Sometimes, the key to a really satisfying side is letting less be more. This air fryer side dish idea from our Season of Christmas recipe series is quick and easy, but because it lets simplicity shine, everything is taken to the next level. All it takes is a little Parmesan, olive oil, chives and lemon to bring out asparagus’ natural character.
Read on for the recipe!
Serves: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Featured appliance: Philips ‘4000 Series’ Stacked Dual Basket Air Fryer. Cook two dishes at once with stacked baskets, smart tech and a compact design.
Ingredients
2 bunches asparagus, trimmed
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon, plus 2 slices for roasting
2 tbsp Parmesan, finely grated
1 tbsp chives, finely snipped
Salt, for seasoning
Method for Asparagus with Lemon Butter & Chives
1. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
2. Toss asparagus with melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
3. Arrange in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Top with lemon slices. Roast for 10–12 minutes until tender and lightly golden at the tips.
4. Transfer to a platter. Scatter with Parmesan, lemon zest, and chives. Serve immediately.
Handy Hints for your Asparagus with Lemon Butter & Chives
- Swap Parmesan for pecorino for a sharper flavour.
- Toasted pine nuts or almonds add crunch and texture.
- For a more dramatic finish, garnish with extra lemon slices and a few whole chive stalks.
Drinks Pairing – Rosé and White Nectarine Sangria
Fruity, fresh and perfect for summer, this refreshing Sangria is the perfect pair for these Christmas air fryer sides. Get mixing with our recipe here!
More Christmas Air Fryer Sides Inspiration
Need to add a bit more to your Christmas lunch or dinner spread?
Check out our other incredible air fryer sides:
Discover More Seasonal Recipes from the Season of Christmas 2025 Series!
Be sure to create the Christmas feast of your dreams with the rest of our mouth-watering recipes from the Season of Christmas series for 2025.