Air fryer Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

For Air Fryer Asparagus:

• 1 bunch of fresh asparagus
• 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Zest of one lemon
• Juice of one lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Asparagus:
   • Wash and trim the tough ends of the asparagus. You can snap off the woody ends or use a knife to cut them.
   • Place the trimmed asparagus in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat the asparagus evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Air Fry the Asparagus:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
   • Place the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small.
   • Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the asparagus halfway through to ensure even cooking. The asparagus should become tender and slightly crispy on the outside.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
   • While the asparagus is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
4. Finish the Sauce:
   • Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the garlic butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let it simmer for a minute or two to meld the flavors. If you like, you can add a pinch of chopped fresh parsley for added freshness.
5. Serve:
   • Once the asparagus is done in the air fryer, transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle the lemon garlic butter sauce over the asparagus.
6. Enjoy:
   • Serve the air-fried asparagus with the lemon garlic butter sauce immediately. It’s a great side dish for a variety of meals.