Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. If your machine doesn't have a preheat option, you can simply set it to cook at 400ºF for 3 to 4 minutes, as a warm-up.
To prepare the asparagus, bend each spear towards the bottom and bend until the woody end snaps off. Repeat with the remaining asparagus, until all the woody ends are removed.
Place the asparagus spears in a large bowl, and toss them with olive oil and garlic. Rub well, to make sure each spear is well coated.
Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer in your air fryer basket and sprinkle them generously with the salt. Cook at 400ºF for 6 minutes.
When the timer has gone off, check the asparagus for tenderness by piercing it with a fork. If the asparagus isn't super-thick, it should be done, but you may need to add another 2 minutes more for thicker spears, or if you want a softer result.
It's easy to add more time, so feel free to check on the asparagus until it's as tender as you like.
Serve warm right away, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top to brighten up the flavor, and a pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes, if you like a spicy kick.
Leftover asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, and makes an easy salad topping, or an addition to stir-fries or omelets.
