How to Cook Frozen Asparagus

This is how to cook frozen asparagus in the air fryer, Instant Pot, in the oven, roasted or boiled on the stovetop. Best vegetable side dish cooked frozen to tender quickly.

We will explain how to cook frozen asparagus all different ways, and which is our favorite below. If you live in a small town or want to enjoy this green vegetable year round this tip will come in handy for sure. Cooking frozen vegetables is a game changer so veggies can always be on your dinner plate.

If you have never noticed it, your local grocery store has these bags year round. Right next to the air fryer frozen cauliflower usually. A bit more expensive than other produce whether fresh or bagged like this, it is always a favorite for us. I’ve never bought this fresh and frozen it myself, because it would never last that long in my house.

I will say that honestly it is better fresh, but when you are in a pinch or just craving it on the off season it’s a good alternative. The biggest difference is the texture. Once heated, cooked, or defrosted it will not be as firm. If you air fry it though you can get a bit of that back, our favorite method of all.

You can find name brand and store brand as you see here. This one does have the option of microwaving frozen asparagus right in the bag. That would be the first option. I am not a huge fan of cooking inside of plastic, but if it doesn’t bother you then you could give that a whirl and see what you think.

How Long to Cook Frozen Asparagus on the Stove

On the stovetop you can either boil or cook it in a skillet, the latter is better. Boiling vegetables leaches out the vitamins and will make it mushy so I don’t recommend that. With a little butter and seasonings inside a pan with a lid you can defrost and cook it in about 10 minutes.

Let’s go over the specifics of this one if you want to go the cast iron skillet route. I mean a regular pan is fine too, I just love dutch oven recipes or anything with cast iron. You will need a little something so it doesn’t stick and provides a bit of “liquid” to steam it for a bit.

• Add 1 tbsp (or 2) of butter or olive oil
• Lay frozen pieces in one layer into your pan
• Cover and cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes
• Lift lid and turn over, add seasonings now
• Put lid back on and cook another 5-8 minutes or until they are nice and tender

Cook time will vary depending on whether you have thick or thin stalks, or if you have asparagus tips the time would be cut in half. Sprinkle with garlic and butter melted when serving or throw into a stir fry.

How Long to Cook Frozen Asparagus Tips

You can find smaller versions of frozen veggies like this next to the full stalks in almost every grocery store. They will be more expensive since that part is the most popular and they are discarding the rest of it. They will take half the timing as stated here, give or take a minute or two depending on how tender you want them.

Can you cook frozen asparagus on the grill?

Yep, if you are having a barbecue and want to cook all the things on the bbq then toss with some olive oil to moisten the outsides, season, and lay them on the grill. Wait until the coals are white or flames or no longer rising ideally. When you see light grill marks on the outside, turn over and do the same on the other side.

This will cook them well with a little sear on the outside so they aren’t as limp as if you were to boil or use a skillet.

How to Roast Frozen Asparagus in Oven

If you are referring to cooking frozen asparagus in the oven, yes you can. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Toss with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Lay in one layer on the tray and bake for about 15 – 20 minutes or until they are as tender as you’d like.

Air Fryer Directions

You can get the edges crispy when you make air fryer frozen asparagus, so that is the way we think of. Roasted frozen asparagus is an easy side dish that really doesn’t need much on it other than olive oil and a bit of seasonings. You want to keep it moist so the oil does it well, and helps crisp a bit too.

When freezing asparagus from fresh you want to pack tightly in an air tight baggie. Prep it beforehand if you just want the tips. Write the date on the outside and it will keep well for up to 3 months until you’re ready to use it.

If you buy frozen and need fresh asparagus, just leave them on the countertop for about 1 hour, in a bowl of cool water, or in the fridge overnight. Then use as you normally would. Like I said before the texture will be different so if you ask me I only would use it this way inside a casserole or quiche baked good of sorts. Here are a few ideas;

Other Frozen Asparagus Recipes you’ll Love

Our easy asparagus casserole is PERFECT for this. This cold asparagus pasta recipe can be served cold, using tips is best. Made in 15 minutes or so with any noodles you like it’s a healthy choice that is great for a potluck. You can bake a roasted asparagus omelette with eggs for breakfast too.

Looking for other ideas that will save you time? This is how to cook frozen brussel sprouts all different ways too. With a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic those are our faves too.