Easy Instant Pot Asparagus | Kara Lydon

Looking for a quick and easy vegetable side dish that doesn’t require the oven? This Instant Pot Asparagus is ready in just 10 minutes!

Cooking vegetables in the Instant Pot is a perfect solution for when you’ve already got something cooking in the oven and there’s no more space or you need the oven at a certain temperature!

Studded with garlic, topped with fresh lemon, and sprinkled with grated parmesan, this asparagus is super flavorful. 

And if you hate the soft limp texture of boiled or over-steamed asparagus, the Instant Pot yields soft but crisp-tender spears! 

You can adjust the pressure cook time according to your desired level of tenderness – instructions are in the recipe card!

We love this side dish year round but especially in the spring months when asparagus is in-season! Did you know that produce that’s in-season / locally grown tends to be more affordable, flavorful, and nutritious?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Notes on Ingredients

asparagus: fresh asparagus will lend the best flavor but frozen could work as well
lemon juice: fresh lemon slices are best but can use bottled lemon juice as well
parmesan: adds rich umami flavor, buy pre-grated for a timesaver
garlic: packs in flavor! can use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh on hand
olive oil: adds flavor and depth
salt and pepper: not pictured above but essential for flavor!

Equipment You’ll Need (affiliate links – if you make a purchase I receive a small commission)

How to Make Instant Pot Asparagus

1. Prepare the Instant Pot: Place the trivet inside. Pour water into pot.

2. Add asparagus: Add about half in an even layer on top of trivet (perpendicular to the trivet). Place the other half perpendicular to the first layer of spears.

3. Add flavor. Drizzle olive oil over spears and add garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon slices.

4. Pressure cook. Pressure cook asparagus for 0 minutes (it will cook while the pressure builds). Use quick pressure release.

5. Season. Sprinkle cooked asparagus with parmesan and more olive oil, salt, and pepper if desired.

Expert Tips

1. For thin spears or medium spears with a crisp texture, use quick pressure release. For medium to large spears and a more tender texture, use natural pressure release for 1 minute and then quick pressure release.

2. If you can’t get fresh asparagus, frozen or canned work as well!

Recipe FAQs

What if I don’t like asparagus?

The Instant Pot is a great way to prepare a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, or zucchini. Cooking times may vary.

Should I cut off the ends of the asparagus?

To avoid a stringy texture from the woody ends of spears, yes! If you would like to remove the ends, asparagus actually has a natural “breaking point”. If you bend the asparagus it should snap close to the end.

Why should I eat asparagus?

Because you like the taste of it! Seriously.

Is asparagus healthy for me?

Asparagus is packed with antioxidants and is a good source of folate, fiber, vitamin A, C, B6, and K. 

Storage and Preparation

Instant pot asparagus leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I recommend putting them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to help them crisp back up when you’re ready to eat them again. Or you can warm them in the microwave if in a pinch for time.

Recipes That Pair Well

For more asparagus inspiration, check out my other recipes below!

If you like this recipe, please be sure to comment and give it a 5 star rating below. If you make it, share it on Instagram and tag me @karalydonrd and I’ll re-share it with my followers! If you want to save this recipe for later, be sure to pin it on Pinterest!

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