Air Fryer Ninja Foodi Asparagus

Ninja Foodi asparagus 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 or air fry asparagus 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. (affiliate links present)

Asparagus in Ninja Foodi

How Long to Cook Asparagus in the Air Fryer varies just a little bit. 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.

Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Asparagus

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.

Ingredients

• About 1 pound of asparagus
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• Grated parmesan cheese

If adding into our Egg Asparagus Casserole I would cook 1-2 minutes less, slice into thirds and go ahead with that dish.

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 Cook Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Aspragus

• 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.
• Preheat to 370 degrees f for 5 minutes.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive or avocado oil.
• Add the fresh asparagus spears and roast in a single layer 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 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.

Choose the right bunch at the store in your produce section and then jump to recipe and get started on this one. Served with chicken or air fryer chuck roast.

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.