Air Fryer Garlic Asparagus

If you're looking for a quick and easy side dish bursting with flavor, this recipe for air-fried garlic asparagus with olive oil and sweet chili pepper is sure to impress! In just a few minutes, you can transform fresh asparagus spears into tender, crispy, and slightly spicy delights that pair perfectly with a variety of main dishes.

Why you´ll love this recipe

1. Delicious flavor: The combination of fresh garlic, olive oil, and sweet chili creates a delicious and flavorful dish that is irresistible. The garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor, while the sweet chili adds a touch of sweetness and heat. The asparagus provides a fresh and crisp texture.
2. Easy to prepare: Air frying is a quick and easy cooking method that requires minimal preparation and clean-up. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes in the air fryer, this recipe can be ready to eat in no time.

Ingredients

• Asparagus
• Olive oil- you can use melted butter or other oil aswell
• Garlic- If you don't have fresh garlic use garlic powder
• Sweet chili-this is a sweet not so strong chili powder.
• Salt

Equipment

1. Air Fryer - You'll need an air fryer to cook the asparagus to perfection. Any size or brand of air fryer should work as long as it has temperature control and a timer.
2. Cutting Board and Knife - You'll need a cutting board and a sharp knife to trim the ends of the asparagus and chop the garlic into small pieces. Or you can snap the ends with your fingers.
3. Mixing Bowl - You'll need a mixing bowl to toss the asparagus with olive oil and sweet chili pepper seasoning, as an alternative, just a plate and silicone brush.
4. Tongs - You'll need tongs to transfer the asparagus spears to and from the air fryer basket. A fork will also work.
5. Serving Platter

Instructions

Note: In the pictures you see only half bunch of asparagus since I was making a smaller batch. The recipe card is for the whole bunch. Adjust the amount you are making according to people eating it.

Variations

1. Lemon Garlic Asparagus: Instead of sweet chili, try adding fresh lemon juice and zest to the asparagus and garlic mixture before air frying.
2. Parmesan Garlic Asparagus: After air frying the asparagus, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and return to the air fryer for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
3. Spicy Garlic Asparagus: If you prefer a bit more heat, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the olive oil and garlic mixture before tossing it with the asparagus.
4. Sesame Garlic Asparagus: Add some toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds to the olive oil and garlic mixture for a nutty and flavorful twist.
5. Bacon-Wrapped Garlic Asparagus: Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of bacon before air frying for an indulgent and savory treat. Keep in mind that you need to adjust the bake time.

What to serve with

• Grilled chicken or steak
• Roasted potatoes
• Quinoa or rice
• Salad: You can also add the asparagus to a salad with some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese for a refreshing meal.
• Pasta: The asparagus can be served as a side dish with some pasta, either as a cold salad or as a warm dish with a light sauce.
• Risotto: Air-fried asparagus pairs especially well with lemon risotto.

These grilled asparagus can also be used as an ingredient in this fresh green potato salad.

My favorite: With poached eggs

An easy delicious and "fancy" dish is to serve the asparagus on toast with poached eggs.

It is best to make poached eggs with fresh eggs, as their whites are firm enough. The white of an older egg is more watery than a fresh egg, causing it to break more easily into a web-like structure in the water instead of setting nicely around the yolk. It is possible to make poached eggs without vinegar or salt, but both help the egg to coagulate.

Poached eggs:

1. Start by boiling water in a high-sided skillet for a few minutes. Turn off the heat.
2. Crack the eggs one at a time onto a low plate. Bring the edge of the plate close to the water's surface. Gently pour the egg into the water.
3. Do not use a bowl to pour the eggs into the water, as this will give the egg more momentum as it falls into the water, causing the white of the poached egg to spread out more.
4. Poach the egg for 4 minutes in hot water. You can cook 3-4 poached eggs in the skillet simultaneously.
5. When the surface of the yolk turns light, carefully remove any strands of coagulated white. Lift the poached egg out of the water carefully with a slotted spoon. Sprinkle salt on the surface if desired.

Storing leftovers

1. Allow the asparagus to cool down to room temperature.
2. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
3. Store the asparagus in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you're ready to reheat the leftovers, you can either microwave them for 30 seconds to a minute or reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 2-3 minutes until they're heated through.

Keep in mind that reheated asparagus does not have the same texture as freshly cooked asparagus, but it should still be safe to eat as long as it has been stored properly.

Why use an air fryer to make asparagus

1. Quick and easy: Air fryers are designed to cook food quickly and efficiently. You can cook asparagus in an air fryer in just a few minutes, making it a perfect side dish for busy weeknights.
2. Even cooking: Air fryers use a high-powered fan to circulate hot air around the food, which means the asparagus cooks evenly and gets crispy on all sides. This results in perfectly cooked asparagus.

The air fryer I use is a Philips XXL. I love it, and it is the perfect size for two people, even if you can easily make food for a larger crowd. What is needed is the snack addition so that fat does not get to the "burners" if making for example salmon.

FAQ

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