Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus
Rinse the asparagus spears under cool water and then, most importantly, pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Any excess moisture will create steam in the air fryer, which is the enemy of crispiness.
Trim off the tough, woody ends. The easiest way to do this is to take one spear and bend it near the bottom. It will naturally snap at the point where the tough, woody part ends and the tender part begins. Use this spear as a guide to line up the rest of the bunch and chop off all the ends at once with a knife.

Step 2: Season the Spears
Place the trimmed and dried asparagus in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil, then sprinkle with the salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings you are using (like garlic powder). Toss everything together gently with your hands or tongs until every spear is evenly coated with oil and seasoning.

Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the seasoned asparagus spears in the air fryer basket in a single, even layer. Do not overcrowd the basket! It is crucial that the hot air can circulate around each individual spear to ensure they roast properly and don’t steam. If your bunch of asparagus doesn’t fit in a single layer, it is much better to cook it in two separate batches.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook for 7 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your spears. It’s a good idea to shake the basket gently halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. The asparagus is done when the stalks are tender-crisp and the tips are lightly browned and crispy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately
For the best possible texture, serve the asparagus immediately after removing it from the air fryer. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten up all the flavors beautifully.