How to Grill Asparagus in Foil
This easy grilled asparagus recipe is a fantastic side dish to just about any meal that is made with just a few ingredients, and takes less than 10 minutes to make! Once you learn how to grill asparagus in foil, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again. While I’ve kept the seasonings quite simple, you can really add whatever seasonings sound good – lemon pepper seasoning, a squeeze of lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese are faves over here. When local asparagus season is here, we eat this healthy side dish on repeat!
If you love asparagus recipes, be sure to try my asparagus tartine, spring chicken saute, or grilled salmon in foil (includes asparagus!) next time.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
What You’ll Love About Asparagus Grilled in Foil
- Versatile side dish that goes with any main
- Delicious and let’s the asparagus shine
- Made with just 3 ingredients
- Just 6+ minutes cook time
Ingredients
- Asparagus – Look for fresh asparagus. I recommend looking for thicker stalks (it’s actually a good thing!) so they don’t overcook.
- Olive oil – Use a high quality oil for best flavor. You could also use a pat of butter or chimichurri compound butter instead of the oil if you prefer.
- Salt – I use sea salt to season and flaky salt to finish.
How to Grill Asparagus
This is an overview on how to cook asparagus on the grill, the detailed instructions can be found below in the recipe card.
TIP: Open up foil packs as soon as you take it off the grill, or it will keep cooking and will get mushy.
FAQs
How long to grill asparagus in foil?
The exact grill time will depend on the size of asparagus as well as how hot your grill is. I recommend checking at about 6 minutes to test them, usually 6-8 minutes is just right for a tender-crisp asparagus spear.
Why is my asparagus soggy?
If your asparagus is soggy, it’s been overcooked! Be sure to check it at 6 minutes so that you don’t overcook it. And if you’re cooking in foil packets, be sure to open up the packets right away after you take them off the grill or they will continue cooking.
Should you peel asparagus before cooking?
You don’t need to peel the asparagus before cooking, but you should trim the ends of asparagus (which is the tough part) before cooking.
You can also peel raw asparagus and eat it in salads or put it on a sandwich like this asparagus tartine.
Are thin stalks or thick stalks better?
While I thought thin asparagus was superior for a long time, the thick asparagus spears are actually better! And once you try them out, I think you’ll agree. The thicker spears have more flavor and are more tender as the fiber is less concentrated.
Can I use a grill basket instead?
Yes, you can also grill the asparagus in a grill basket, follow the same directions and spread out spears in a single layer and grill for about 6-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your asparagus.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How to reheat
Reheat asparagus in a hot skillet or the microwave until heated through or serve at room temperature or chilled.
Can you freeze grilled asparagus?
You can freeze cooked asparagus, but it alters the texture a bit, so it depends on your preferences. I prefer to eat it all instead of freezing. 🙂
What to Serve with Grilled Asparagus
This is the perfect side dish to a summer main dish:
How to Feed Asparagus to the Whole Family
I get it, feeding kids can be tough! But following the Division of Responsibility and knowing your job and your child’s job makes it SO much more enjoyable. You’ll be able to feed your kids any meal, which will help ensure that they are eating a variety of nutritious foods – with plenty of play food sprinkled in.
If asparagus is a new food, serve one spear to your kids and serve it alongside a dip or dressing if you want to add a little extra enticement without pressure.
More Veggie Side Dishes
If you like this delicious side dish, be sure to try some of the other veggie favorites:
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Grilled Asparagus in Foil
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (small) 1x
- Category: Side
- Method: Grill
Description
Learn how to grill asparagus in foil so that you don’t lose any spears through the grate! Simple ingredients and ready in 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. bunch asparagus
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 tsp. sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high direct heat.
- Trim woody end of asparagus stalk by snapping or cutting it off. Add asparagus to a large piece of aluminum foil or to a grill basket.
- Drizzle asparagus with olive oil and season with sea salt. Roll up foil packet by rolling over long edges together and then folding each end to crimp shut.
- Grill foil packets for 5-8 minutes, until tender, but not stringy and mushy. Immediately open up foil packet or the asparagus will continue to cook and could potentially overcook.
- Finish with flaky sea salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- The grill time will depend on the thickness of your asparagus stalks, so be sure to adjust for thinner or thicker stalks.
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