Name: Air Fryer Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

This Air Fryer Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze is a quick, elegant side dish that elevates any dinner. Tender asparagus spears are lightly seasoned, air-fried to crisp perfection, and drizzled with a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze, creating a flavorful, healthy addition to your meal in just 15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Air Fryer Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze is a game-changer for busy weeknights or fancy dinners. The air fryer delivers perfectly tender-crisp asparagus with minimal effort, while the balsamic glaze adds a gourmet touch of sweet and tangy sophistication. It’s healthy, low-calorie, and packed with vibrant flavors that complement any main course. With only a handful of ingredients and a quick cook time, this recipe is both beginner-friendly and impressive enough for guests. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Trim Asparagus Properly: Snap off the woody ends where they naturally break or cut about 1-2 inches from the bottom.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Arrange asparagus in a single layer for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Shake the Basket: Halfway through cooking, shake the air fryer basket to ensure even browning.
Reduce Balsamic Glaze Slowly: Simmer the glaze on low heat to avoid burning and achieve a thick, syrupy consistency.
Check Doneness Early: Thinner asparagus spears cook faster, so check at the 5-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Season After Cooking: Add extra salt or pepper after air frying to enhance flavors without drying out the asparagus.
Use Parchment Paper: Line the air fryer basket with parchment for easier cleanup without affecting crispiness.

Yield: Serves 4

Air Fryer Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze

Crispy air fryer asparagus drizzled with sweet-tangy balsamic glaze, ready in 15 minutes for an elegant, healthy dinner side.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Additional Time 2 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Prepare the Asparagus: Rinse the asparagus under cold water and pat dry with a clean towel. Snap or cut off the woody ends (about 1-2 inches from the bottom) to ensure tender spears.
Season the Asparagus: In a large bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. The oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes crispiness.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 2-3 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a nice char.
Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the asparagus in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation for crisp results.
Air Fry the Asparagus: Cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. Check thinner spears at 5 minutes.
Make the Balsamic Glaze: While the asparagus cooks, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and syrupy.
Check for Doneness: The asparagus is ready when it’s tender-crisp with slightly charred tips. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Drizzle with Glaze: Transfer the cooked asparagus to a serving platter. Drizzle the warm balsamic glaze evenly over the spears for a glossy finish.
Add Final Touches: Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of extra salt, pepper, or a garnish like chopped parsley or toasted nuts for extra flair.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy this vibrant side dish hot alongside your favorite protein or main course for a restaurant-worthy dinner!

Notes

Adjust cooking time based on asparagus thickness; thinner spears cook faster.
Use a good-quality balsamic vinegar for the best glaze flavor.
Avoid overcooking to maintain the asparagus’s vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Double the glaze recipe if you prefer extra for dipping or drizzling.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 86Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 0mgSodium 99mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 2gSugar 8gProtein 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: Choose fresh, firm spears with vibrant green tips and no wilting. Thicker spears hold up better in the air fryer, but thin ones work if cooked briefly.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps crisp the asparagus. Use a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
Balsamic Vinegar: Opt for a good-quality balsamic vinegar for a balanced sweet-tangy glaze. Avoid overly cheap varieties, as they can be too acidic.
Honey: A touch of honey enhances the glaze’s sweetness and helps it thicken. Use maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
Garlic Powder: Adds subtle savory depth. Fresh minced garlic can burn in the air fryer, so powder is preferred.
Salt and Pepper: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper elevate the natural flavors. Adjust to taste after cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegan Option: Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar in the balsamic glaze for a fully vegan dish.
Glaze Alternatives: Try pomegranate molasses or a red wine reduction for a different flavor profile in place of balsamic glaze.
Seasoning Twists: Add smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or chili flakes for a spicy or herbaceous kick.
Cheese Topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled feta over the asparagus after air frying for a cheesy, savory finish.
Nutty Crunch: Toss in toasted almonds, pine nuts, or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Low-Sodium Option: Reduce salt and use a low-sodium balsamic vinegar for those watching sodium intake.
Oil-Free Version: Skip the olive oil and lightly spray asparagus with water or vegetable broth before seasoning for a lower-fat dish.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store leftover asparagus in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezer: Not recommended, as asparagus becomes mushy when frozen and thawed.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the balsamic glaze up to a week in advance and store in the fridge. Trim asparagus ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.