Parmesan Panko Asparagus Fries

Fresh asparagus spears are blanched, breaded, and baked up hot and crispy in this simple Asparagus Fries recipe.

Delicious and healthy, Crispy Baked Asparagus Fries are an easy side dish that the whole family will love!

Crispy Baked Asparagus Fries

Baked asparagus fries are one of the best sides to make for just about any occasion. Everyone loves them, they’re easy to do, and the crispy, crunchy texture feels like a treat!

Plus, I’ve discovered that even picky eaters will try veggies that are “fried.” Which means that recipes like this can help choosy eaters try new foods and learn to like the taste of veggies, a little at a time.

That’s right, asparagus fries today CAN be a great primer for buttered, steamed asparagus later! And, with this simple recipe, you can even feel good about the “fried” part, because they’re actually baked with a delicious breading that you make yourself. 

What You’ll Need

This is a great basic recipe, and the breading can actually be used to bread all kinds of things, not just asparagus! 

• Asparagus: You’ll need a pound of fresh asparagus spears, with the tough ends trimmed off.
• Egg: 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Parmesan: Using ¼ cup of grated parmesan in the breading helps make the fries flavorful and crispy.
• Panko: These are my favorite kind of bread crumbs, but you can use whatever bread crumbs you like or have on hand.
• Paprika, Salt & Pepper: You’ll need ⅛ teaspoon of each one.
• Cooking Spray: I recommend cooking sprays that are made of 100% oil, without additives.

How To Make Parmesan Asparagus Fries

This recipe is super easy! All you have to do is blanch the asparagus for a few minutes in boiling water, then dry, bread, and bake!

1. Prep Oven, Baking Sheet & Asparagus: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set the baking sheet aside. While the oven heats, fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook for 5 minutes. Drain, and pat the asparagus dry with paper towels.
2. Add Breading: Beat one egg in a shallow dish. In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko, Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt and pepper. Dip each asparagus into the egg, then into the bread crumb mixture; press the panko crumbs mixture with your fingers to make it stick to the asparagus. 
3. Bake. Place the asparagus fries in a single layer, not touching, on the baking sheet. Lightly spray on top with cooking spray. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Tips for Success

To help you get the crispiest, tastiest baked asparagus fries, here are a few helpful tips! Enjoy!

• Gluten-Free Crumbs: To make this dish low carb and without gluten, try using pork-rind Panko.
• Single Layer Only: Keep things as crispy as possible by baking the asparagus in a single layer, not touching. If you transfer them to a platter or wire rack, keep them in a single layer while cooling so they don’t get soggy.
• Substitutions: Feel free to use your favorite seasoned salt instead of the salt, paprika, and pepper in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

What should you serve asparagus fries with? Honestly, anything! They’re super versatile and even kid-friendly.

• Salmon: These Maple-Mustard Salmon Fillets are lovely with a side of crispy asparagus fries! It’s such a flavorful, spring-like combo.
• Chicken Marsala: The warm and nutty flavor of Marsala wine goes perfectly with chicken and mushrooms, and so does asparagus! So yummy! Try Chicken Marsala with asparagus fries, you won’t regret it!
• Flank Steak: Steak and asparagus are a classic, especially when it’s this delicious Grilled Flank Steak with Bleu Cheese Butter.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Store cooled leftovers in shallow, airtight containers. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the leftovers in a preheated, 350°F oven until hot and crispy, about 10-20 minutes.

Can I Freeze Asparagus Fries?

• Yes, you can! Place leftover spears in a single layer on a tray or baking sheet, and place them in the freezer until frozen solid. Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to 2 months.
• Reheat directly from frozen (they will take longer to heat).

Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Crispy Baked Asparagus Fries

Fresh asparagus spears are blanched, breaded, and baked up hot and crispy in this simple Baked Asparagus Fries recipe.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: asparagus fries, roasted asparagus parmesan, veggie fries

Servings: 4

Calories: 80kcal

Author: Katerina | Easy Weeknight Recipes

Equipment

• Oven

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed off
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup grated parmesan
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ⅛ teaspoon paprika
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• Cooking spray

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• Fill a wide and deep pan or pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
• Add asparagus to the boiling water and cook for 5 minutes.
• Drain and pat dry the asparagus.
• In the meantime, place beaten egg in a shallow dish.
• In a separate shallow dish, combine panko, parmesan, paprika, salt and pepper.
• Dip each asparagus into the egg, then roll into the breadcrumb mixture; press the panko crumbs mixture with your fingers to make it stick to the asparagus.
• Transfer asparagus to the baking sheet. Spray on top with cooking spray.
• Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
• Remove from oven and let stand couple minutes.
• Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 214mg | Potassium: 262mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1002IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 3mg

Other Easy Vegetable Recipes

It’s always nice to have some healthy veggie recipes on hand, so I’ve gathered a few tasty ones below. Enjoy!

• Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
• Garlic Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Easy Roasted Vegetables