Asparagus is a spearhead of nutrients. It is easily available in spring season and relatively quite easy vegetable to cook. You can grill it or roast it with veggies. Another good way of having it is making air fryer asparagus. It is an easy sides and needs less than 10 mins of cook time. Non-vegetarians generally wrap a slice of ham around it and grill it. Vegans and vegetarians can also enjoy the same recipe, using a thin slice of zucchini instead. It is easy finger food which even young kids will enjoy. You can also stir fry asparagus or add them to fried rice/noodles.
If you are not familiar with asparagus (or shatavari), there are definitely some questions you get when you first buy it. It took me a while to understand and find how to select a good bunch of asparagus. Here are some tips which will help you choose a good bunch.
Jump to:
- Is thick or thin asparagus better?
- Which part of asparagus is edible?
- Is purple asparagus better than green?
- Do you wash asparagus before roasting?
- Benefits of Asparagus
- Equipment
- Ingredients
- How to make air fryer asparagus?
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Storage
- Related links
- Air fried asparagus | Air fryer asparagus recipe
- FAQ
Is thick or thin asparagus better?
When you look at it in the market, you will find it in bunches.Air frying asparagus with thicker stems is better as they are more fleshy.You must apply oil on the spear head too so that it does not dry due to high temperature.It should be rich green in color and it fades towards the stem. Tips might look green or have purple shade to it.Thin asparagus dries very fast in an air fryer as it does not have that much flesh.
Which part of asparagus is edible?
Except for woody stem,you can eat it whole.
Is purple asparagus better than green?
Purple is sweeter and used raw, usually in salads.
Do you wash asparagus before roasting?
Wash and rinse before you use. However,wash only when you are ready to use immediately.
Benefits of Asparagus
- It is rich in folate.
- Rich source of fiber,vitamin A, C,E,K
- It also helps weight-loss.
- It helps prevent cancer.
- Packed with anti-oxidants too.
- Natural diuretic.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Peeler
Ingredients
- 2 bunches asparagus
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- Salt and pepper as per taste
How to make air fryer asparagus?
- Choose asparagus that is fresh and has thick stems and tips.The thinner asparagus will take less time to cook.Trim the hard stems at the bottom of asparagus
2. Shave off slices of Zucchini lengthwise using a peeler
3. Drizzle oil on top of asparagus ,especially on tips so that they do not burn , season with salt and pepper.
4. In the same tray,grease the zucchini slices with leftover oil.Start wrapping them around the asparagus
5. Wrap all asparagus spears with zucchini slices.
6. Preheat the air fryer at 190 deg C / 375 F for 10 mins.
Layer the spears in the air fryer tray. Air fry it at 190 deg C / 375 deg F for 7-8 mins
- Serve immediately warm as a side.
Substitutions
If you are vegetarian, you may use butter for cooking asparagus in air fryer, instead of olive oil. You can also garnish it with grated cheese or nutritional yeast on top. You can also make the above recipe as a purple asparagus recipe.
Variations
Air fryer asparagus and mushrooms are a great combination too. You can also top it with some garlic oil. Other combinations are air fryer potatoes and asparagus, air fry asparagus and zucchini. Another good combination is asparagus and squash in air fryer.
Storage
Store it in refrigerator for 1-2 days. Air fry for couple of mins before you serve. It is always best to eat fresh.
Related links
Air fried asparagus | Air fryer asparagus recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Peeler
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus 1 bunch has 8 asparagus spears
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- Salt and pepper as per taste.
- 1 medium zucchini 1 zucchini is enough for 2 bunches of asparagus
Instructions
- Choose asparagus that is fresh and has thick stems and tips. The thinner asparagus will take less time to cook. Trim the hard stems at the bottom of asparagus
- Shave off slices of Zucchini lengthwise using a peeler
- Drizzle oil on top of asparagus ,especially on tips so that they do not burn , season with salt and pepper.
- In the same tray, grease the zucchini slices with leftover oil. Start wrapping them around the asparagus
- Wrap all asparagus spears with zucchini slices.
Notes
FAQ
Yes it is a diuretic. It helps flush out toxins from kidney.
Asparagus activates the liver functions as it is a diuretic.
It is called as shatavari.Satawar or shatamull are other names. Shatavari powders are recommended for breastfeeding for new moms.
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