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Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus Spears Recipe with Easy Lemon Aioli Dip

crispy air fryer parmesan asparagus spears - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy parmesan-coated asparagus spears cooked in an air fryer, served with a bright and tangy lemon aioli dip. Perfect as a snack or side dish that’s flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed
  • ½ cup (50 grams) finely grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (50 grams) panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free panko optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (classic or light)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and trim the woody ends off 1 pound (450 grams) of asparagus spears. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup finely grated parmesan, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the asparagus spears in a separate bowl. Toss gently with tongs to coat evenly.
  4. Roll each asparagus spear in the parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well. Place coated spears on a plate or tray without overcrowding.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Arrange spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through for even browning. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  7. While asparagus cooks, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional), and salt and pepper to taste. Chill until serving.
  8. Serve the crispy asparagus spears immediately with lemon aioli for dipping.

Notes

Pat asparagus dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Use panko breadcrumbs for best crunch. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Preheat the air fryer for even cooking. Shake or turn spears halfway through cooking. Lemon aioli can be made ahead and chilled. For thicker spears, add 1-2 minutes cooking time. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep coating crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer asparagus, parmesan asparagus, lemon aioli, crispy asparagus, easy appetizer, healthy snack, quick side dish