Air Fryer Asparagus Spears
Temperature
375°F
190°C
Time
8 min
1 bunch
Heat through to
Piping hot
cooked right through
Prep
3 min
Cook
8 min
Total
11 min
Whole asparagus spears roast quickly and evenly, coming out bright green with crisp tips - far nicer than boiling, which leaves them waterlogged. Lay them in a single layer so every spear gets the heat.
Ingredients
Quantities for 1 bunch - the times on this page assume that much in the basket.
- 1 bunch of asparagus spears, woody ends snapped off
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze, to serve
- Shaved parmesan, to finish
How to air fry asparagus spears
- Snap the woody ends off and toss the spears with the oil and salt. The balsamic and parmesan go on after cooking, not before - both burn.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Add the fresh asparagus spears to the basket. Keep the spears in a single layer.
- Cook for about 8 minutes, turning the spears once halfway through.
Pro tip
Drizzle with balsamic glaze after cooking.
How to tell when it's done
They're ready when tender with a slight snap and the tips just crisp; thicker spears take a minute or two longer. Don't overcook them, or they go stringy and dull.
Converting from an oven recipe
If your recipe is written for a conventional oven, lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and reduce the time by roughly 20% to land near 375°F for 8 minutes. Need a different starting point? Use the conversion calculator.
Air fryer asparagus spears: FAQ
How long does it take to air fry asparagus spears?
Air fry asparagus spears at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes, turning the spears once halfway through. That's for 1 bunch in a single layer; adjust slightly for a fuller basket or a different model.
What temperature do you air fry asparagus spears at?
Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If you're converting an oven recipe, that's roughly 25°F (15°C) below the oven temperature, with the time cut by about 20%.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for asparagus spears?
A 2-3 minute preheat gives the most accurate timing and the best browning, but it isn't essential - if you skip it, add a minute or two to the cook time.