How Long to Cook Thick Asparagus in Air Fryer?

Asparagus is a healthy meal to add to your dinner menu. But cooking it was tricky until the air fryer came into the picture. The air fryer can make your asparagus crispy and delicious in no time. Air frying has become very popular over the last decade because of its convenience and speed. Air frying uses hot air instead of oil or butter to cook food.

So now the question is how long to cook thick asparagus in air fryer? Making the perfect crispy and juicy asparagus usually takes 6-9 minutes. Drive into to learn more about asparagus timing.

Step-by-step guide

1. Preparing Your Asparagus:

Before placing your asparagus into the air fryer, wash them thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Trim off about 1-2 inches from the bottom of each stalk – these parts tend to be woody and tough.

2. Seasoning:

Drizzle some olive oil over your asparagus – just enough to lightly coat them all around – then sprinkle with salt and pepper according to taste preference. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or parmesan cheese for added flavor.

3. Air Frying:

Arrange your seasoned asparagus spears into the basket of your air fryer ensuring they are spread out evenly without overlapping too much; this allows hot air circulation for even cooking.

4. Cooking Time:

For thick asparagus spears, set your air fryer at 400°F (200°C). Cook them for about 10-12 minutes depending on how tender or crunchy you prefer them; remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on individual models of air fryers.

5. Checking Doneness:

Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or use tongs to turn the asparagus spears for even browning. To check if they're done, pierce a spear with a fork – it should go through easily but still offer some resistance.

6. Serving:

Once cooked to your liking, remove the asparagus from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot. They make an excellent side dish for meats or can be enjoyed on their own with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

How Long to Cook Thick Asparagus in Air Fryer?

Asparagus should be placed into the air fryer basket in a single layer and cooked for 6-9 minutes, tossing halfway through the cooking time. Serve asparagus with a sprinkle of additional black pepper and salt to taste, if desired. You can cook smaller spears for up to 6 minutes, while larger spears take closer to 9 minutes.

What is The Best Temperature for Cooking Asparagus?

Asparagus has a short season, but when it's in season, you can find asparagus on menus across the country. The stalks are perfect for steaming or sauteing, and they're delicious in soups and salads. To get the most out of your asparagus, cook them at the right temperature to keep its bright green color and vibrant flavor intact. 375 to 400f is the idle temperature for cooking asparagus. Asparagus is done when tender but still crisp enough to bite into easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to flip or shake my asparagus halfway through cooking?

Yes, shaking or flipping your asparaguses halfway through ensures they cook evenly on all sides.

Is there any preparation needed before putting them into an Air Fryer?
 

Yes, rinse and dry your Asparaguses thoroughly then toss them with some oil and seasonings of your choice before putting them into Air Fryer.
   

Can i stack up Asparaguses while frying in Air Fryer ?

It's not recommended because stacking can prevent even heat distribution leading to unevenly cooked Asparaguses.

How Do You Know When Asparagus is Ready?

To test asparagus for doneness, gently bend one stalk toward another. If it breaks easily, it's not quite done yet; if it snaps like a twig, then it's ready. Remove from the heat before the asparagus becomes mushy.

Should You Peel Thick Asparagus Before Putting it On The Air Fryer?

The larger the asparagus, the tougher the peel, and the more likely they need peeling. I usually peel the stalks if the asparagus is 1/2 inch in diameter or larger. Large asparagus stalks tend to be much thicker at the bottom than at the top, so peeling makes them more uniform, and they will cook more evenly.

Conclusion

Cooking asparagus in air fried is really easy. It’s great for everyone, even kids. When cooking asparagus in an air fryer, we recommend that you use a medium or high setting, depending on the size of the asparagus. This method ensures your asparagus is perfectly cooked – tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. So next time you have some thick asparagus spears at hand, give this method a try and enjoy this healthy and delicious vegetable in no time.