Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees. This step is crucial as it ensures that the asparagus cooks evenly, giving you that perfect texture.
In a large mixing bowl, add the trimmed asparagus, olive oil, salt, and pepper. I typically recommend at least ¼ teaspoon of salt and ⅛ teaspoon of pepper for a balanced flavor.
Toss the ingredients together until the asparagus is well-coated with the olive oil and seasonings. Be sure to coat the tips of the asparagus well; this will help prevent them from scorching during cooking.
Carefully transfer the seasoned asparagus into the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer. If you have a lot of asparagus, work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
Air fry the asparagus at 370 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you want them to be tender-crisp yet still vibrant green with some browned edges.
Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket gently to ensure even heating. This step is key to achieving that amazing texture you’re looking for.
Once done, remove the asparagus from the air fryer and serve hot or at room temperature with optional lemon wedges on the side for a bright finishing touch.