Parmesan Crusted Asparagus Fries

$To make these tasty Parmesan crusted asparagus fries, gather the following items: - 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed - 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred for extra crunch) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 large eggs - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling You can swap out some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Asparagus: Try zucchini or green beans for a different veggie. - Breadcrumbs: Use crushed cornflakes or almond flour for a gluten-free option. - Parmesan cheese: Grated Pecorino or nutritional yeast can work too. - Eggs: Replace with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option. Each serving of these asparagus fries offers: - Calories: About 150 - Protein: 8 grams - Fat: 7 grams - Carbohydrates: 15 grams - Fiber: 3 grams - Sodium: Varies by salt added These fries are a great snack, packed with nutrients and flavor! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You need: - 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed - 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred for extra crunch) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 large eggs - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling Next, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps make the asparagus crispy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. It makes cleanup easy. In a shallow bowl, whisk the two eggs until they are well beaten. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything combines well. Now, take each asparagus spear. Dip it into the beaten eggs. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, roll the spear in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure it is fully coated. Place the coated asparagus on the baking sheet. Arrange them in a single layer. Make sure they do not touch each other. This helps them crisp up nicely. Lightly spray the asparagus with cooking spray or drizzle olive oil on top. This step adds extra crunch. Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown and crispy. Take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. I love serving these fries with a dipping sauce. You can use marinara or ranch dressing. To make the dish look nice, arrange the asparagus fries on a platter. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. Enjoy your delicious snack! To make your asparagus fries extra crispy, use Panko breadcrumbs. They add more crunch than regular ones. Before baking, spray the fries lightly with cooking spray. This helps them brown better. You can also bake them on a wire rack. This allows air to circulate and makes them crispier. Seasoning is key for flavor. Besides salt and pepper, try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat. You can also mix in some Italian herbs like oregano or thyme. Garlic powder and onion powder are great, too. Feel free to taste the breadcrumb mix before you coat the asparagus. Adjust the spices to fit your taste. For dipping, marinara sauce is a classic choice. It complements the cheese nicely. Ranch dressing is another favorite; it adds a creamy contrast. If you want something zesty, try a homemade garlic aioli. Mix mayo, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. You can even serve them with hummus for a unique twist! Pro Tips Choose the Right Asparagus: Select firm, vibrant green asparagus spears for the best flavor and texture. Thicker spears hold up better during baking. Enhance the Crunch: For extra crunch, consider adding some crushed nuts or seeds to the breadcrumb mixture. Keep It Even: Make sure the asparagus fries are spaced apart on the baking sheet to allow for even cooking and crispiness. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to mix up the spices in the breadcrumb coating. Try adding cayenne for heat or Italian seasoning for a flavor twist. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for even more flavor. Try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. It pairs well with asparagus. If you want a creamier touch, use mozzarella. This makes the fries gooey and delicious. You can even mix cheeses for a unique twist. Mixing cheddar adds a nice sharpness, too. Experimenting with different cheeses can change the whole dish. Spices can really boost the taste of your fries. Adding cayenne pepper gives a nice kick. You can also try Italian seasoning for a herby flavor. A bit of lemon zest can brighten the dish up. For a smoky taste, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. You can even sprinkle some chili powder for a spicy twist. Mixing spices lets you customize your snack to your taste. If you're looking for vegetarian options, this recipe is already friendly. You can make it vegan by using flaxseed meal instead of eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This will help the breadcrumbs stick just like eggs. You can also try coating the asparagus with a bit of hummus before the breadcrumbs. This adds flavor and keeps it plant-based. To store leftover Parmesan crusted asparagus fries, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper. This helps keep them crisp. Store in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat your asparagus fries, use an oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the fries on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer if you have one. It works well too! If you want to freeze them, first let the fries cool completely. Lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can store them for up to two months. To cook from frozen, bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. However, fresh asparagus gives the best taste and texture. If using frozen, thaw it first. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better. To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. Use gluten-free Panko for a crunchy texture. Check the Parmesan cheese label to ensure it is gluten-free. Follow the same steps as in the original recipe for a tasty treat. These asparagus fries pair well with many dips. Try marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli. They also complement a fresh salad or a sandwich. Serve them as a snack or a side dish at dinner. This article simplified making delicious Parmesan crusted asparagus fries. We covered ingredients, substitutions, and nutrition facts. I shared easy steps to prepare and bake, along with serving ideas. Tips helped you achieve that perfect crunch. We explored variations, including cheese choices and vegetarian options. I also provided storage methods and answered common questions. As you try these fries, remember to have fun and get creative! Enjoy your cooking!$

Parmesan Crusted Asparagus Fries

Crispy asparagus fries coated in a delicious Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, perfect as a snack or appetizer.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred for extra crunch)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
as needed cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Dip each asparagus spear into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Place the coated asparagus fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other.
Lightly spray the asparagus fries with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil for added crispiness.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.

Notes

Arrange the asparagus fries on a platter and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve alongside a small bowl of marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.

Keyword appetizer, asparagus, fries, Parmesan, snack