Want to learn how to cook frozen asparagus? We share 6 easy ways you can cook frozen asparagus in your home kitchen.

Asparagus is one of the most versatile vegetables you’ll ever come across. It perfectly complements virtually any main dish. As seasonal produce, however, finding it fresh on a daily might present a challenge.

Thankfully, frozen asparagus exists, alongside other vegetables that have taken over the frozen section of the grocery including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and even green beans.

Although frozen produce gets a bad rep, it isn’t actually as bad as it sounds. In fact, they make for a hassle-free dinner companion whenever you need one.

Asparagus is already simple to cook, so you can easily work with this veggie even when it is frozen. If anything, the frozen variety makes for an even simpler option in the kitchen.

How to Cook Frozen Asparagus

There are several ways to cook frozen asparagus. Take a look at these options to find the method that suits you best.

1. Cook Frozen Asparagus by Steaming

Frozen vegetables typically come with their own cooking instructions. If you are not the adventurous type in the kitchen, chances are you’ll want to follow these.

If you do, steaming might be the best choice for you.

To cook frozen asparagus using a steamer, follow these steps:

1. Add a few inches of water to a pot and set it to high heat.
2. Place a steamer basket on top of the pot and add the frozen asparagus to the basket.
3. Cover the pot and steam the asparagus over boiling water for about 4-5 minutes, or until tender.
4. Carefully remove the asparagus from the steamer and serve.

Essentially, all you need to do is to place the frozen asparagus in your steamer and allow it to cook (and defrost) for a few minutes and you are good to go.

2. Cook Frozen Asparagus by Roasting

For those who want more depth, dimension, and flavor in their asparagus, one of the best ways to cook them is by roasting it.

To cook frozen asparagus by roasting it, follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Spread the frozen asparagus in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Do not thaw first!
3. Drizzle the asparagus lightly with oil and sprinkle with desired seasonings. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Roast the asparagus for 15-18 minutes, until fully heated and slightly browned.

3. Cook Frozen Asparagus by Frying

Pan-frying is another quick and easy way you can cook frozen asparagus. Cook them up with some garlic and butter. This will lend your earthy veggie a creamy and delectable taste. If you want, you can also add bacon or pancetta and finish with some eggs or a salad.

To cook frozen asparagus on a frying pan, you can follow these steps:

1. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add a tablespoon of oil or butter to the pan.
3. Add the frozen asparagus to the pan and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Cook until the asparagus is tender and slightly browned.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Cook Frozen Asparagus by Grilling

Grilling might be a chore for some, but going the extra mile can give you a nice smokey taste. Before putting them on the grill, however, you should consider tossing the spears with some olive oil to prevent them from sticking on the grill. Finish with salt and pepper. Pair them with grilled fish or even steak, if you like.

To cook frozen asparagus on a grill, follow these steps:

1. Preheat the grill to high heat.
2. Drizzle the frozen asparagus with olive oil and toss to coat.
3. Season the asparagus with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and toss again to coat evenly.
4. Place the asparagus perpendicular to the grill grates.
5. Grill on high heat for 6 to 10 minutes or until the spears are tender and nicely marked.
6. Remove from the grill and serve immediately.

5. Cook Frozen Asparagus with Asian Stir-Fry Technique

Pan-frying not enough? Lend an Asian twist to this classic staple by combining soy sauce, garlic, and some chili peppers. You can even add some ginger. Just make sure your wok is piping hot before you toss them in.

To cook frozen asparagus using an Asian stir-fry technique, you can follow these steps:

1. Snap off and discard the bottoms of the asparagus, then cut them into 2-inch pieces (halve thicker pieces lengthwise first).
2. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
3. Add the asparagus to the wok and toss well to coat with oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir-fry the asparagus for 1-2 minutes, or until it is slightly charred and tender.
6. Add any desired sauces or seasonings, such as soy sauce or hoisin sauce, and cook for an additional minute.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

6. Cook Frozen Asparagus Into a Quiche

If all else fails, you certainly can transform your frozen asparagus into a quiche or frittata perfect for breakfast. They will go well with yellow and green bell peppers, as well as heavy cream and butter. Plus, their earthy taste makes for a great balance in an otherwise indulgent meal.

To cook frozen asparagus into a quiche, you can follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thaw the frozen asparagus by placing it in a colander and running warm water over it. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and the thawed asparagus.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish that has been greased with butter or cooking spray.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the quiche is set and the top is golden brown.
7. Allow the quiche to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

7. Cook Frozen Asparagus in an Air Fryer

Another great method to use when trying to cook frozen asparagus is by using an air fryer. It’s a quick and convenient way to heat up asparagus. Air fryers are also a very healthy option as it doesn’t require a lot of cooking oil.

To cook frozen asparagus by frying, you can follow these steps:

1. Preheat an air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F.
2. Brush or spray oil to coat the air fryer basket.
3. Arrange the frozen asparagus in a single layer in the basket.
4. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder as per taste.
5. Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes.

What Is Asparagus?

Asparagus is a speared, slender vegetable. It is considered a springtime vegetable that comes in an array of colors such as green, purple, and white.

Because it is a seasonal veggie, fresh asparagus tends to command a higher price than other vegetables.

Plus, as it is only cultivated in certain parts of the globe, such as China, Peru, Germany, and the United States (California, Michigan, and Washington), importation costs can also factor in.

Asparagus is also a finicky plant to grow; it takes around three to four years to make edible spears after planting the seeds.

This also adds to the price. Asparagus, especially the green variety, has an earthy taste similar to broccoli.

Meanwhile, the white and purple varieties tend to taste sweeter with a milder flavor. Asparagus boasts an array of health benefits.

Despite being low in calories, it is packed with nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and K, potassium, folate, phosphorous, and many others. It also contains small amounts of iron, zinc, and riboflavin.

Additionally, asparagus has many antioxidants, making it ideal to fight free radicals.

The Bottom Line

There are many ways on how to cook frozen asparagus.

With these tricks, you can try your hand cooking this versatile vegetable today.

How to Cook Frozen Asparagus

Print Recipe

Munch on a crisp serving of air-fried asparagus! This low-calorie and low-carb vegetable make a delicious roasted snack & side dish.

Here’s how to cook frozen asparagus in an air fryer. It is an easy and quick cooking method requiring no prepping or thawing!

• Author: Recipe Marker
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 11 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Cook
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: Meal

Ingredients

• Air Fryer
• Frozen Asparagus
• Canola or extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Crushed black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional) 

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Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer for 5 mins to 400° F.
2. Meanwhile, brush/spray the oil to coat the air fryer basket.
3. Arrange the frozen asparagus in a single layer in the basket.
4. Sprinkle salt, pepper, & garlic powder as per taste.
5. Air fry at 400° F for 6 minutes.

Finally, remove into a dish and serve with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and grated Parmesan.

Notes

• There is no need to prep frozen asparagus as they are packed with ends trimmed.
• Other garnishing options include chili flakes, roasted slivered almonds, toasted sesame seeds, & herb butter.

Keywords: How to Cook Frozen Asparagus