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How to Air Fry Frozen Asparagus (No Thawing Required!): The Secret to Perfect Crispy Veggies

Name: How to Air Fry Frozen Asparagus (No Thawing Required!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Ingredients: 1 package frozen asparagus; 2 sprays cooking spray or olive oil; salt and pepper to taste

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: March 20, 2021

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Are you tired of frozen asparagus turning into a sad, soggy mess? You’re not alone! Many people struggle to get that perfectly tender-crisp texture when cooking frozen vegetables. But what if we told you there’s a revolutionary method that guarantees delicious, perfectly roasted asparagus straight from the freezer? Enter the air fryer.

Frozen asparagus being cooked directly in an air fryer without thawing.

Forget thawing, blanching, or ending up with waterlogged spears. The air fryer is your secret weapon for transforming humble frozen asparagus into a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly crispy side dish in minutes. It’s so good, you’ll forget it ever started frozen!

Watch the full video tutorial here for visual tips and tricks!

If you’re an asparagus lover, I have just the recipes for you! Check out my Air Fryer Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles, Air Fryer Asparagus, Spinach and Cheese Frittata, Air Fryer Asparagus Crescent Rolls or Air Fryer Asparagus Quiche.

Frozen asparagus cooking in an air fryer, crispy and ready to serve.

Why Your Air Fryer is Perfect for Frozen Asparagus!

Quick and Easy: This Air Fryer Asparagus recipe does not require thawing. Cooked straight from frozen, this asparagus is ready in less than 10 minutes.
Healthy and Delicious: Packed with nutrients and lightly seasoned, this asparagus recipe is a guilt-free side dish.
Perfect Texture: The air fryer gives the asparagus a crisp-tender bite, whilst keeping it soft and delicious.
Customizable: Air Fryer Asparagus is very versatile, and you can add your favorite seasonings or toppings for endless variations.

Ingredients Needed

Frozen Asparagus: Requires no washing or trimming. Use your favorite brand or variety.
Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: A light coating helps the asparagus crisp up and enhances its natural flavors.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in the asparagus.

Recipe Variations

Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus with Parmesan: After cooking, immediately sprinkle with 1-2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will melt it slightly for a cheesy, savory finish.
Lemon-Herb: Add dried dill, thyme, or oregano to your seasonings, and finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Garlic Lover’s: Increase the garlic powder or add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic during the seasoning step.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings will add a lovely warmth.
Keto Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus: This recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, making it a perfect quick side for your keto meals!

How to Air Fry Frozen Asparagus (No Thawing Required!): The Crispy Method

Pouring frozen asparagus spears directly from bag into a mixing bowl.

Step One: Place the frozen asparagus directly into the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer for even cooking.

Step Two: Spray the asparagus lightly with olive oil or cooking spray, season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Preheating air fryer to 400F for frozen asparagus.

Step Three: Set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C). Set cook time for for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step Four: Once cooked, transfer the asparagus to a serving dish. Serve it hot as a side dish or incorporate it into your favorite recipes.

Crispy air-fried frozen asparagus served hot on a plate with lemon.

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus

No Thawing Means No Soggy: Seriously, resisting the urge to thaw is paramount. The air fryer works its magic by hitting the frozen exterior with intense heat, evaporating moisture fast.
High-Smoke-Point Oil: Avocado oil is ideal here. Its high smoke point (520 degrees F) means it won’t burn or smoke at 400 degrees F, helping your asparagus crisp without any bitter aftertaste.
Don’t Overcrowd: This is the golden rule for air frying any vegetable, especially frozen ones. Give those spears room to breathe so the hot air can circulate around each one.
Thin vs. Thick Spears: Thinner spears will cook faster (closer to 7 minutes), while thicker spears might need the full 10 minutes. Adjust cook time as needed.
Shake It Up: Shaking the basket halfway ensures even cooking and browning on all sides, preventing any pale spots.

Storing Instructions

Refrigerator: Place cooked asparagus in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, spread cooked asparagus on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or until warmed through, or in the oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.

Air fry frozen asparagus without thawing for quick, crispy, healthy sides.

Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus Recipe Faqs

Do I need to thaw the asparagus before air frying? No! You can cook the asparagus directly from frozen for a quick and crispy side.

What temperature should I use to air fry frozen asparagus? Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for the best results.

How long does it take to cook frozen asparagus in the air fryer?
Cook for 8–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

Can I season frozen asparagus before air frying? Yes, toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, or any spices you like.

Will frozen asparagus get soggy in the air fryer? If you pat the spears dry after tossing with oil and avoid overcrowding, they’ll stay crisp.

Can I add garlic or Parmesan while air frying? Yes! Add garlic powder or sprinkle Parmesan in the last 2 minutes of cooking for flavor.

How do I store leftover cooked frozen asparagus? Cool completely, place in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Crispy golden asparagus cooked straight from frozen in an air fryer, seasoned and ready to serve.

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