Crispy Asparagus

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This crispy asparagus is an easy and delicious side dish you can make any day of the week! It’s a roasted asparagus with parmesan that comes out crispy and never mushy.

An oval baking dish filled with roasted asparagus topped with golden brown parmesan cheese.

I used to hate vegetables. When I moved into my own place and learned how to cook, all I knew how to make was steamed broccoli. And let me tell you – I would be happy to never eat another steamed vegetable again!

If you feel the same way as me, then you should seriously consider crossing over to roasted vegetables. They leave the vegetables slightly crispy (not mushy), and the roasting deepens many vegetables’ sweetness. 

Other tasty, crispy vegetable recipes I love are Oven Roasted Broccoli with Garlic, Air Fryer Cauliflower, and Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.

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❤️Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oven-roasted asparagus deepens the flavor and pairs so well with the toasty parmesan cheese. Here are a couple of other reasons why I think you’ll love this recipe.

Crispy, not soggy: This crispy asparagus recipe comes out crispy, buttery, and packed with flavor.

Quick & easy: This recipe takes just a few minutes to put together and roasts in the oven for just 6 minutes!

📋Ingredients

A cooking sheet filled with fresh asparagus.

Scroll to the bottom for the complete list of ingredient measurements and printable recipe card.

📖 Ingredient Swaps

Breadcrumbs: Some people perfer the crunch of breadcrumbs add to their topping. If you want to add breadcrumbs, use half parmesan cheese and half breadcrumbs.

Seasoning: If you want to try a different seasoning combination, Everything but the Bagel Seasoning is a great choice.

🔪Step-by-Step Instructions

Fresh asparagus lined up on a foiled lined baking sheet and coated in seasonings.
Step 1:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange the asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place asparagus in the oven for 5 minutes.
Roasted asparagus laid out on a baking sheet and topped with golden brown parmesan cheese.
Step 2: Remove asparagus from the oven and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Set oven to broil and place asparagus back in the oven for 1 minute, until cheese is golden brown. Serve immediately.

👩🏻‍🍳Expert Cooking Tips

Choose fresh asparagus: Look for firm, bright green stalks with closed, compact tips. Avoid any that appear wilted or have a strong odor.

Trim the ends: Asparagus has a tough woody end that should be removed before cooking. Hold a stalk of asparagus near the bottom and bend it until it snaps. Discard the tough end and use the snapped piece as a guide to trim the remaining stalks.

Wash and dry: Rinse the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or sand. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel to ensure proper cooking.

Cooking times vary: Depending on the thickness of your asparagus, it may cook faster or slower. Keep an eye on your asparagus and pull it out of the oven just as soon as they become tender and slightly crispy. You do not want overcooked asparagus.

Don’t crowd the pan: Keep the asparagus spaced out on the cooking sheet. Avoid overcrowding as that can prevent the vegetable from crisping up.

💭Recipe FAQs

How do you make asparagus crispy not soggy?

To make asparagus crispy rather than soggy, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, it’s important to properly dry the asparagus after washing it. Excess moisture can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Use a kitchen towel to pat the asparagus spears dry before cooking.

Another essential factor is the cooking method. Roasting or grilling the asparagus at a higher temperature helps to achieve a crispy texture. These methods allow the moisture to evaporate and the asparagus to develop a delicious char and slight crunch. Aim for a temperature around 400°F when roasting, and ensure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat for grilling.

Additionally, don’t overcrowd the asparagus on the baking sheet or grill. Arrange the spears in a single layer to ensure even heat distribution and proper airflow, which promotes crispiness. Finally, avoid overcooking the asparagus. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat source when it reaches the desired level of crispness. This will help retain its crunch and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Should asparagus be crunchy when cooked?

The desired texture of cooked asparagus can vary depending on personal preference and the cooking method used. Some people enjoy asparagus that is still slightly crunchy, while others prefer it to be more tender. It ultimately comes down to personal taste.

If you enjoy a bit of crunch in your asparagus, you can aim for a shorter cooking time, such as blanching or sautéing, which will result in a more crisp texture. On the other hand, if you prefer more tender and soft asparagus, methods like roasting or steaming for a longer duration will yield a softer texture.

It’s important to note that asparagus should not be overly tough or stringy when cooked. The ideal texture should be firm yet tender, with a slight bite. Ultimately, experiment with different cooking times and methods to find the perfect balance of crunchiness and tenderness that suits your taste.

Should you soak asparagus in water before cooking?

No, it is generally not necessary to soak asparagus in water before cooking. Asparagus is a relatively delicate vegetable, and soaking it can cause it to become waterlogged and lose some of its natural texture and flavor. Unlike some other vegetables, like dried beans, which benefit from soaking to soften and rehydrate, asparagus doesn’t require pre-soaking.

Instead, it is recommended to simply rinse the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or debris before cooking. Patting it dry with a kitchen towel afterward ensures that excess moisture is removed, allowing for better cooking results.

Should you salt asparagus when cooking?

Yes, salting asparagus when cooking is generally recommended. Salt helps to enhance the natural flavors of the asparagus and adds a savory taste to the dish. When you season asparagus with salt before or during cooking, it helps to bring out its deliciousness and balances the overall flavor profile.

The salt also helps to tenderize the asparagus slightly and can draw out any excess moisture, resulting in a better texture.

However, it’s important not to oversalt the asparagus, as it can overpower the delicate flavors. Start with a moderate amount of salt and adjust according to your taste preference.

Additionally, you can experiment with other seasonings and herbs to complement the asparagus, such as pepper, garlic, or lemon zest, to create a well-rounded and flavorful dish.

🥘Serve this with…

Pair crispy asparagus with one of these fantastic main dishes for a well-rounded meal.

A picture showing the cover images for all three cookbooks written by Aileen Clark.

If you tried this Crispy Asparagus Recipe or any other recipe on my website, I would love it if you could leave me a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the 📝 comments below. ❤️

Roasted asparagus topped with parmesan in an oval serving dish.

Crispy Asparagus Recipe

Aileen Clark
This crispy asparagus is an easy and delicious side dish you can make any day of the week! It's a roasted asparagus with parmesan that comes out crispy and never mushy.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Course Side Dish Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 79 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound asparagus
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a cookie sheet with foil. Wash and trim the ends of the asparagus.
  • Arrange asparagus on the cookie sheet in a single layer and drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Roast asparagus for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Set oven to broil and place asparagus back in the oven for 1 minute, until cheese is golden brown. Remove asparagus from the oven and serve immediately.

Notes

Choose fresh asparagus: Look for firm, bright green stalks with closed, compact tips. Avoid any that appear wilted or have a strong odor.
Trim the ends: Asparagus has a tough woody end that should be removed before cooking. Hold a stalk of asparagus near the bottom and bend it until it snaps. Discard the tough end and use the snapped piece as a guide to trim the remaining stalks.
Wash and dry: Rinse the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or sand. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel to ensure proper cooking.
Cooking times vary: Depending on the thickness of your asparagus, it may cook faster or slower. Keep an eye on your asparagus and pull it out of the oven just as soon as they become tender and slightly crispy. You do not want overcooked asparagus.
Don’t crowd the pan: Keep the asparagus spaced out on the cooking sheet. Avoid overcrowding as that can prevent the vegetable from crisping up.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 79kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 5gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 393mgPotassium: 240mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 907IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 102mgIron: 3mg
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