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Put your gadgets to work! Test Kitchen experts break down how to cook asparagus using the latest cooking methods.

Asparagus is one of our favorite spring vegetables because you can do so much with it. The spears are good steamed, wrapped in prosciutto or thinly shaved and tossed raw onto a salad. Top the spears with hard-boiled eggs or serve them simply dressed with olive oil and salt; whip up a tasty dipping sauce or smother it in homemade hollandaise.

It seems that no matter what you do, this fresh green vegetable will be delicious and sweet!

How to Choose Asparagus

Look for brightly colored, firm stems that aren't too dried out on the bottom. If you can find a bundle with medium-sized spears, they won't overcook as easily as the pencil-thin ones (the super-fat spears are the only kind you'll want to peel before cooking). Then, snap off the woody ends and start cooking using one of these simple techniques.

How to Cook Asparagus in an Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is my go-to appliance for steaming vegetables. Steaming not only locks in the bright green color of the asparagus, but it also gives it a pleasantly soft bite. Use the Instant Pot to prepare asparagus for appetizers, side dishes or salads.

You can also steam asparagus ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to eat. Just let the asparagus come to room temperature before serving—ice-cold asparagus doesn't taste that great.

Instructions

1. Place the asparagus on a steaming rack inside the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Close the lid and make sure the venting knob is set to Sealing.
2. Press the Manual button and set the time to ZERO minutes on High Pressure. (You can cook for 1 minute if your asparagus spears are very thick.)
3. When the Instant Pot beeps that it's finished, carefully release the steam using the Quick Release method by turning the knob to Venting.
4. Remove the asparagus from the Instant Pot and dress it with a sprinkle of kosher salt and pepper and a splash of olive oil.

Find unexpected ways to serve asparagus for dinner tonight.

How to Cook Asparagus in an Air Fryer

We love our air fryer! It's a healthier alternative to deep fried foods. Use the air fryer to quickly and easily cook crispy (yet tender) asparagus. We've even wrapped the bundles in bacon, which always makes everything better.

Instructions

1. If using a batter, roll the asparagus spears in all-purpose flour until they're lightly coated. Dip them into a bowl containing a beaten egg and dredge them in panko bread crumbs. If skipping the batter, toss the spears in a teaspoon of olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can wrap a few spears of asparagus with thinly-sliced bacon, too, if you wish.
2. No matter how you've prepared them, place the asparagus in a single layer in the basket, leaving enough space so they don't touch. Bake at 400° F for 8 minutes.

Need to learn how to roast asparagus in the oven, too? Here's how.

Our Favorite Asparagus Recipes to Eat in Spring

Asparagus Nicoise Salad

I've used my Nicoise as an appetizer or a main-dish salad, and it's a winner every time I put it on the table. Here's to a colorful, make-ahead salad! —Jan Meyer, St. Paul, Minnesota

Asparagus with Fresh Basil Sauce

Add zip to your appetizer platter with an easy asparagus dip that doubles as a flavorful sandwich spread. — Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas

Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake

I like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It's all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Feta Asparagus Frittata

Asparagus and feta cheese come together to make this frittata extra special. Perfect for a lazy Sunday or to serve with a tossed salad for a light lunch. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

Asparagus Beef Lo Mein

This springtime beef lo mein recipe is as easy as it gets. Ramen noodles make it extra fun. —Dottie Wanat, Modesto, California

Salmon and Spud Salad

I headed straight for the kitchen when I decided to pick up a healthier lifestyle. This salmon with veggies proves that smart choices can be simple and satisfying. —Matthew Teixeira, Milton, Ontario

Chicken Quinoa Bowls with Balsamic Dressing

I love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family while not sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina

Asparagus Tofu Stir-Fry

With its flavorful ginger sauce and fresh vegetables, this tasty dish is a favorite. I get rave reviews every time I serve it, and it doesn't bother my husband's food allergies. Check out our guide if you're new to tofu. —Phyllis Smith, Chimacum, Washington

Radish Asparagus Salad

Lemon zest and mustard in the dressing add the perfect punch to crisp asparagus and crunchy radishes in this fresh spring salad. My family loves it! —Nancy Latulippe, Simcoe, Ontario

Fontina Asparagus Tart

This lemony tart is loaded with fontina cheese and fresh asparagus. It's a snap to make but looks really impressive. Be advised…your guests will be vying for the last tasty slice. —Heidi Meek, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Spring Asparagus

This fresh and colorful side dish is delicious served warm or cold. I get lots of compliments on the homemade dressing. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois

Asparagus Ham Strata

You can easily prepare this the night before for a luncheon, or in the morning for dinner. I serve it year-round for large groups, like my card and garden clubs, and make it for picnics and other occasions. Nearly every time I do, someone requests the recipe! —Ethel Pressel, New Oxford, Pennsylvania

Salmon Vegetable Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette

A bounty of vegetables keeps this salad light on calories, while salmon makes it hearty enough for a meal. It's become a springtime staple at our house. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas

