Try these crispy baked asparagus fries as a healthy alternative to regular fries! These fries aren't deep-fried. Instead, they're baked until crunchy and golden, coated in parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. If you love French fries, this is the recipe for you.
Crispy parmesan asparagus is a great side to any main. They've got to be my favorite way to eat asparagus.
When creating recipes, the key is "quick and easy"; that's what you'll love about these healthy asparagus fries.
If you like this recipe, try these two scrumptious side dishes: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries and Baked Asparagus Dip.
Jump To
- 🛒 Ingredients For Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Fries
- What Readers Say
- 🥣 How To Make Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Fries
- Can I Air Fry these Asparagus Fries?
- Tools You'll Need
- 📋 Tips For Yummy Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Fries
- How do I make sure the coating sticks to the asparagus?
- ➡️ Storing and Leftovers
- Can I Make These Fries Ahead of Time?
- How To Serve Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Fries
- Easy Appetizer Recipes
- Did You Try This Recipe?
- 📖Recipe
- Crispy Asparagus Parmesan Fries: FAQs
- You'll Also Love
- 💬 Comments
🛒 Ingredients For Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Fries
Here's what to gather to make delicious crispy asparagus spear fries:
- Asparagus - Use thicker asparagus, not baby asparagus, and avoid thin asparagus for this recipe. Trim and cut them to the same size. Try zucchini as an alternative to asparagus.
- Seasonings - These baked asparagus fries already have salty parmesan, so be careful not to add too much salt. A little salt and pepper is enough.
- Panko - Or use regular breadcrumbs for the crispy golden crust.
- Parmesan cheese - Any similar aged dry cheese should work, but finely grated parmesan cheese works best for the recipe.
👩🍳 You'll find the complete list of ingredients below the recipe card.
What Readers Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tried the asparagus fries recipe and loved how it turned out! Perfect crisp and flavor. Thanks for sharing, Rita!
- Jenn, our reader
🥣 How To Make Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Fries
Here are the steps for how to make crispy asparagus in oven:
- Preheat the oven to 425 F. Prepare the asparagus, wash and rinse, trim off the thick ends.
- Line up 3 separate bowls: beaten eggs, flour, and panko whisked with parmesan, salt, and pepper. A shallow dish is easiest for this.
- Dip the asparagus in flour, one at a time, until fully coated. Then, dip them in the egg mixture and, finally, into the breading mixture.
- Place asparagus on a large baking sheet in one layer, separate from each other. You may need to do this in batches. For easy cleanup, use parchment paper underneath the asparagus.
- Bake them in the oven for 10 minutes until the panko bread crumbs have turned golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with ranch dressing as the dipping sauce, simple mayonnaise, or lighter sauce dressing.
🦐 Make Next: Sheet Pan Shrimp and Asparagus
Can I Air Fry these Asparagus Fries?
Yes, you can use an air fryer. Cook them at 375°F for about 7-10 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Tools You'll Need
📋 Tips For Yummy Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Fries
- Don't overcook the asparagus: Asparagus fries can cook quickly, so monitor them closely to prevent them from burning. They are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.
- Choose the right asparagus: Choose thicker asparagus spears rather than thin ones for a better texture and crunch.
- Trim uniformly: Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and cut them to the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Space out on the baking sheet: Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer on the baking sheet, allowing enough space between them to ensure they crisp up evenly.
- Customize the recipe: Try adding other flavors, such as garlic powder, chili, or sesame seeds, to the coating.
How do I make sure the coating sticks to the asparagus?
Ensure each spear is thoroughly coated with flour before dipping it into the egg mixture. Then, press the panko mixture onto the asparagus to help it adhere better.
➡️ Storing and Leftovers
- 🍱To Store: Pack leftover baked asparagus into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. Eat them within 2-3 days. Note that they will not be as crispy the second time around.
- 🥶To Freeze: These asparagus fries are not suitable for freezing.
- 🔥To Reheat: Flash leftover asparagus fries in the oven or microwave for a few minutes and seconds, respectively.
Can I Make These Fries Ahead of Time?
For the best texture, I recommend preparing and baking the asparagus fresh.
However, you can bread the asparagus ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
How To Serve Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Fries
Like many other similar crispy side dishes, you can serve these "healthier than French fries" parmesan asparagus fries as a part of an appetizer table.
They're lovely with your favorite dipping sauce! Serve with mashed potatoes, green salads, and baked or grilled meats. Serve as a side to these salmon burgers and this taco slaw.
