Ninja Foodi asparagus pressure cooked or air fryer style is a healthy vegetable side dish that pairs well with any dinner. Get tender inside with slight crispy tips and stalks lightly seasoned. Fresh is always best but frozen asparagus can be cooked this way too.
Ready to air crisp vegetables tonight? It is easier than you think and the texture is better than sautéed too. Using this hot air countertop appliance whether it be a Ninja brand or Cosori the temperature and cook times remain the same. One of our healthy air fryer recipes.
Air Crisp
Asparagus in the Air Fryer requires some stalks are rather thick (not what you want) and will take longer. The ideal look when it comes to how to pick the best asparagus is to look for thin pieces that are firm without any odd scent to it or sticky texture.
Same as if you were to cook Pan Fried Asparagus. The thicker they are the woodier it will taste, and the texture will be rather chewy. I love the tips the best, but the top half of the stalk is tasty too. The bottom you should discard. Either pick up each piece and bend. Whatever snaps off of the bottom should be tossed.
Pressure Cooked
Using the other function to make this is not recommended. Can be done but will become rather sad looking, soft, without any crisp to them. That is a NO go for me but to each their own. If you chose to do so I would follow our Instant Pot broccoli directions and timing which is quick, but not as successful overall.
Ninja Foodi Frozen Asparagus
If you feel like you need to use a knife, get rid of the bottom 1.5″ or so. When it comes to cooking Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus that should already be trimmed for you and rinsed as well. I will say if you are a big texture person, this will be a let down. Fresh vs. frozen with this particular vegetable makes a BIG difference.
Ingredient Notes
You want to start with about 1 pound of asparagus. The ideal choice are those that are thin. If they are not in season you will likely only find stalks that are as wide as your finger, those will taste woody and aren’t good.
To keep them nice and moist you will want some olive oil or avocado oil. If air frying you might want some in spray form to crisp at the end.
And as for the seasonings we just use some Kosher salt and pepper with some occasional grated parmesan cheese on the top.
If adding into our Egg Asparagus Casserole I would cook 1-2 minutes less, slice into thirds and go ahead with that dish.
You want to serve immediately when done as is or chopped into pieces and added into our Ground Beef Asparagus Pasta. Before serving this easy side dish, you can sprinkle it with lemon juice and/or more salt and black pepper. We tend to serve these with chicken or air fryer chuck roast.
Ninja Foodi Asparagus Recipe
Equipment
- 1 ninja foodi
Instructions
- Break the ends off the asparagus stalks, about 1/2 inch or cut with a knife. Blot dry with paper towels to dry. Put the asparagus in a deep bowl with salt, pepper and olive oil.
- Air crisp – preheat to 370 degrees f for 5 minutes using the lid that is atached. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Add the asparagus and roast overlapping the least amount possible. Close lid that and press air crisp button for 7 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- After 7 minutes, sprinkle the asparagus with parmesan and fry for another 3 minutes. Serve asparagus immediately after frying. Before serving, you can sprinkle it with lemon juice
- Pressure cook – Follow the same prep, lay inside vegetables steamer basket with 1 cup water underneath. Close lid that isn't attached, close steam valve closed and pressure cook for 1 minute followed by a quick release.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How Long to Cook Asparagus in Oven does take quite a while longer because the preheating takes longer as well as to get that crisp you need lower temp and then higher at the end. A close second to this would be grilled asparagus but if you live in snow country like we do you don’t always want to be outside.
How to Pick the Best Asparagus
Picking is a straightforward process, and it’s essential to do it correctly to ensure you harvest the spears at their peak freshness and flavor. Typically ready to be picked in the spring, but the timing may vary depending on your location and climate.
- Look for spears that have emerged from the ground with tight, closed tips. These are the ones ready for harvesting.
- Spears with open, fern-like foliage are past their prime and should not be picked.
- Gently grasp the asparagus spear near the base.
- Use your knife or shears to cut the spear just below the soil level. Make a clean, angled cut, leaving a short stub of the stem in the ground.
- Avoid snapping as this can lead to uneven breaks and potential damage to the plant.
In the store, where most people find them you will likely find organic and not. One meaning there are no pesticides used in the growing process and typically not as large (ideal). A bit more expensive I have found that the extra few dollars are well worth it for the health and texture value.
How to Store Leftovers
Once you find a nice bunch it is the very best to roast them the very same day. Finding it at the farmers market is the best of the best really but not always an option.
If you plan to use within a few days, refrigeration is the best option. Wrap the trimmed stalks in a damp paper towel or a clean, damp cloth to prevent them from drying out. Place the wrapped pieces in a plastic produce bag or a loosely sealed plastic bag. You can also use airtight containers.
Store in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator. It’s best to keep it upright, standing in a container with a bit of water, like you would with fresh flowers. This helps keep the spears hydrated. Ideally once purchased you should cook within 2 to 3 days max. Longer will change the texture and may become slimy.
