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Crispy Air Fryer Asparagus Bites

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These crispy air fryer asparagus bites are a quick, easy, and delicious side dish with a perfect crunchy exterior and tender asparagus inside. Ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a healthy snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed (medium-thick stalks preferred)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • ¼ cup (25g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt (sea salt flakes recommended)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup (30g) panko breadcrumbs (optional; use gluten-free crackers or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound of fresh asparagus under cold water and pat dry. Trim the woody ends by snapping or cutting about 1 to 2 inches from the bottom.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil, ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (if using), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, freshly ground pepper to taste, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional). Stir well to blend.
  3. Add the asparagus to the bowl and toss until each stalk is evenly coated in the mixture.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Place the coated asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  6. Air fry for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the asparagus halfway through cooking.
  7. Check for doneness: asparagus should be bright green with a slightly charred, crunchy coating. Add 1-2 minutes if more crispness is desired, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Serve immediately, optionally with a squeeze of lemon or extra Parmesan.

Notes

Use medium-thick asparagus stalks for best texture. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness. Shake or flip asparagus halfway through cooking. Preheat the air fryer for optimal results. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and omit panko or use gluten-free alternatives. Oven roasting at 425°F for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack is an alternative method.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer asparagus, crispy asparagus bites, quick side dish, healthy snack, easy asparagus recipe, gluten-free asparagus, kid-friendly vegetables

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