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- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - Zest of 1 lemon Asparagus is the star of this dish. It’s bright green and crunchy. When you pick asparagus, look for firm stalks with tight tips. This means they are fresh and tasty. You can find asparagus in spring, but many stores sell it year-round. Parmesan cheese adds a savory flavor and a crispy texture. I love using grated Parmesan because it melts nicely and coats the asparagus well. Olive oil helps the herbs stick and makes the asparagus crisp in the air fryer. If you don’t have asparagus, green beans work great too. They cook in a similar way. For the Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. If you can’t find garlic powder, minced garlic is a fine substitute. Just use less, as it’s stronger in flavor. You can also swap fresh herbs for dried ones, but use half the amount. First, you need to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C). Let it heat for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and crispiness. Next, grab a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, pour in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Also, add ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix all these ingredients well. This marinade gives the asparagus great flavor. Now, take your bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed to size. Place them in the bowl with the marinade. Toss them gently to coat each spear. You want every piece to be covered with the herb mixture. This step makes sure each bite is tasty. Once the asparagus is coated, sprinkle ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over them. Toss gently again to mix. Then, place the asparagus in a single layer in your air fryer basket. You might need to do this in batches. Air fry the asparagus for 8 to 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly. When they are crispy and golden, they are ready. Finally, remove them and sprinkle with lemon zest for a bright flavor. To get your asparagus super crispy, start with dry spears. After washing, pat them dry with a clean towel. This helps the oil and spices stick better. Use fresh asparagus for the best texture. The thinner the spears, the crispier they will get. Also, make sure to space them out in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This ensures even crispiness on all sides. If you have a lot of asparagus, cook it in batches. This keeps the air flowing around each spear. Each batch should be in a single layer. If they stack on top of each other, they won’t crisp up well. I suggest cooking no more than two servings at a time. This way, you maintain the quality of your dish. You can keep cooked batches warm in the oven at a low temperature while you finish the rest. For serving, place the crispy asparagus on a nice platter. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top. This adds shine and flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for color. You can also serve it with a lemon wedge on the side. The zesty flavor of lemon complements the rich Parmesan. Enjoy this dish as an appetizer or side with your main meal. It’s perfect for parties or family dinners! {{image_2}} You can mix up the flavors in your crispy Parmesan herb asparagus. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. A dash of smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky taste. You can also use fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of dried ones. Experiment and find your favorite blend! If you don't have an air fryer, you can roast asparagus in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the seasoned asparagus on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until crispy. You can also grill asparagus for a fun, smoky flavor. Just toss them on a hot grill for about 5-7 minutes. Asparagus is great, but you can switch it up with other veggies. Try crispy Brussels sprouts, green beans, or zucchini. Each of these veggies pairs well with Parmesan and herbs. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the veggies. Enjoy different flavors and textures all year round! After enjoying your crispy Parmesan herb air fryer asparagus, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the asparagus is cool before sealing. Refrigerate them for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and tasty for your next meal. To reheat your asparagus, use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 3-5 minutes. This helps regain that crispy texture. You can also use a microwave, but it may make the asparagus soft. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, about 30 seconds at a time. You can freeze asparagus, but it’s best to do this before cooking. Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Then, cool it in ice water. Drain well and place in freezer bags. You can freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, just air fry them straight from the freezer. You will know asparagus is done when it turns bright green and is crispy. It should feel tender but not mushy. A good test is to pierce a spear with a fork. If it goes through easily but still has a bit of bite, it's perfect. Depending on your air fryer, this will take about 8 to 10 minutes. Yes, you can use frozen asparagus, but it may not be as crispy. If you choose frozen, do not thaw it before cooking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. The texture might differ, but it will still taste great with the seasonings. You have many options for seasoning asparagus! Here are a few ideas: - Add crushed red pepper for heat. - Use lemon pepper for a citrus kick. - Mix in some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. - Try fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh taste. To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the Parmesan cheese. You can replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Another option is to sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top for added crunch and taste. This guide covered how to make air-fried asparagus, from ingredients to storage. You learned about key ingredients and cool ways to switch them up. The step-by-step instructions made cooking simple, and the tips helped boost crispiness. I also shared fun variations for extra flavor and fresh ideas. Remember, storing leftovers properly keeps them tasty. Enjoy your air-fryer adventure! With these insights, you can create delicious asparagus every time. Now, get cooking!

Crispy Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Asparagus

Enjoy a delicious and healthy side dish with this crispy Parmesan herb air fryer asparagus recipe! Perfectly seasoned with garlic, oregano, and thyme, these asparagus spears are air-fried to crispy perfection in just 10 minutes. It's an easy and quick way to add vibrant greens to your meals. Click through to explore this simple recipe and discover how to elevate your dining experience with a tasty twist on asparagus!
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Ingredients
  

1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed

2 tablespoons olive oil

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.

      Add the trimmed asparagus to the bowl and toss until every spear is nicely coated with the herb mixture.

        Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus and toss gently to distribute evenly.

          Place the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

            Air fry the asparagus for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until they are crispy and golden.

              Once cooked, remove the asparagus from the air fryer and sprinkle with lemon zest for an added zing.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 20 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy asparagus on a platter, drizzled with a little extra olive oil and garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Enjoy as a delightful appetizer or side dish!