15-Minute Air Fryer Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Asparagus – Irresistible!

You know those side dishes that steal the show? This air fryer raspberry balsamic glazed asparagus is one of them. I discovered this recipe when I desperately needed something quick yet fancy for a last-minute dinner party. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting – no babysitting required! Those tender-crisp spears get tossed in a sticky-sweet glaze that’s got just the right punch of tang from balsamic vinegar. My husband still talks about the first time I made it, and now it’s our go-to when we want veggies that taste like a treat.

The magic happens in under 15 minutes (seriously!). That gorgeous glossy glaze caramelizes slightly in the air fryer, creating these irresistible crispy edges while keeping the asparagus perfectly tender. I love how the raspberry jam adds a subtle fruity sweetness that plays so nicely against the earthy asparagus. It’s the kind of side dish that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen, when really, you were just being smart with your air fryer.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Asparagus

Trust me, this isn’t your average side dish. Here’s why it’s about to become your new obsession:

• Crazy fast: Done in 15 minutes flat – faster than preheating my oven!
• Minimal mess: One bowl for mixing, one air fryer basket. My kind of cleanup.
• Sweet & tangy magic: That raspberry balsamic glaze? It’s like fancy restaurant flavor at home.
• Healthier than you’d think: All that glossy goodness comes from just a few tablespoons of glaze.
• Works every time: Even my “I can’t cook” sister nailed this on her first try.

Seriously, it’s the side dish that makes people ask for the recipe every single time.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Asparagus

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this insanely good asparagus (measurements matter here – trust me, I’ve tested this a dozen times!):

• 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb) – look for firm, bright green spears with tight tips
• 2 tbsp olive oil – the good stuff, since it’s the main flavor carrier
• 1/4 tsp salt – I use kosher, but any will work
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you can swing it
• 2 tbsp raspberry jam – seedless works best, but use what you’ve got
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar – the thicker, aged kind if possible
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard – my secret weapon for balancing sweetness

Pro tip: Snap off those woody ends – they’re no fun to eat, and your asparagus will cook more evenly without them!

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How to Make Air Fryer Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Asparagus

Okay, friends – let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together so fast you’ll barely have time to set the table. I’ll walk you through each step because timing is everything with that perfect glaze.

Step 1: Prep the Asparagus

First things first – grab those asparagus spears and snap off the woody ends. Here’s my trick: bend one spear near the bottom until it breaks naturally – that’s where the tough part ends. Line up the rest and cut them at the same spot. Easy!

Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper right in the air fryer basket (saves a bowl!). Make sure every spear gets coated – I use my hands to massage it all in. Thicker spears? They’ll need an extra minute or two, so keep that in mind.

Step 2: Air Fry the Asparagus

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F – this gives you those perfect crispy edges. Arrange the spears in a single layer (no stacking! They won’t crisp up right). Cook for 6 minutes, then pause to shake the basket – this is crucial for even cooking.

Peek at them – they should be bright green with slightly wrinkled skins. Need more crisp? Add 1-2 minutes, but watch closely! I’ve learned the hard way that asparagus goes from perfect to overcooked FAST.

Step 3: Make and Add the Glaze

While the asparagus cooks, whisk together the raspberry jam, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. No lumps allowed – we want that glaze silky! When the asparagus is almost done, pull out the basket and brush on the glaze generously.

Pop it back in for just 1-2 more minutes – you’ll know it’s ready when the glaze gets sticky and caramelized at the edges. That sweet-tangy smell? That’s your cue to take it out before it burns!

This raspberry balsamic glazed asparagus is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory—ready in just 15 minutes with the magic of the air fryer. If you’re searching for another creative asparagus dish, don’t miss my bagel asparagus recipe that brings a fun, crunchy twist to this green favorite.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Asparagus

After making this dozens of times (yes, we’re obsessed), here are my hard-earned secrets:

• Size matters: Pencil-thin spears cook faster – check at 5 minutes. Thick ones might need 9-10 minutes total.
• Spread them out: Overcrowding = steamed asparagus. Give each spear breathing room for maximum crispness.
• Glaze timing: Add it during the last 2 minutes only – any earlier and it’ll burn before the asparagus cooks through.
• Taste your jam: Super sweet? Add an extra teaspoon of vinegar. Tart? Go lighter on the mustard.

Trust me, these little tweaks make all the difference between good and “wow!”

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Asparagus

This glazed asparagus plays well with so many dishes! My favorite way? Alongside simple roasted chicken or a seared salmon fillet – that sweet-tangy glaze cuts through rich proteins beautifully. For lunches, I’ll toss the cold leftovers into grain bowls or chop them over a spinach salad with goat cheese. Dinner party trick? Arrange them over creamy polenta for an instant restaurant-worthy plate.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers? They’ll keep in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container – though in my house, they never last that long! For reheating, skip the microwave (it makes them soggy) and pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes. They won’t be quite as crisp as fresh, but that glaze gets all sticky and delicious again. I sometimes add an extra tiny drizzle of balsamic right before serving to wake up the flavors.

For more easy veggie side dishes and trending air fryer creations, follow us on Pinterest where fresh recipe inspiration is posted daily.

Air Fryer Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Asparagus FAQs

I get questions about this recipe all the time – here are the answers to everything you might be wondering:

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these numbers can vary based on your ingredients and brands. Per serving, you’re looking at about: 90 calories, 7g fat, 8g carbs, and 2g protein. Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right?