Whether grilling or making air fryer asparagus with Parmesan, this simple asparagus is the perfect fresh and quick side dish to just about any dinner meal!
I love this recipe because it is super simple (and quick) to make but the flavors really elevate the asparagus above your basic vegetable side dish.
Ingredients
Fresh asparagus: This vegetable is the darling of springtime with spears that emerge from the ground when we’ve just about had it with winter vegetables.
Seasonings: Using lemon juice adds a little zing to this dish. Combined with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, these come together to make a marinade for the asparagus.
Parmesan cheese: Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese to this
3 Ways to Make this Parmesan Asparagus
The first key to making this recipe is marinating the asparagus. This is a super simple task, but it really makes the asparagus extra flavorful. Combine the asparagus in a rimmed baking dish with the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper, then let it sit for 10-20 minutes. This is a good time to turn on the grill or air fryer and preheat it.
Preparation
The ends of asparagus tend to be a little tough and stringy. You’ll want to trim those ends off. You can use a knife, or do as I do and just snap the ends off. The asparagus tends to break off at the point where the woodiness ends.
To Grill
Spray the grates of your grill with non-stick cooking spray and place the asparagus directly on the grill. Grill spears for 3-4 minutes per side.
To Air Fry
Place marinated asparagus spears in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-8 minutes.
To Roast
Roasting has become one of my favorite ways to cook vegetables and roasted asparagus is another winner! Preheat oven to 425°F. Save a step and toss the asparagus with the marinade ingredients right on the rimmed baking sheet that you’ll roast it in.
Make sure the asparagus is arranged in a single layer and put the baking sheet in the hot oven and cook for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness.
Are they Done?
Unlike boiled or steamed asparagus, grilled, roasted, or air fried asparagus will take on a bit of crispiness on the edges. Cook until they are browned a bit and crisp-tender.
Serving this Asparagus
Looking for a main dish to accompany this side? It’s always a good option to serve with chicken or salmon, but try this creamy risotto with sausage and mushrooms, too!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds asparagus woody ends removed
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ lemon juice only
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Toss the asparagus with the olive oil and lemon juice in a rimmed baking pan. Add the garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
To Grill:
- Spray grill grates with non-stick cooking spray and preheat grill to medium-high. Place asparagus over direct heat and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are crisp tender.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately with extra lemons for squeezing and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
To Air Fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Prepare the air fryer basket by spritzing with nonstick cooking spray.Transfer the asparagus to the prepared air fryer basket.
- Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus stalks and your desired tenderness.
- Prior to serving, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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