dry Thoroughly: Pat the spears dry after rinsing. Wet asparagus will steam instead of crisping.
- Adjust for Thickness: Thin spears cook quickly and may be done in 4 to 5 minutes. Thicker ones may need a minute or two longer. Keep an eye on them.
- Arrange Properly: Trim the spears if needed so they fit flat in your air fryer basket. Keep them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Serve Right Away: Asparagus is best when hot and fresh from the air fryer.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Great recipe.
Thank you!