🌱🍴 Have more asparagus? Try our favorite asparagus recipes next: Asparagus Dip, Roasted Asparagus, or 4-minute Pan Fried Asparagus.
Easy Appetizer Recipes
📖Recipe
Crispy Parmesan Fries (Baked Not Fried!)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds thick asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425°F.
- Set up your dipping station: Prepare three bowls: one with beaten eggs, one with flour, and one with a mix of panko, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.1 cup panko breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, kosher salt to taste, black pepper to taste, 2 large eggs, ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Coat the asparagus: Dip each asparagus spear in flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Next, dip it in the egg mixture, and finally, roll it in the panko mixture. This last step is crucial for a crispy finish.1 ½ pounds thick asparagus
- Arrange for baking: Place the breaded asparagus on a large baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch. You might need to bake them in batches.
- Bake: Bake for about 10 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Enjoy your crispy fries with ranch dressing or a light dipping sauce of your choice.
Video
Notes
- Choosing asparagus: Select firm, vibrant green fresh asparagus. Thinner spears work best for this recipe, as they become crispy more easily.
- Preparation tip: To trim asparagus, simply bend each spear until it naturally snaps. This removes the tough, woody ends.
- Flavor variations: Feel free to add garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning to the panko mixture for extra flavor.
- Batch baking: If baking in batches, keep the cooked fries warm in a low oven (about 200°F) while you finish the remaining batches.
- Serving suggestions: These fries pair well with various dipping sauces, such as aioli, tzatziki, or spicy mayo. Experiment to find your favorite.
Nutrition
Crispy Asparagus Parmesan Fries: FAQs
Whizzing through this post? Here are some top queries about this recipe and why they're a great alternative to fries:
Yes, you can use gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs as a substitute to make this recipe gluten-free. Make sure to use gluten-free flour as well.
Bake the asparagus in a single layer without overcrowding the baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate properly and keeps the fries crispy.
Fresh asparagus is recommended for the best texture. Frozen asparagus tends to have more moisture, which can result in soggy fries.
Asparagus fries are best enjoyed immediately after baking. If you need to store them, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Ranch dressing, aioli, tzatziki, spicy mayo, or even a simple squeeze of lemon juice can complement the flavors of crispy asparagus fries.
For a dairy-free option, you can substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast or try other hard cheeses like pecorino romano as a substitute for a panko and parmesan coating.
Leave the egg out completely and just use flour, crumbs, and a little oil so the coating will stick.
Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used as an alternative to panko, though the texture might be slightly different.
These baked asparagus fries are a wonderful healthy alternative to traditional fries!
Tried the asparagus fries recipe and loved how it turned out! Perfect crisp and flavor. Thanks for sharing, Rita!
Thank you Jenny!
I grow my own asparagus and using them in this recipe was a game changer. If anyone's interested, asparagus plants are perennials and pretty easy to grow. Adds a nice touch to the recipe when you can say it's truly home-made!
Can anyone tell if I can make this with frozen asparagus? Got loads in my freezer.
Sara, i am afraid that frozen won’t work as the fries will turn soggy
Loved this! Quick to make and the kids actually ate their greens for once. Win-win!
Followed the recipe to a T. While the texture was spot-on, I felt it lacked a bit in flavor. Perhaps a dash more seasoning would do the trick. Overall, a solid attempt.
I decided to experiment with this recipe by adding a drizzle of truffle oil before serving. It was a hit at my dinner party! Highly recommend trying this little twist.
what a great tip, thanks Carla!
I just tried making the Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Fries using your recipe, Rita, and they turned out perfectly crisp and delicious! It's so refreshing to find a healthier snacking option that doesn't skimp on flavor. I'm definitely adding this to my go-to recipe list. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Sarah for your review, I'm glad you liked these!
hey, can someone tell me if it's ok to use frozen asparagus for the fries? got a big bag and thinking to use it for this recipe. sounds yummy tho!
Hi TerryJ, I've tried using frozen asparagus before, and it works but make sure to thaw and dry them really well to avoid sogginess. Fresh definitely gives the best crunch though!
Hi Terry, frozen might not work for this recipe, fries won't turn out crispy.
I've made asparagus like this for years, thank you for sharing another variation!!!
Thank you Mike for your review, glad you liked my version!
Oh my god, these were scrumptious!
Thank you Ellie, glad you liked these!
delicious recipe, my favorite way to eat asparagus!
Thank you Alex, glad you liked this.