Artichoke & Lemon Pasta

While sailing in the Mediterranean, we tasted a lemony artichoke pasta. I developed my own version of it that our guests love. Try it with shrimp and kalamata olives. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

Veggie Nicoise Salad

More and more people in my workplace are becoming vegetarians. When we cook or eat together, the focus is on fresh produce. This salad combines some of our favorite ingredients in one dish...and with the hard-boiled eggs and kidney beans, it delivers enough protein to satisfy those who are skeptical of vegetarian fare. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois

Sesame Beef & Asparagus Salad

Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies—especially when it comes to experimenting with fresh ingredients like these. This meaty salad is wonderful at the start of asparagus season. —Tamara Steeb, Issaquah, Washington

Asparagus Swiss Quiche

Fresh asparagus stars along with bacon, onion and Swiss cheese in this hearty quiche. —Mary Ann Taylor, Rockwell, Iowa

Tuscan-Style Roasted Asparagus

This is especially wonderful when locally grown asparagus is in season and so easy for celebrations because you can serve it hot or cold. This is how to bake asparagus. —Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts

Overnight Asparagus Strata

I've made this tasty egg dish for breakfast, brunch, even dinner as a side dish. This is not your run-of-the-mill strata. —Lynn Licata, Sylvania, Ohio

Parmesan Asparagus

Nothing could be more simple than this side dish. Since it has just four ingredients, I assemble it in no time, then pop it into the oven for about 15 minutes. It turns out perfect every time. —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Roast Beef Aioli Bundles

Don't let these dainty bundles fool you. They're so perfectly balanced, everyone will gobble them up! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Tarragon Asparagus Salad

I love asparagus, and I love it even more when drizzled with my light, lemony vinaigrette dressing with a touch of tarragon. It's perfect as a side for fresh spring meals. —Linda Lace, Winter Park, Florida

Asparagus & Cheese Frittata

This rich and creamy frittata begins in the skillet and ends in the oven. We like this melty, cheesy dish with salad on the side. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware

Savory Asparagus Strata

Fresh asparagus and goat cheese combine to make a delectable strata. Assemble it a day ahead and let it chill overnight for an easy brunch!—Lynda Ruce, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Mushroom Asparagus Quiche

Loads of asparagus pieces add color and flavor to this hearty, creamy quiche. And its easy crescent roll crust means you'll have dinner ready in a snap! —Sharon A. Fujita, Fontana, California

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

My husband and I grill dinner almost every night, and I love grilling veggies for a side dish. I serve this grilled bacon wrapped asparagus recipe with meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful meal. —Trisha Kitts, Dickinson, Texas

Rosemary Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus

Showcase asparagus when you dress it in fresh rosemary and red potatoes for an earthy counterpoint to the fresh, green spears. Add minced garlic and you get a gorgeous, flavorful side dish. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Honey-Lemon Asparagus

Everyone who tastes my glazed asparagus takes a second helping, so I usually double the recipe. For another option, try using a root vegetable like turnip or parsnip. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

Asparagus Frittata

You would never guess that egg substitute is used in this fun variation on the classic asparagus frittata. —James Bates, Hermiston, Oregon

Chicken Sausage & Gnocchi Skillet

I had a bunch of fresh veggies and combined them with sausage, gnocchi and goat cheese when I needed a quick dinner. Mix and match your own ingredients for unique results. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan

Garden Risotto

With asparagus, spinach and peas, this simple side adds spectacular flavor and tons of health benefits from green veggies. Add some Parmesan cheese, and you've got one delectable dish! —Kendra Doss, Kansas City, Missouri

Lemon-Roasted Asparagus

When it comes to fixing asparagus, I think it's hard to go wrong. The springy flavors in this easy recipe burst with every bite. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

Turkey Club Roulades

Weeknights turn elegant when these short-prep roulades with familiar ingredients are on the menu. Not a fan of turkey? Substitute lightly pounded chicken breasts. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Tortellini with Asparagus & Lemon

This is a terrific warm-weather dish, loaded with fresh flavors. I make mine meatless, but some sliced grilled chicken on top would be awesome, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

Asparagus Cream Cheese Omelet

When asparagus is in season, it makes an appearance at almost all of my meals. It tastes fantastic in this cheese omelette, and it looks pretty, too. —Jane Cain, Junction City, Ohio

Baked Cod Piccata with Asparagus

It takes longer for the oven to preheat than it does to prepare this delicious, good-for-you dish. While it's baking, I throw together a quick salad. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania

Asparagus Turkey Stir-Fry

When people try this dish, they ask for the recipe, just as I did when I first tasted it when visiting a friend's home. Tossed in a delicious lemon sauce, this simple skillet dish is sure to satisfy on the busiest of nights. It's a great way to use leftover turkey. —May Evans, Corinth, Kentucky

Instant Vortex Mini Air Fryer Cooking Times

Source: https://stage.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-cook-asparagus-new-ways/

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