Eating more vegetables is a great way to improve your mood and mental health. And you get bonus points if the vegetables are green! Most people either love or hate the taste of asparagus. If you love asparagus or if you want to try it, this air fryer frozen asparagus recipe is quick, easy, and delicious.
This post was written by Lindsay Delk, RDN. It is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace medical advice or instructions given by your healthcare provider.
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Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus Ingredients & Mental Health Benefits
>Frozen asparagus spears
Asparagus is a great vegetable to include in your diet if you’re looking for ways to improve your mood and mental health.
Asparagus is a good source of folate, which is important for keeping your mind healthy and functioning properly. Folate helps to prevent depression and anxiety.
Asparagus is also a good source of vitamin C, which is important for maintaining mental health and preventing mood disorders. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the brain from damage.
Vitamin C is also essential for producing neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that allow the brain to communicate with the rest of the body. Low vitamin C levels can cause depression while higher levels of vitamin C can lead to a better mood.
>Extra-virgin olive oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats (MUFAs). MUFAs are a type of fat that is found in many plant-based foods. MUFAs are important for mental health because they help to protect the brain from damage and decrease inflammation in the body.
How to Cook Frozen Asparagus in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl.
Once the air fryer is preheated, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and add the asparagus in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes, flip the asparagus, and cook for 5 more minutes. Remove from the air fryer and drizzle with more lemon juice, if desired.
Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus Tips & FAQ
Frozen asparagus is often picked at its peak ripeness, so it may have more nutrients than fresh asparagus that has been shipped long distances. However, fresh asparagus is also a great way to get vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health.
Sure! You can substitute garlic powder for the fresh garlic or add garlic powder in addition to the fresh garlic for a stronger flavor.
You could sprinkle the asparagus with grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes, and you could substitute avocado oil for the olive oil. You could even use white asparagus, purple asparagus, or a mixture of colors.
If you have leftover asparagus, you can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Eating asparagus is a great way to improve your mood and mental health. This air fryer frozen asparagus recipe is quick and easy, and you can change up the recipe by adding different seasonings. Cooking frozen asparagus in the air fryer might just become your favorite way to prepare this healthy veggie!
Check out this recipe for Roasted Asparagus and Carrots. Both of these asparagus recipes go great with Rigatoni al Forno.
Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus
Ingredients
- 12 oz frozen asparagus spears
- 2 Tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and add the asparagus in a single layer.
- Cook for 5 minutes, flip the asparagus, and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer and drizzle with more lemon juice, if desired.
Notes
- Try sprinkling the asparagus with grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute avocado oil for the olive oil.
- If you have leftover asparagus, you can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.