Learn how to make Instant Pot Asparagus for a great side dish that goes with so many different dishes. Make perfect tender asparagus every time with this quick and easy guide to preparing it in your instant pot or any electric pressure cooker! It’s the perfect vegetable side dish to add to spring and summer meals and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. I'm certain it will be your new favorite way to prepare asparagus.
UPDATED: This recipe was originally published in February 2020. It has been updated for content.
In Southwest Michigan, it feels like spring doesn't truly arrive until you start to see roadside farm stands finally putting up their fresh asparagus signs! I will be honest and tell you it is one of my favorite times of the year. It means our local farmlands are back in action!
When I prepare asparagus, I typically steam it on the stovetop or roast it. But, when I heard you could make it in the instant pot in only one minute, I just had to try it!
I have tried several different methods of cooking asparagus in the instant pot and finally discovered a no-fail solution that doesn't require a steamer basket or any other special equipment.
This easy recipe is certain to be one you come back to, again and again, to use to assemble easy dinners, especially on busy weeknights.
This instant pot recipe was inspired by this recipe for Instant Pot Artichokes and is great when paired with a piece of Air Fryer Salmon. And if you love asparagus, you might also like this Purple Asparagus with Garlic Herb Sauce.
Ingredients
You need only two simple ingredients to make pressure cooker asparagus
Start by buying local and freshly picked asparagus, if possible. When selecting asparagus, you want to take a look at the buds first. They should be firm, tightly closed, and not wilted.
There seems to be a lot of conflicting information out there regarding the different sizes of asparagus and which is the best. I personally find the thin asparagus easier to cook with and more pleasant to eat. The thick stalks can be a bit meaty and chewy, which some people love.
How to Cook Asparagus in a Pressure Cooker
The first step is to properly clean your asparagus. While grocery store asparagus is usually fairly clean, if you are lucky enough to be buying asparagus from a farm stand, you may be wondering how to clean fresh asparagus so that you don't wind up chewing on sand.
Start by soaking the fresh asparagus in cold water. Place the asparagus in a pan and cover it with water. Every once in a while, move the asparagus around, changing the water if needed. After about 5 minutes, rinse the asparagus under cold running water concentrating on the buds where sand can easily get trapped.
Once the asparagus is clean, remove it from the water and let the excess water drain off. Then trim off the thick woody ends of the asparagus stalks which tend to be tough and stringy in texture.
After the asparagus is clean, let's get started cooking it. Place the clean asparagus on the steamer rack inside the instant pot.
If you have a 6 quart instant pot, add 1.5 cups water. If you have an 8 quart instant pot, add 2 cups water.
Next, I like to add a few slices of lemon to the water. This is entirely optional but I just find the subtle hint of lemon on asparagus to be the perfect combination!
Finally, place the lid in place and twist it to the sealing position. Next, close the pressure valve, select the "Steam" setting, and set the cook time for one minute. Yes, you read that right - one minute! The instant pot will take some time to build pressure and then begin cooking. So, it doesn't need much time actually steaming.
When the timer goes off, use quick release and move the pressure valve to the venting position and your asparagus will be perfectly cooked every time!
Serve up instant pot asparagus with a light squeeze of lemon juice, coarse salt, and a sprinkle of lemon pepper.
How to Store Cooked Asparagus
When properly stored, leftover asparagus will be good in the fridge for about three days. Be sure to keep it in a nice airtight container.
Other Variations to Season Asparagus
One of the best things when it comes to making delicious instant pot asparagus is that there are so many different flavors you can add!
- A sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle over some minced fresh garlic cloves
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or even combine it with a touch of soy sauce
- A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
- Add a sprinkle of lemon zest over the top for a more intense lemon flavor than juice alone.
- I also really love it with a rich and creamy hollandaise sauce.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Asparagus
I find that the green, earthy flavor of asparagus makes the perfect side for sweet dishes. It's a really simple side dish that stands up to a variety of meals. I find it's a great addition to meals prepared with ham or pork tenderloin, but is also great with salmon or flounder.
Here are some of my favorite entrees to pair it with asparagus:
Wine Pairing Guide
Asparagus is one of the most difficult vegetables to pair with wine in my opinion. It contains some acids which can easily make the wine taste bitter and metallic.
When it comes to pairing this dish with wine, stay away from oak. Keep it simple with a light-bodied white produced in stainless steel. Try something soft, subtle and slightly floral like a Sancerre or a cooler climate Chardonnay.
Did you know there is a winery in Michigan that makes Asparagus wine?
Expert Tips and FAQS
Here are my top tips for perfect asparagus cooked in the Instant Pot.
- When selecting a bunch of asparagus to buy, choose a bunch with asparagus spears that are consistent in size making it easier to cook evenly.
- Be sure to trim the tough ends off the stalks of asparagus.
- The asparagus cooks quickly, so make sure you stay close and as soon as the instant pot beeps, release the pressure and open the lid to prevent overcooked asparagus.
The best tasting asparagus is in the Spring which is its peak season. Here in Michigan, you can expect to see asparagus around mid-April and the prime season usually wraps up around mid-June.
Asparagus is ready in other states as early as late February. Regardless of where you live in the US, the season is done around mid-June. Asparagus found outside these months is like imported from other places in the world.
It's not necessary to peel the stalks of asparagus except in the case of white asparagus and sometimes the large stalk asparagus can have a more woody stem in which case, peeling it may help.
More Instant Pot Recipes
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card right below! You can also write a review in the comment section further down the page I always appreciate your feedback. And don’t forget to tag me @freshcoasteats in your photos on social media, I'd love to see your results!
Instant Pot Asparagus
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus
- 1.5-2 cups water Use 1.5 cups for a 6 qt and 2 cups for a 8 qt
Instructions
- Prepare your asparagus by thoroughly washing it and removing thick, woody stalk ends.
- Place the asparagus on the steaming rack inside the instant pot.
- Add the required amount of water and lemon slices, if desired.
- Place the cover on the Instant Pot. Lock the lid in place and make sure the pressure valve is in “seal” position.
- Select the Steam option and set the timer for 1 minute.
- When the timer goes off, quickly release the pressure.
- Serve with lemons, a sprinkle of coarse salt and lemon pepper.
Notes
- When selecting a bunch of asparagus to buy, choose a bunch with asparagus spears that are consistent in size making it easier to cook evenly.
- Be sure to trim the tough ends off the stalks of asparagus.
- The asparagus cooks quickly, so make sure you stay close and as soon as the instant pot beeps, release the pressure and open the lid to prevent overcooked asparagus.
Lori Bryan says
I made these tonight. I forgot to buy a lemon at the store. They were cooked to perfection. Will use this recipe again
Karen says
Thanks Lori! I am so glad you loved them 🙂