Name: Air Fryer Asparagus with a Sweet Chili Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Asian-American
Ingredients: ¼ cup sweet chili sauce; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; 1 lb fresh asparagus; 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp honey; 1 tsp lime juice; 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced

This Air Fryer Asparagus with a Sweet Chili Sauce features tender, crispy asparagus coated in a tangy, sweet-spicy sauce. Perfect as a quick side or snack, it’s an easy recipe that blends vibrant flavors with a healthy twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This air fryer asparagus with a sweet chili sauce is a flavorful, healthy dish that transforms tender asparagus into a crispy, irresistible treat, coated with a tangy, sweet-spicy sauce that adds a delightful kick. Quick to prepare and perfect for busy schedules, it’s versatile—serve as a side, snack, or appetizer—and packed with nutrients. The air fryer’s magic delivers a guilt-free indulgence with minimal oil, making it a go-to for a tasty, wholesome meal.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Trim Asparagus Evenly: Cut ends for uniform cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange in a single layer for crispiness.
Shake Halfway: Flip asparagus for even cooking.
Adjust Spice: Taste sauce and tweak chili for heat preference.
Use Fresh Asparagus: Ensures best texture and flavor.
Light Oil Coating: Enhances crispness without excess fat.
Check Doneness: Asparagus should be tender-crisp.
Cool Slightly: Prevents sauce from sliding off when tossed.
Serve Warm: Maximizes the sweet-chili contrast.
Store Sauce Separately: Keeps asparagus crisp if needed.

Yield: 4 servings

Air Fryer Asparagus with a Sweet Chili Sauce

Crispy air fryer asparagus with sweet chili sauce, healthy side.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup sweet chili sauce
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 lb fresh asparagus
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
1 tsp lime juice
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Prep the Asparagus: Rinse asparagus and trim the woody ends, then pat dry with a paper towel.
Season Asparagus: In a bowl, toss asparagus with olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes until evenly coated.
Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 3 minutes.
Arrange in Basket: Place asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Air Fry: Cook for 5 minutes, then shake the basket or flip the asparagus. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp and slightly charred.
Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and remaining red pepper flakes until well combined.
Toss with Sauce: Transfer the cooked asparagus to a bowl and gently toss with the sauce until evenly coated.
Add Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds (if using) over the top for a delightful crunch.
Rest and Serve: Let the asparagus rest for 5 minutes to absorb flavors, then serve warm.
Enjoy Your Dish: Dig in and savor this crispy, sweet-spicy treat!

Notes

Trim asparagus ends evenly for consistent cooking; avoid overcrowding.
Adjust chili sauce heat to suit your spice preference; taste and tweak.
Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness; reheat to restore crispness.
This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or low-carb diets with appropriate swaps.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 104Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 0mgSodium 148mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 3gSugar 11gProtein 3g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Asparagus (1 lb): Fresh, trimmed to remove woody ends.
Sweet Chili Sauce (¼ cup): Store-bought or homemade, adjust sweetness.
Soy Sauce (1 tbsp): Low-sodium for umami balance.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Light coating for air frying.
Garlic (2 cloves): Minced for aromatic depth.
Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp): Adds heat; adjust to taste.
Honey (1 tsp): Natural sweetener; optional for extra sweetness.
Sesame Seeds (1 tsp, optional): For garnish and texture.
Lime Juice (1 tsp): Brightens the sauce flavor.
Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Enhances overall seasoning.

Variations and Substitutions

Veggie Swap: Use green beans or broccoli instead.
Sauce Options: Substitute with teriyaki or hoisin sauce.
Oil Swap: Use avocado oil or omit for oil-free.
Sweetener Swap: Replace honey with erythritol for low-carb.
Spice Twist: Add sriracha or cayenne for more heat.
Soy Sauce Alternative: Use tamari for gluten-free.
Garnish Swap: Use chopped nuts or cilantro instead of sesame.
Low-Sodium: Reduce or skip soy sauce based on preference.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in air fryer.
Freezer: Not recommended due to texture changes.
Reheating: Warm in air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.