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Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus

crispy air fryer parmesan asparagus - featured image

A quick and easy 10-minute side dish featuring crispy asparagus spears coated with Parmesan cheese and seasoned perfectly, cooked in an air fryer for a golden, cheesy crust and tender inside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus spears (about 1 pound or 450 grams), trimmed
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/3 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim and dry the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends. Rinse under cold water and pat completely dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run empty for about 3 minutes.
  3. Place the dry asparagus in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the asparagus and toss again to distribute the seasoning.
  5. Grate Parmesan cheese directly over the asparagus and toss gently to coat without over-tossing.
  6. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 10 minutes, shaking or turning the asparagus halfway through cooking (around 4-5 minutes), until edges are golden and crispy and stalks are tender.
  8. Immediately zest half a lemon over the cooked asparagus for a fresh, bright finish.
  9. Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Notes

Dry asparagus thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent steaming. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor. If Parmesan doesn’t stick well, lightly mist asparagus with water before tossing with cheese. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days and reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer asparagus, crispy asparagus, Parmesan asparagus, quick side dish, easy asparagus recipe, healthy side, cheesy asparagus