Oh, asparagus, you crunchy green wonder! I used to think these spears were just for fancy dinners, but then I discovered their potential for crispy, cheesy greatness. Imagine a world where veggies are as addictive as fries—sprinkled with Parmesan, baked to a golden perfection, and ready to be dunked into your favorite sauce. Yes, I went there.
Steps
- Prepare the asparagus by snapping off the tough ends from a pound of thicker spears.
- In one shallow bowl, mix together seasoned panko crumbs and shredded Parmesan cheese.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk together two large eggs and two tablespoons of all-purpose flour until smooth.
- Dip each asparagus spear into the egg-flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
- Roll the coated asparagus in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere. Spray each one with olive oil.
- For the air fryer method, arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them at 380°F for 6 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- If baking, preheat the oven to 425°F and spray a sheet pan with oil. Place the breaded asparagus on the pan, spray with oil, and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, turning them once midway, until they are golden and tender.
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus (approximately 20 spears, with tough ends removed)
- 2/3 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free seasoned panko)
- 2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (or dairy-free Parmesan alternative)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Olive oil spray
Nutritional Values
Calories: 440 kcal | Carbohydrates: 60 g | Protein: 30 g | Fat: 16 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Cholesterol: 220 mg | Sodium: 834 mg | Fiber: 8 g | Sugar: 8 g
FAQ
- What is the best way to make Parmesan asparagus fries crispy?
- To achieve crispy Parmesan asparagus fries, make sure to coat the asparagus spears thoroughly in the egg-flour batter before rolling them in the Parmesan and panko mixture. Spray them generously with olive oil before cooking, whether using an air fryer or an oven.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
- Yes, you can substitute regular panko crumbs and flour with gluten-free versions and use dairy-free Parmesan to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.
- How should I store leftover asparagus fries?
- Store any leftover asparagus fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness.
- What are some good pairings for asparagus fries?
- Asparagus fries pair well with main dishes such as shrimp, air fryer steaks, baked salmon, or roasted chicken. They also go well with sides like smashed sweet potatoes or roasted butternut squash. For a dipping sauce, consider serving them with ranch or garlic aioli.
- How do I bake the asparagus fries if I don’t have an air fryer?
- Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the breaded asparagus on a greased baking sheet, and spray them with olive oil. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden and tender.
Tips
- Opt for thicker asparagus spears for this recipe, as they hold up better during the coating and cooking process compared to thinner spears.
- If you’re using regular panko crumbs, enhance the flavor by adding seasonings such as onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and dried herbs.
- For best results, spray the asparagus generously with olive oil before cooking to ensure a crispy texture.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the asparagus fries in the oven. Preheat to 425°F and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Equipment
- Air Fryer (if opting for the air fryer method)
- Olive Oil Spray Bottle (for applying oil evenly)
- Large Shallow Bowls (for dredging and coating the asparagus)
- Sheet Pan (if opting for the oven method)
