Easy Air Fryer Asparagus Parmesan Recipe: A Spring Favorite

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Looking for a tasty side dish for your main course that isn’t more French fries? This air-fryer asparagus parmesan recipe is perfect. It’s one of my favorite side dishes. The thinner stalks of asparagus are roasted to perfection in the air fryer, and you never get mushy asparagus. This asparagus side dish is so good you may want to make extra!

I am a huge fan of asparagus and love eating it by the bunch in the spring. In fact, it may even be one of my favorite vegetables! The more ways I can enjoy this tasty, healthy vegetable, the better. If you’ve been reading my posts for a while, you will know I grew up off-grid with a veggie garden that my mom worked tirelessly to feed us. Unfortunately, she could never grow asparagus successfully due to our zone and the cold winters. The finicky vegetable is a perennial plant that can take several years to establish before harvesting. It’s too bad because it sure would have been one of my favorites back then. 

Table of Contents

    How to Choose Asparagus

    A good asparagus spear is defined by its freshness, appearance, and texture. Whether you’re shopping for asparagus at the grocery store, picking it from a vegetable garden, or preparing it for a recipe, here are the key factors that make a quality spear:

    1. Appearance

    • Color: The spear should be vibrant green, fading to pale green or white near the base. Purple-tinged tips are normal and can indicate freshness.
    • Firmness: The spears should feel firm and not limp. Avoid spears that are wilted or shriveled.
    • Closed Tips: The tips should be tightly closed and compact, not spread out or flowering.
    • Smooth Skin: The stalk should have a smooth surface without blemishes or wrinkles.

    2. Size

    • Thickness: Thickness does not always indicate quality—it’s a matter of preference. Thicker spears tend to be meatier and stand up to roasting or grilling, while thinner spears are more delicate and cook quickly.
    • Uniformity: Choose spears of similar size for even cooking.

    3. Freshness

    • Moist Base: The cut ends of the asparagus should be moist and not dried out. The asparagus may not be fresh if the base is overly woody or cracked.
    • Smell: Fresh asparagus has a mild, earthy aroma. A sour or overly strong smell indicates spoilage.

    4. Harvest Timing

    • Asparagus is best when harvested in the spring, as it’s in season and at its peak flavor. Out-of-season spears may be tougher or less flavorful.

    5. Storage and Preparation Readiness

    • To maintain quality, fresh asparagus should be stored upright in water or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the fridge.
    • The base of the stalk should snap off easily, which indicates the natural breaking point between the tender and tough parts.

    Choosing asparagus spears with these qualities ensures a tender, flavorful ingredient for your dishes, whether steaming, roasting, or grilling. 

    served asparagus spears

    Why You Will Love This Air-Fried Asparagus Recipe

    It’s super easy. The best thing about making this easy side dish is that it requires minimal prep time and a short cooking time. That means you can toss it together fast and have it cook while you focus on the rest of the meal.

    Simple Ingredients: With just a few simple ingredients, this easy air fryer recipe makes the best crispy asparagus. 

    ​Cheese: Remember the Cooking with Cheese commercial? Cooking anything with cheese, like this roast asparagus with parmesan cheese, is a surefire way to have happy diners. 

    The History of Asparagus in North America

    Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, was introduced to North America by European settlers in the early 1600s. The plant adapted well to the North American climate, particularly in regions with mild winters. It was initially valued for its medicinal and culinary properties, similar to its European uses. 

    By the 19th century, asparagus cultivation expanded across the U.S., starting in the northeastern states and gradually spreading to the Midwest and West Coast. Due to its ease of cultivation, asparagus became a common feature in gardens and small farms. Commercial production began in earnest by the late 1800s, with California emerging as a key growing region due to its favorable climate. By the 20th century, California, Michigan, and Washington became the leading producers of asparagus in the U.S.

    asparagus growing

    Canada also began cultivating asparagus, particularly in the southern provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, where the climate was conducive to its growth. Today, the U.S. remains one of the largest producers of asparagus, with significant imports from Mexico, especially during the off-season. At the same time, Canada continues to grow asparagus, particularly in regions like Ontario, which are seeing a rise in production. Asparagus has since become a popular vegetable in the U.S. and Canada, and it is appreciated for its health benefits and culinary versatility.

    Let’s Prepare The Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus Recipe

    Earlier, I share the best way to find high-quality fresh produce. Now, I want to discuss how to work with fresh asparagus spears. It wasn’t until I was well-versed in cooking that I learned I had been doing it wrong for years. Before the internet, cookbooks were my sole source of cooking knowledge, aside from working in the fast food industry, which reduced handy tips like the one I am about to share. This is important stuff. For years, I had been cutting the dry ends of the woody stalks off before cooking the spears. That’s not actually the right way to work with the asparagus spear. Instead, snap the end at its natural breaking point and discard the woody part. 

    washed asparagus stalks

    Next, take the spears and rinse them well under cold water. You want to remove any obvious dirt and debris. Still, you also want to wash off any pesticides used to grow the asparagus. Even organic produce uses pesticides, so don’t skip this step.

    After washing the fresh asparagus, you will want to dry it. Lay it on a clean paper towel while you prep the other ingredients. In a medium bowl or flat bowl, measure the cheese, panko, and garlic powder. You can also add pepper if you like. There is no need for salt, as the parmesan cheese is salty enough. Mix the ingredients together, and then continue to pat dry the spears.

    ​You should halve the coating recipe depending on how much you cook for your family. I was cooking two whole bunches, and they had more than enough coating. Place the asparagus in another bowl and add a tablespoon and a half for each bunch of asparagus you will be cooking. Using your clean hands, coat the spears with the oil. 

    coated in olive oil asparagus spears

    Take the slippery asparagus spears out of the bowl and lay them in the coating mixture a small bunch at a time; shake, rattle, or roll to dredge them well. Then, lay them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. 

    I have the dual-basket Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, so I used both sides, making two batches each for two bunches of asparagus. Set the air fryer to 390F for 10 minutes. Because the asparagus is lightly coated with the parmesan mixture, you don’t want to shake the basket. There is enough airflow in the Ninja Foodi baskets from underneath and above that the asparagus will cook evenly. 

    ​When you are done cooking asparagus, remove it from the air fryer basket and a) continue with another batch if making more or b) serve immediately while it’s hot. If you are still making your dinner, the tough part may be deciding how to keep the dish warm. I like the old wives’ trick of using a low-temperature oven. Add the cooked asparagus to a small loaf pan, as the spears will line up and layer well to keep the heat trapped amongst themselves. Be sure not to leave the asparagus in the low-temperature oven for too long; a shorter period of time is fine. 

    Alternatively, you can also keep the asparagus warm by leaving it in the air fryer baskets themselves. However, since the air fryer was just hot enough to fry the vegetables, you will want to pop the drawers slightly to allow a little heat out so they don’t continue to cook. 

    My third method for keeping food like this easy recipe warm is heating a warming element on my stove. Not all stoves have this feature, which brings me to the last way you can keep the asparagus fresh and warm while finishing cooking the rest of your dinner. That’s to lay it on a plate and cover it with tin foil. Tinfoil will trap the heat, but it also traps steam, which you don’t necessarily want with a panko anything, so poke a few holes in the foil to allow the steam to escape. 

    Now that you’ve got freshly air-fried asparagus with a panko/parmesan coating, you’re in for a treat. It’s the perfect side dish for any main entree, like chicken, fish, pork, or beef. I encourage you to share this with your family instead of French fries the next time you’re having burger night. It’s much healthier, and it’s delicious!

    Looking for great burgers to pair with this tasty side dish? Try our queso double burger or our ultimate burger with egg.

    Ingredients:

    Fresh Asparagus: This spring vegetable provides the base for the recipe. It cooks quickly in the air fryer, becoming tender while retaining a slight crunch.

    Panko: This breadcrumb is light and airy, which helps create a crispy, crunchy coating without becoming too heavy. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation crisps the panko perfectly, providing a satisfying texture contrast to the tender asparagus spears.

    ​Parmesan Cheese: When air-fried, the cheese crisps up, creating a golden, flavorful crust on the asparagus that enhances the taste and texture.

    Olive Oil: Helps the coating adhere to the spears while adding much-needed moisture.

    Garlic Powder gives the parmesan coating a subtle savory flavor without overpowering the asparagus’s natural flavor.

    ​Substitutions Or Add-Ins For This Air Fryer Asparagus.

    Fresh Asparagus: -Remains-

    Panko:-Remains-

    Parmesan Cheese: You can also use Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option)

    Olive Oil: Avocado oil, melted butter, or other neutral oil will work to coat the vegetable. 

    Garlic Powder: Onion powder is an excellent alternative for a savory, aromatic flavor, similar to garlic powder. 

    laying asparagus spears in air fryer basket

    Expert Tips, Serving And Storing Suggestions For The Asparagus

    Tip #1: Ensure Even Coating for Crispy Texture: Coat each spear evenly when coating the asparagus with the panko and parmesan mixture. Work in small batches to gently shake the bowl or roll the asparagus in the coating to ensure a light but even layer. This will help achieve the desired crispy texture when cooking, as any uncovered areas might also not crisp up.

    Tip #2: Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for the best results. The air fryer relies on hot air circulating around the food to crisp it up, so giving the asparagus enough space allows for even cooking. If you’re cooking a larger batch, it’s better to cook the asparagus in multiple smaller batches, ensuring that each spear has enough room to cook evenly.

    Tip #3: Check for Doneness and Adjust Time if Needed: While 10 minutes at 390°F typically works well, keep an eye on the asparagus, as air fryer models can vary in cooking times, and thicker stalks may take longer. If you prefer a softer texture or a slightly more golden crust, adjust the cooking time by a minute or two. Conversely, if you like a crispier result, extend the cooking time slightly but check periodically to avoid overcooking.

    For a balanced, flavorful meal, the best air fryer asparagus pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork chops. It can also be chopped and tossed into a fresh salad, adding a crispy texture to greens or grains. For a fun twist, serve it as a side with pizza with your favorite dipping sauces, such as aioli or ranch.

    The easy way to store leftover air fryer asparagus is to place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it crispy, reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its texture. I don’t recommend freezing this. 

    Did you enjoy this recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and share your thoughts in the comments below! I’d love to hear how your best air-fried asparagus turned out! As always, happy cooking!

    how to make air fryer parmesan asparagus

    Easy Air Fryer Asparagus Parmesan Recipe: A Spring Favorite

    Amber Bondar
    This easy prep and cook method for air fryer asparagus with parmesan cheese coating is a delicious side dish. Enjoy the spring vegetable in a matter of minutes as a tasty new vegetable side for virtually any meat entree! With step-by-step instructions for this air fried vegetable side you can easily make this over and over again this spring.
    No ratings yet
    Prep Time 3 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Canadian
    Servings 6
    Calories 198 kcal

    Equipment

    • 2 bowls Or One Bowl And One Tray
    • Air Fryer Or Oven With Baking Sheet
    • Paper Towels

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 Bunches Asparagus Spears Washed, Ends Removed, Dried
    • 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
    • 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese
    • 1 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
    • 1 Tsp Garlic Powder

    Instructions
     

    • Wash the asparagus well under cold water. Break of by snapping at natural break above woody ends the spears cut end and discard.
      2 Bunches Asparagus Spears
    • Lay wet asparagus on clean paper towel.
    • In bowl or flat tray measure the cheese, panko and garlic powder. Mix well.
      1 Cup Parmesan Cheese, 1 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs, 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
    • Pat dry the asparagus with paper towel.
    • In another bowl put the dried asparagus with the olive oil. Rub the oil over the steam.
      3 Tbsp Olive Oil, 2 Bunches Asparagus Spears
    • Take a small handful of the oiled spears and lay in the breadcrumbs. Roll them around to coat well.
    • Lay in a single layer the breaded asparagus in air fryer basket.
    • Using a dual basket fryer use both baskets and do two batches of the roast asparagus.
    • OVEN: Lay on lined baking tray and bake at 400℉ for 8 minutes.
    • Air Fryer: Turn baskets on to air fry at 390℉ for ten minutes. DO NOT shake the baskets halfway through.
    • When done cooking remove and serve immediately or keep warm.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 11gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 344mgPotassium: 344mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1264IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 252mgIron: 4mg
    Keyword asparagus, parmesan cheese, Roasted Vegetables
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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