Ottolenghi Air fryer asparagus with almonds and capers

Introduction 

Celebrate fresh spring produce with this air fryer asparagus, almonds, and capers recipe. An Ottolenghi-inspired recipe, this seasonal dish showcases delicious asparagus and is a huge favorite in my house. My son Leo actually loves it so much that he practically demands I buy asparagus each time he sees it in the store. Cooking asparagus in the air fryer makes this decadent dish an easy weeknight staple.

Inspiration 

When it comes to my recipes, I’m most often inspired by my travels or childhood memories. However, this almond asparagus recipe was inspired by Yotam Ottolenghi - an Israeli chef known for his British restaurants and numerous cookbooks. His books like Flavor and Jerusalem: A Cookbook are filled with beautiful recipes. His work is the inspiration behind my Chicken Marbella and this asparagus recipe, which is an adaptation of Ottolenghi’s asparagus recipe from, Ottolenghi Simple.

The Health Benefits of Asparagus

Asparagus is a nutrient rich food with relatively low calories. Filled with important vitamins and minerals like folate, potassium, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C, asparagus can help lower blood pressure, protect bone health, and ensure you’re getting plenty of antioxidants. Asparagus is also filled with fiber to improve your digestive health and help keep your cholesterol in check.

Why I Love Cooking Asparagus in the Air Fryer

Cooking asparagus in the air fryer is such a wonderful alternative to roasting or sautéeing asparagus. Air fryer asparagus can be cooked in a matter of minutes and cleaned up in even less time. Plus, asparagus in an air fryer doesn’t require lots of oil or butter to cook, making it a healthier alternative to traditional cooking methods.

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED to make Air Fryer Asparagus 

• asparagus
• cooking spray
• salt and black pepper
• butter
• sliced almonds
• parsley

See recipe cards for exact quantities.

Preparing the Asparagus:

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, wash the asparagus thoroughly and trim off the tough ends. Pat the spears dry using a kitchen towel. Once dry, place the asparagus in a single layer on the air fryer basket. Lightly coat them with cooking spray and season with salt and black pepper.

Air Frying the Asparagus:

Carefully place the prepared asparagus in the preheated air fryer. Cook them for 8-10 minutes, making sure to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The asparagus should become tender, yet still retain a slight crispness.

Preparing the Butter and Almond Topping:

While the asparagus is cooking, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and cook them until they turn a beautiful golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once the almonds are toasted, remove the pan from the heat.

Assembling and Serving:

Once the air-fried asparagus is done, transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle the melted butter and almond mixture evenly over the asparagus spears. Next, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the dish, adding a burst of freshness and color. For an elegant touch, garnish with slices of lemon. Serve the air fryer asparagus immediately as a delightful side dish or a flavorful light appetizer.

Storage

This air fryer asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you can, try and store the asparagus separately without any toppings. Although the asparagus will become a bit soggy as it's stored, you can still crisp it back up in the air fryer.  When you’re ready to reheat, add the asparagus back to the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes. Then, you can add fresh toppings to the reheated asparagus.