Cheesy Air Fryer Asparagus Casserole Recipe
Take your side dish game to the next level with our Air Fryer Asparagus Casserole, a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal. This recipe gives asparagus a refreshing update, blending the convenience of air frying with the homely appeal of a classic casserole. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or simply increasing your veggie intake, this dish delivers on flavor, tenderness, and a satisfying crunch.
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As a self-taught chef with a true love for vegetarian cuisine, I’ve crafted easy, flavorful, and nutritious recipes like this Air Fryer Asparagus Casserole. It reflects my dedication to sharing delicious home-cooked meals with all. Whether you’re experienced or new to cooking, I’m here to offer guidance and tips to make this casserole a beloved addition to your table.
Why you will love making Air Fryer Asparagus Casserole
This Air Fryer Asparagus recipe is not just another side dish. It’s a new way to cook and enjoy asparagus! Here’s why you’ll find yourself making it again and again:
- Quick and Easy: Using an air fryer cuts down on cooking time significantly, making this casserole a quick option for any meal.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Asparagus is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish a healthy addition to your diet.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish for dinners, it’s also a hit at potlucks and gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to adapt with different herbs or cheeses.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of crispy shallots, melted cheese, and tender asparagus creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
- Air Fryer Magic: Cooking in an air fryer not only speeds up the process but also adds a delightful texture to the asparagus, something you don’t get with traditional methods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to make Air Fryer Asparagus Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Creating this mouth-watering Air Fryer Asparagus Casserole is simpler than you might think. Here’s how to bring this delicious dish to your table:
Cooking the Asparagus
Begin by heating a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and adding the olive oil. Avocado oil works well too, or cooking spray for a lighter option, if needed. Once hot, add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
Then, add the fresh asparagus spears, and toss them well to make sure they are coated in the olive oil and garlic. Cook them for 7-8 minutes until they start to soften and brighten in color.
Preparing the Cheese Sauce
In a small pot, melt the flour and butter together over medium heat until they form a smooth mixture. Gradually add the milk, stirring the ingredients continuously to avoid lumps. Keep cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken.
Next, remove the pot from the heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted into the sauce.
Assembling and Baking
Transfer the cooked asparagus into a casserole dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the asparagus, and then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Set your air fryer to 355°F (180°C) and roast asparagus casserole for about 10 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden on top.
Garnish and Serve!
Once done, garnish your Air Fryer Asparagus Casserole with crispy shallots and minced parsley. Serve it hot as a delicious side dish that complements any main course beautifully.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
To make sure your Air Fryer Asparagus Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips and additional notes:
- How to Trim Asparagus: Snap off the woody ends (stalks) of the asparagus spears before cooking. If they’re particularly thick, cut them in half lengthwise with a sharp knife to ensure even cooking.
- Cheese Sauce Consistency: For a smoother cheese sauce, cook the flour and butter mixture for a couple of minutes before adding the milk to get rid of the raw flour taste. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if it’s too thick or letting it cook down if too thin.
- Air Fryer Basket: Make sure to place your casserole dish safely in the air fryer basket, and test that it fits before cooking. If your air fryer is small, you may need to bake in batches or use a smaller dish.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like parmesan cheese for the sauce, basil instead of parsley, or add spices like red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor kick. Crispy vegetarian bacon tastes great on top too!
- Serving Suggestion: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar over the finished casserole can add a lovely brightness to the dish.
- Gluten-free Option: To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the regular flour for the cheese sauce.
- Can I add other vegetables to the casserole? Absolutely! Along with your bunch of asparagus, feel free to include other veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Meal Prep: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, bake it in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal.
- Can I bake this in the oven? Sure. Preheat your oven to 355 degrees F (180°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Check out our oven-baked Asparagus Casserole Recipe for all the info!
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Asparagus Casserole
Here are some storage tips so that the leftovers remain just as delicious for later:
- Cool & Airtight: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing, and then transfer the leftovers into an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place it back in the air fryer or oven until heated through. You may want to add a sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating to refresh the flavor and texture. You may also want to cover it with foil to prevent the top from burning.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Asparagus Casserole
This Air Fryer Asparagus Casserole is a standout dish that can be the star of any vegetarian meal. Here are some tasty complementary sides:
Perfect Protein Pairings
Hearty black bean patties are a great source of protein and pair wonderfully with the creamy texture and flavors of the asparagus casserole. For another option, a bright and refreshing chickpea salad, with plenty of fresh herbs, cucumber, and a lemony dressing, can add a light, nutritious component to your meal, balancing the richness of the casserole.
Complementary Side Dishes
A nutty quinoa or rice pilaf with roasted veggies and a touch of garlic pairs well with the casserole, adding protein and flavor. Caramelized sweet potatoes bring a sweet contrast, with just a sprinkle of sea salt and rosemary to enhance their flavor. Steamed broccoli, lightly dressed with olive oil and lemon, adds a fresh, healthy touch.
Soft, Crusty Bread
Warm, crusty French bread is ideal for soaking up all the delicious sauce from the casserole. Who doesn’t love a slice of homemade bread?!
More Air Fryer Recipes You Will Love
- Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
- Air Fryer Egg Casserole
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Air Fryer Zucchini
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Cheesy Air Fryer Asparagus Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 20-25 asparagus spears cleaned and hard parts removed
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded (divided)
- salt and pepper
- crispy shallots to serve
- parsley minced
Instructions
- Heat a non-stick skillet to medium high and add the olive oil, once it’s hot add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 garlic cloves
- Add the asparagus, toss well and cook for 7-8 minutes, just until they are bright and start to soften.20-25 asparagus spears
- In a small pot, melt the flour and butter together until creamy. Add the milk and mix well. Continue cooking for 5-10 minutes more, until it starts to thicken.2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 ½ cups milk
- Turn off the heat and add half of the cheese, season with salt and pepper, and stir until the cheese melts.1 cup cheddar cheese, salt and pepper
- Transfer the asparagus to a casserole and top with the cheese sauce. Top with the rest of the cheese and bake in the AF at 355°F/180°C for 10 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Serve with crispy shallots and parsley.crispy shallots to serve, parsley
Notes
- How to Trim Asparagus: Snap off the woody ends (stalks) of the asparagus spears before cooking. If they’re particularly thick, cut them in half lengthwise with a sharp knife to ensure even cooking.
- Cheese Sauce Consistency: For a smoother cheese sauce, cook the flour and butter mixture for a couple of minutes before adding the milk to get rid of the raw flour taste. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if it’s too thick or letting it cook down if too thin.
- Air Fryer Basket: Make sure to place your casserole dish safely in the air fryer basket, and test that it fits before cooking. If your air fryer is small, you may need to bake in batches or use a smaller dish.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like parmesan cheese for the sauce, basil instead of parsley, or add spices like red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor kick. Crispy vegetarian bacon tastes great on top too!
- Serving Suggestion: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar over the finished casserole can add a lovely brightness to the dish.
- Gluten-free Option: To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the regular flour for the cheese sauce.
- Can I add other vegetables to the casserole? Absolutely! Along with your bunch of asparagus, feel free to include other veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Meal Prep: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, bake it in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal.
- Can I bake this in the oven? Sure. Preheat your oven to 355 degrees F (180°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Check out our oven-baked Asparagus Casserole Recipe for all the info!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Cool & Airtight: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing, and then transfer the leftovers into an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place it back in the air fryer or oven until heated through. You may want to add a sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating to refresh the flavor and texture. You may also want to cover it with foil to prevent the top from burning.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
