Air Fryer Asparagus

Air Fried Asparagus

Asparagus is a delicious vegetable that serves are a perfect side to any dish. Whether you serve it alongside other roasted vegetables or alone, they offer amazing flavors. Furthermore, it is a very healthy vegetable and pairs up perfectly with almost everything.

And when you are a vegan, you can enjoy this vegetable as a snack as well. Whatever you plan on doing, you will get healthy and wholesome flavors. See Air Fryer Falafel Salad Bowl and Air Fry Tofu.

What Is Asparagus?

What is the first sign of the arrival of spring? It’s the long, green spear-shaped vegetable known as asparagus. Asparagus is among the most common vegetables that we enjoy. It is long, shaped like a spear, very nutritious, and flavorful. In fact, some people consider its taste to sit somewhere between broccoli and green beans.  

Did you know that asparagus is among some of the ancient vegetables? It is said that this vegetable was first grown in ancient Greece somewhat 2500 years ago. In those years, this vegetable was thinner, had thin stalks, and the flavor was also quite different from what it is today. Today the asparagus has somewhat a slightly bitter taste. The stalks are thicker, and the color is also changed.

Despite the changes, it is still among the most widely used and loved vegetable.

Asparagus is usually grown in wild or subtropical lands where the soil is neutral and not too acidic. Today, countries like Germany, China, Mexico, Thailand, and Peru are top producers of asparagus crops.

Types Of Asparagus

You might think asparagus come in green color, but it is not true. In fact, asparagus comes in two other colors as well. Here are the three main types of asparagus:

• Green asparagus: The most common type and widely used type is green asparagus. It has a green stalk and a greenish spearhead. You can find it easily at any grocery store. The green asparagus has a bitter and grassy flavor.
• Purple asparagus: Purple asparagus is quite an exotic vegetable to look at. Although the appearance is different because of the purple color, its interior is the same as that of green asparagus. Furthermore, the flavor is a bit sweeter as compared to that of green asparagus. The taste also has a nuttier note to it.
• White asparagus: If you think purple asparagus are exotic, wait till you lay your eyes on white asparagus. The reason for it to have white color is simply because of the lack of chlorophyll. It and thus it doesn’t get any color. Because this grows entirely underground, sunlight doesn’t reach it.  White asparagus is grown in France, and therefore, you can see it commonly in European countries. White asparagus is a true delicacy. It is a mild flavor that sits somewhere between green and purple asparagus.

Health Benefits Of Asparagus

Asparagus is among the healthiest vegetables there are. It is known for its balanced nutrients. Here are a few amazing health benefits of asparagus:

• Asparagus has a high content of folate. This compound is specifically beneficial for the formation of DNA, cell growth, and healthy pregnancy.
• Asparagus is an amazing source of vitamin K. as a result, it aids in bone health and also supports blood clotting factors.
• It is also rich in vitamin A, C, and E.
• Asparagus is also rich in anti-oxidants. These are compounds that reduce the harmful effects of oxidative stress and free radicals in the body. As a result, it offers anti-inflammatory properties, anti-viral and anti-cancer properties. Moreover, purple asparagus is said to have a high anti-oxidant content.
• It also contains dietary fiber, which aids in improving your digestive health. It also improves bowel movements.
• Asparagus is low in calories; therefore, it is an excellent ingredient for weight management. Furthermore, it also makes a person feel fuller.
• It is high in potassium. As a result, it helps in lowering blood pressure. Thus, it aids in protecting your heart against certain heart-related problems like high blood pressure, strokes, etc.

What To Look For When Buying Asparagus?

The ideal time to harvest asparagus is from March till July. The vegetable at the start is perfect. It is of the right color, and the stalks are firm and thin. However, as it reaches the end of its harvesting cycle, it becomes thicker and tender.

Because they are so common, you can find asparagus everywhere where you look at the farmer’s market or the vegetable aisle of any grocery store. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when buying asparagus. There are:

• Firstly, the color of the asparagus should be bright and fresh. Whether you are buying green, Purple, or white asparagus, its color should be even throughout the vegetable. And there should not be spots of any sort of discoloration on it.
• The skin should be smooth to touch. There shouldn’t be cuts, bruises, or bumps on its body.
• Lastly, the heads should be compact, and the ends should be freshly cut.

How To Trim Asparagus?

Trimming asparagus is very easy. Here are two ways to trim asparagus.

1. All you have to do is wash them, pat them dry and arrange them evenly. Then taking a sharp knife, trim off the woody end so that the firm stalk is left behind along with the spears. Also, the woody end will usually have a weirdly hard texture and different colors. It is a clear indication of how much you should trim off.
2. Hold both ends of the asparagus spear and snap off the root end, it should snap off easily at the woody base.

Why Cook Asparagus In Air Fryer?

There are several ways you can cook asparagus. Some people like to Bake Them; while others prefer boiling. However, whatever you do, the vegetable is delicious and serves as a perfect side dish. Although I have tried to cook asparagus every way, I found air frying to be the most convenient. Here is why you should also cook asparagus in an air fryer:

• Air frying asparagus is very convenient.
• It is super easy and doesn’t take a lot of time. You can get perfectly air fried asparagus in just 7-10 minutes.
• It is a healthy take on cooking asparagus.
• It results in crispy and perfectly cooked asparagus.
• You can also reheat in an air fryer, which is also very convenient.

How To Make Air Fryer Asparagus?

Making asparagus in an air fryer is super easy. All you have to do is wash and trim the asparagus. Pat it dry and drizzle live oil and seasonings. Place them in an air fryer basket and cook for about 7-10 minutes at 390-degree F. once they are done, serve! It can’t get any easier than this.

Variations

Although I have used olive oil and seasoned with salt and garlic powder only, you can add tones of flavors to the air fryer asparagus; here are a few ideas you should try:

• If you want to add a little heat, you can sprinkle cayenne pepper on it as well, to bring heat and flavor to it.
• How about adding some Italian flavors to the asparagus? Season the asparagus with dried mixed herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme and enjoy.
• You can add more flavors by switching olive oil with Vegan Butter. I love using Garlic Butter, and it adds more flavors to the asparagus.

What To Serve With Air Fried Asparagus?

Here are a few ideas of what to serve with air-fried asparagus:

• Roasted vegetables: Pair it with other air-fried or roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, Potatoes, bell peppers, etc.
• Vegan chili: Asparagus goes well with vegan chili made from beans.
• Cauliflower rice: It brings in texture to cauliflower rice.
• Gravy: A delicious vegan curry or gravy, with rice and air fried asparagus tastes really well.
• Potatoes: Creamy and delicious mashed potatoes along with crunchy asparagus is a perfect treat.

How To Store Asparagus?

You can easily store air fryer asparagus by placing it in an air-tight container and storing it in a refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Furthermore, you can also store uncooked asparagus in the refrigerator. However, make sure you wrap the asparagus ends with a damp towel and place it in a plastic bag. This way, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Now that we have learned everything about the vegetable, let’s head straight to this recipe. But before we move forward, let me assure you that it is the easiest and simplest recipe you have ever tried!

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