This Keto Asparagus is astoundingly easy to make and makes the perfect low carb side dish. You need this recipe on hand for busy weeknights – it takes just 10 minutes to make with less than 5 minutes of hands-on time. It is a cinch to throw together!
Keto Asparagus – A Simple & Delicious Side!
I used to think that I didn’t like asparagus.
I was traumatized in college by a friend who invited me over from dinner and proceeded to serve asparagus from a can. Since it wasn’t a vegetable that my mother ever cooked while I was growing up, this was my first experience with it.
To say that I was unimpressed would be an understatement.
It was mushy, tasteless, and gross.
I am someone who is super-conscious of hurting other peoples feelings, especially when they’ve gone to the trouble of making a meal for me. So despite my feelings about the dish, I forced myself to eat it.
As a result, I swore: never again.
Then I got married. And guess why hubby’s favorite vegetable is?
You guessed it. Asparagus.
I’ve always loved cooking for him, however, this was one dish I wouldn’t budge on.
It was years into our relationship that he finally coaxed me to try a bite of his asparagus at a restaurant. (I am pretty sure that the only reason I did it was that at that point I’d already had a couple of glasses of wine.)
It was nothing like what I’d had before. It was crispy, crunchy, and above all, tasted fabulous!
Since then, I make dishes like this Keto Asparagus on a regular basis. I love that it only takes 5 minutes to cook! It is the perfect low-carb and healthy side dish for those nights when I forget to plan a side.
How to Make Low Carb Asparagus
#1 Preheat: You can make this recipe in the oven or the air fryer. If using an air fryer, preheat to 390 degrees. If using an oven, preheat to 420 degrees.
#2 Trim: Trim the ends off the bottom.
#3 Mix: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
#4 Pour: Place the vegetables in a bowl and pour the olive oil mixture over it.
#5 Cook: Arrange in a single layer in an air fryer basked or on a parchment lined baking sheet. Cook in the Air fryer for 5 to 11 minutes, depending on the desired doneness. Cook in the oven for 6 to 13 minutes.
#6 Plate: Transfer the cooked veggies to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the vegetables and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Asparagus, like all other green vegetables, are a fantastic addition to your ketogentic diet. One spear has just .3g of net carbs, meaning it would be hard to over-do the carbs when choosing asparagus as your side.
It is a fabulous side for steak, and works equally well with roasted chicken. Cooled roasted asparagus is a great addition to a salad. You can also serve it and a “pasta” Alfredo using zucchini noodles in place of traditional pasta.
It is an excellent source of probiotics, which help to feed the friendly bacteria in your gut. Additionally, it is a good source of vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6. It is an alkaline food, which is especially important to include in a keto or low carb lifestyle.
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Tools Needed to Make This Recipe:
- Air Fryer or Baking Sheet and Parchment Paper
- Whisk
- Bowl
- Hand Grater or Food Processor with a Grating Disk
Variations for Low Carb Asparagus
- If you are dairy free, skip the Parmesan. Use lime juice instead of lemon juice, at a pinch of cayenne pepper, and top with toasted pine nuts.
- Top with pancetta or bacon.
- Use goat cheese instead of Parmesan cheese.
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Keto Asparagus
Keto Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus with ends snapped off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt for an extra punch of flavor use truffle sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees or your oven to 420 degrees.
- Trim the ends of your asparagus off. If you have especially thick asparagus, you may wish to trim the sides as well.
- Place the asparagus in a bowl.
- Whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour over the asparagus and toss to coat.
Air Fryer Keto Asparagus
- Spread the asparagus in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to cook in batches.
- Cook for 5 minutes for crisp-tender asparagus, or for 8 to 11 minutes for asparagus that is crisp and brown but still tender on the inside.
Baked Keto Asparagus
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread asparagus in a single layer.
- Cook for 6 minutes for crisp-tender asparagus, or for 10 to 13 minutes for asparagus that is crisp and brown but still tender inside.
Before Serving
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Variations
- If you are dairy free, skip the Parmesan.
- Use lime juice instead of lemon juice, at a pinch of cayenne pepper, and top with toasted pine nuts.
- Top with pancetta or bacon. Keto Asparagus with Bacon = Dinner Bliss!
- Use goat cheese instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Melted butter can be used instead of the oil . (Use unsalted – that way you can control the salt levels!)
Yum, this looks SO good. I’ve always been a fan of asparagus and this looks amazing. What an amazing side dish.
Oh yum, that sounds like a delicious side dish. I think my whole family is going to like this.
It always amazes me all the different items which you can have on a keto diet and the different ways you can cook them! These asparagus sticks sound delicious.
My family loves asparagus. This would be the perfect side for dinner tonight. I love that It looks super easy to make.
Oh, that looks wonderful! I really like asparagus! I don’t cook it too often because the kids think its too chewy or weird. But I like it. Thanks for the recipe.
I always thought I didn’t like asparagus too. It turns out that my mom didn’t really know how to make it.
These asparagus look so good! I have some at home and I need to try your recipe!
I really do love asparagus, it’s really yummy and healthy. It’s great that this dish is s easy and quick to make as there isn’t much time for cooking in the evenings.
Oh wow! It really looks tasty and easy to prepare! I will save this amazing recipe and make this coming weekend.
My sister is on a keto diet. I am sure she will appreciate this dish.
Asparagus is just one of those vegetables that just taste amazing. I will definitely be making this recipe soon.
That recipe looks so good. Asparagus is so delicious! My daughters love it as well. I’ll have to try this recipe and see what we all think.
I adore asparagus and I love your combination of spices you use on them. Great recipe I am pinning for later.
I love asparagus! I get so excited when it’s in season. I actually have a few bunches in my fridge, ready for the grill! Your Keto recipe is a fabulous way to enjoy this yummy vegetable!