Description
Crispy Asparagus Asiago Spears are a delightful snack featuring tender asparagus coated in a crunchy mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Asiago cheese, perfect for dipping.
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°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Rinse asparagus spears thoroughly and pat dry. Snap or cut off the woody ends and discard.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with whisked egg and milk, and one with the panko mixture combined with Asiago, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Dredge asparagus spears in flour, dip into the egg mixture, and coat with the panko-Agiago mixture.
- Place coated spears in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle remaining olive oil over the spears or spray with cooking spray and gently turn to ensure even coverage.
- Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy. Adjust cooking time based on spear thickness.
- Optional: Broil for 1 to 2 minutes for a deeper golden crust, watching closely.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining Asiago cheese and additional salt if desired, and garnish with parsley or chives and red pepper flakes.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and your chosen dipping sauce.
Notes
- Adjust baking time depending on the thickness of the asparagus spears.
- The Parmesan cheese is optional but adds extra flavor.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the baking sheet for optimal crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 6 spears)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg