For a healthy and delicious twist on fries, these Crispy Baked Asparagus Fries are a perfect choice. Coated with a crunchy parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust, they’re a great way to enjoy the fresh flavor of asparagus in a fun, snackable form. Whether you’re looking for a side dish, appetizer, or a light snack, these baked asparagus fries are packed with flavor, simple to make, and guilt-free.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds asparagus, trimmed
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan), grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light coating of cooking spray to avoid any sticking. - Prepare the asparagus:
Wash and trim the asparagus, removing the tough ends. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure the coating sticks well. - Set up the dredging station:
- One dish with the flour, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- One dish with the lightly beaten eggs.
- One dish with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Coat the asparagus:
Take each asparagus spear and first dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, coating it completely. Finally, roll the asparagus in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere. - Arrange on the baking sheet:
Place the coated asparagus spears in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap. - Bake until crispy:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the breadcrumb coating is golden brown and crispy. Turn the asparagus fries halfway through the baking time for even crisping. - Serve:
Remove the asparagus fries from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like aioli, ranch, or marinara.
Conclusion:
These Crispy Baked Asparagus Fries are a crunchy, flavorful way to enjoy asparagus. The panko and Parmesan crust adds a delicious texture while keeping them light and healthy. Serve them as a side, snack, or appetizer at your next meal, and enjoy this delightful take on a classic vegetable!