Description
Crispy Asparagus Asiago Spears are a delicious and healthy snack, featuring tender asparagus coated in a crunchy panko and cheese crust.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 medium fresh asparagus spears, ends trimmed, approximately 1 pound
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely grated Asiago cheese, plus 2 tablespoons for garnish
- 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus extra to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
- Lemon wedges for serving
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish, optional
- Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
- Dipping sauce of choice: aioli, lemon-garlic yogurt sauce, or marinara
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, spreading it lightly, or coat with cooking spray.
- Rinse asparagus spears thoroughly and pat dry. Snap or cut off the woody ends, discarding trimmings.
- Arrange three shallow bowls: flour in the first, egg and milk whisked together in the second, and a mixture of panko, 1/2 cup Asiago, optional Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in the third.
- Dredge each asparagus spear in flour and shake off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the panko-Asiago mixture, pressing gently to ensure adherence.
- Place coated spears in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between each spear.
- Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over coated spears or spray lightly with cooking spray. Turn spears to ensure even oil coverage.
- Bake on middle oven rack for 10 to 14 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp, adjusting timing based on thickness: thin spears 8-10 minutes, medium 10-12 minutes, thick 12-14 minutes.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons Asiago cheese, season with additional salt if desired, and garnish with parsley or chives and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve hot with lemon wedges and dipping sauce.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh asparagus.
- Adjust spices to taste for your preferred flavor level.
- Can be served as an appetizer or side dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg