Air Fryer Asparagus With Lemon and Parmesan Cheese
Crisp-tender asparagus with lemon and Parmesan is ready in minutes with the air fryer.
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When asparagus is in season, there’s no easier way to bring out its natural sweetness than the air fryer. The spears remain tender with lightly crisp tips, and a quick drizzle of olive oil ensures they cook evenly in just a few minutes.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a shower of nutty Parmesan cheese finish the dish with a burst of flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a spring holiday meal, or a simple side for grilled meats, this recipe delivers fresh taste with almost no effort.
Why You’ll Love It
Fast and easy. Air frying cooks the spears in just 5 to 7 minutes.
Fresh, bright flavors. Lemon juice and Parmesan add zing and savory richness.
Perfect texture. Tender stalks with crisp tips make an ideal side dish for any main course.
Ingredient Notes
- Asparagus: Choose firm spears with tight tips. Medium thickness works best for even cooking.
- Olive oil: A light drizzle helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
- Lemon juice: Adds fresh acidity that complements the grassy flavor of asparagus.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts slightly on the warm spears for a nutty, salty finish.
Steps to Make Air Fryer Asparagus
- Trim the asparagus, drizzle with oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the asparagus in the air fryer basket and air fry for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice, until crisp-tender.
- Transfer to a platter and drizzle with lemon juice. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve with lemon wedges.
Recipe Variations
- Add garlic. Toss the asparagus with a pinch of garlic powder or minced garlic before air frying.
- Use other cheeses. Try shredded Pecorino Romano or crumbled feta for a different flavor.
- Make it spicy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish.
- Pair with pasta or risotto for a quick vegetarian dinner.
- Add to salads or grain bowls for a warm vegetable element.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat. Return to the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes or warm in a skillet over medium heat.
Freeze? Not recommended, as the texture becomes mushy after thawing.
Air Fryer Asparagus With Lemon and Parmesan Cheese
Fresh asparagus cooks quickly in the air fryer, then gets a bright squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a fast, elegant side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Asparagus
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (and lemon wedges, for serving)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep the asparagus. Cut or snap off the tough, woody ends from the asparagus spears (usually about 1 to 2 inches). Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper; toss to coat.
- Air fry. Arrange the asparagus in the air fryer. A single layer is best, but the spears can overlap a bit. Fry at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on thickness, shaking the basket several times to cook them evenly.
- Finish the dish. Transfer the asparagus to a serving plate and drizzle with lemon juice. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 77
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 432.9 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.7 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Protein: 5.5 g
