This single serving air fryer asparagus is a quick and easy side dish made with just a few simple ingredients. The spears come out tender with crisp tips and are ready in under 10 minutes.
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.