Best Way to Cook Asparagus
4 methods compared. Times, temperatures, and when to use each one.
The fastest way to cook asparagus is to grill it (about 3 min). For the most versatile option, roast is the go-to method.
Roasting is the best way to cook asparagus: 10 to 18 minutes at high heat in a single layer, tips going crisp while the stalks keep their snap. Grilling is the better answer in summer, 3 to 5 minutes laid perpendicular to the grates so nothing drops through, and char suits asparagus better than it suits most vegetables. Air fry is the weeknight version at 7 to 9 minutes. Steam when asparagus is a component rather than a side, 3 to 5 minutes to tender-crisp for a salad or a tart, but understand you're giving up browning and browning is most of the flavor. Thick spears forgive you everywhere. Pencil-thin asparagus goes from perfect to limp in about 90 seconds.