Frozen Asparagus in the Air Fryer
I’m always looking for simple ways to get healthy veggies on the table fast, and this air fryer frozen asparagus has become one of my favorite dinnertime shortcuts. You don’t need to defrost anything, just toss the frozen spears straight into the air fryer and you’ll have perfectly cooked, tender-crisp asparagus in about 15 minutes.
Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or rounding out a holiday spread, this easy side dish is ready anytime of year and takes almost no effort at all.
If you love using the air fryer to cook dinner quickly, you have to check out my air fryer recipe collection, including these air fryer frozen green beans and air fryer frozen brussel sprouts.
Ingredient spotlight
- Frozen asparagus – you can find frozen asparagus spears in most grocery stores. You can also find frozen asparagus tips, which will cook up quicker in the air fryer and will get crispy and super fun to snack on.
- Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray – this helps ensure that the salt (and other spices) will stick to the asparagus.
How to make frozen asparagus in air fryer
Add the veggies to the air fryer: Add the frozen asparagus, spray with olive oil or avocado oil spray and sprinkle with salt.
Cook the asparagus: Cook in 390F air fryer for 10 minutes. After 5 minutes, pause the air fryer and shake the basket. Sprinkle the asparagus with the rest of the salt and continue cooking. With 2 minutes left, pause the air fryer again and shake the basket. Serve hot.
Tips for success
- Be sure that the oil spray you are using doesn’t have any added propellants, as those can damage the coating on your air fryer baskets.
- If you don’t have olive oil or avocado oil spray, add the frozen asparagus to a bowl with olive oil, avocado oil, melted butter, ghee, or coconut oil.
Other additions
- Garlic powder: Adds lots of savory flavor with no extra effort.
- Thyme: Gives a fresh, springtime taste that pairs perfectly with asparagus.
- Herbs de Provence: Adds a hint of floral, earthy flavor.
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything up—just squeeze on after cooking.
- Za’atar seasoning: Smoky and subtly nutty, delicious with eggs, chicken, or fish.
- Red pepper flakes: For a little kick of heat.
- Everything bagel seasoning: A quick way to pack in bold, savory flavor.
Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz frozen asparagus
- olive oil spray (or avocado oil spray)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Place the frozen asparagus in the air fryer basket.12 oz frozen asparagus
- Spray the asparagus with olive oil spray or avocado oil spray and sprinkle half the salt over the asparagus.olive oil spray (or avocado oil spray), 1/2 tsp sea salt
- Put in a 390F air fryer for 11 minutes. After 5 minutes, pause the air fryer and shake the basket. Add the rest of the salt and continue cooking in the air fryer.
- With 2 minutes left, pause the air fryer again and shake the basket. Finish cooking then serve hot.
Equipment
Recipe Notes
Recipe tips
- Shake the air fryer basket a few times during cooking to ensure the asparagus cooks evenly.
- Cooking times may vary based on how thick or thin the asparagus is and the brand of air fryer you have. Thicker asparagus may require more time to cook, thinner asparagus may require less time.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with air fryer frozen asparagus
- Amp up the flavor by serving with a dipping sauce (this lemon herb tahini sauce is my favorite)
- As a simple side dish for Instant pot chicken and potatoes or Balsamic beef
- Added to pasta, frittata, omelets, rice dishes or salads.
Common questions
Do you need to trim frozen asparagus
No, the beauty of using frozen asparagus is that it’s already been trimmed, so it’s ready to use.
Do I have to preheat the air fryer?
You do not have to preheat the air fryer, the cooking time reflects a cold air fryer basket. If your air fryer recommends preheating, keep an eye on the asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking.
Does the asparagus get crispy?
The top tip of the asparagus does get crispy, but the rest of the stem is tender and perfectly cooked. The asparagus is similar in texture to roasting asparagus in the oven. If you prefer really crunchy asparagus, I recommend cooking fresh on the stove for just a few minutes until cooked through.
