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Golden baked asparagus fries coated in crispy parmesan breadcrumbs, served on parchment paper with red dipping sauce.

Parmesan Asparagus Fries: 5 Ingredients, 35 Minutes

Crispy, flavorful asparagus spears coated in a savory Parmesan crust, air-fried to perfection in under 35 minutes with just five simple ingredients. A quick and healthy side dish or appetizer!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Asparagus spears tough ends trimmed
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt to taste

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash and thoroughly dry the asparagus spears. Snap or cut off the tough, woody ends from each spear.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the trimmed asparagus spears with olive oil until they are evenly coated.
  4. In a small separate bowl, combine the finely grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well.
  5. Add the oil-coated asparagus to the bowl with the Parmesan mixture. Toss gently until each spear is thoroughly coated. For best results, use your hands to press the Parmesan mixture onto the asparagus to ensure it sticks well.
  6. Arrange the coated asparagus in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. You will likely need to cook in 2-3 batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  7. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping the asparagus halfway through, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the Parmesan coating is golden brown and crispy. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your asparagus and air fryer model.
  8. Transfer the cooked Parmesan Asparagus Fries to a serving platter and serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs to the Parmesan mixture (though this would add a 6th ingredient). Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.