Description
These Crispy Baked Asparagus Fries are a delicious and healthy snack or side dish featuring tender asparagus spears coated in a savory parmesan and panko breadcrumb mixture, then baked to golden perfection. Lightly parboiled before baking to retain a tender-crisp texture, these fries offer a crunchy, flavorful alternative to traditional fried snacks.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed off
Breaded Coating
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Others
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for crisping the asparagus fries.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for assembling the fries.
- Blanch Asparagus: Fill a wide and deep pot with 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Add the trimmed asparagus and cook for 5 minutes to soften slightly while retaining crispness.
- Drain and Dry: Drain the asparagus and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the coating adhere better.
- Prepare Egg Wash: Pour the lightly beaten egg into a shallow dish for dipping.
- Mix Coating: In a separate shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Coat Asparagus: Dip each asparagus spear into the egg wash, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently with your fingers so the coating sticks well.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated asparagus spears onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Apply Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the tops of the asparagus fries with cooking spray to promote browning and crispness in the oven.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crunchy.
- Rest: Remove the fries from the oven and let them stand for a couple of minutes to set the crispy texture.
- Serve: Serve the crispy baked asparagus fries warm as a tasty appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- Blanching asparagus before coating prevents the fries from drying out during baking and helps keep the inside tender.
- You can substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust paprika and seasoning to your taste for added flavor.
- For extra crispiness, consider broiling for the last 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as garlic aioli, ranch, or marinara.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
