Crispy Air-Fried Asparagus with Lemon Aïoli

Posted 2025-02-12 20:35:48

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Enjoy these easy-to-make crispy asparagus spears with lemon aïoli as an appetizer, a side dish or even just as a snack.

Breaded asparagus on a wooden board with a ramekin of lemon aioli on top of a blue napkin.

Easy Air-Fryer Appetizer

If you’re looking for a quick and easy appetizer that’s sure to impress, look no further than crispy air-fried asparagus. This dish is not only delicious, but it’s also a healthy alternative to traditional fried foods. With the help of an air fryer, you can achieve perfectly crispy asparagus without any of the guilt and that’s impressive all on its own!

Asparagus being dredged. Asparagus tossed with flour in a plastic bag, a blue tray with beaten egg, a blue tray with breadcrumbs, a pair of tongs and an air fryer basket.

Breading Asparagus

To achieve the perfect crispy texture, breading your asparagus is key. Start by washing and trimming your asparagus spears, removing any tough ends. If you’re going for gold with respect to presentation, it’s nice if your asparagus spears are the same length. Next, prepare your breading mixture. You might wonder why there’s any reason to toss the asparagus in flour first. This is to give the egg something to hold on to and will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the asparagus in the long run. Once they are tossed in flour, dip each asparagus spear into the egg and then the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Breaded asparagus in an air fryer basket ready for the air fryer.

How Long to Air-Fry Asparagus

Once the asparagus spears are breaded, it’s time to air-fry. Pre-heat your air fryer to 400°F. Place your asparagus spears in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t touching and then spritz them well with olive oil. Air-fry for 9 to 11 minutes, turning the spears halfway through to ensure even cooking. The asparagus should be crispy and tender, but not overcooked. The ultimate timing depends on how thick the asparagus spears are, and you’ll find the second batch cooks faster than the first because the air fryer oven is already hot.

Lemon Aioli ingredients on a marble countertop, ready to be stirred together. Dijon mustard, garlic powder, lemon halves and a bowl with mayonnaise, lemon zest and oil near by.

Lemon Aïoli for Dipping

To take your crispy asparagus to the next level, whip up a quick and easy lemon aïoli for dipping. Start with a base of mayonnaise and add in some mustard, garlic powder, lemon juice, and zest. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve alongside your crispy asparagus for the perfect combination of flavors. Most importantly, serve this crispy air-fried asparagus immediately. It doesn’t take long for the crisp to lose its crunch. Get ’em while they’re hot!

A hand dipping breaded asparagus into a ramekin of lemon aioli with the rest of the breaded asparagus on a wooden board with lemon slices.

Air Fryer Crispy Asparagus with Lemon Aioli

Prep Time: 15 m
Cook Time: 12 m
Total Time: 27 m
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

1 bunch asparagus tough stalk ends trimmed
¼ cup flour
½ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 eggs beaten
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Lemon Aioli

½ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

To make the lemon aioli, combine the mayonnaise (or yogurt), olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, lemon zest and juice in a bowl. Whisk together until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
Set up a dredging station. Combine the flour, salt, and some freshly ground black pepper in a zipper-sealable plastic bag; place the beaten eggs in a shallow dish; and combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese and garlic powder in a second shallow dish.
Seal the bag shut and shake so the flour coats the asparagus. Dip a few stalks at a time in the beaten eggs. Let the excess drip off and then roll the asparagus in the seasoned breadcrumbs to evenly coat all sides. Repeat with the remaining asparagus.
Generously spritz all sides of the coated asparagus with some oil and place them in an air fryer basket.
Air-fry at 400°F for 9 to 12 minutes, turning the spears halfway through the cooking process to evenly brown the asparagus.
Serve immediately with the lemon aioli.

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