Oven-Baked Asparagus Fries with Roasted Garlic Aioli: A Crispy & Healthy Snack
Craving a crispy, satisfying snack without the guilt? Ditch the potatoes and try this top-rated recipe for Baked Asparagus Fries with Roasted Garlic Aioli. This healthy alternative to traditional fries delivers incredible flavor and a satisfying crunch. The recipe is also air fryer-friendly, offering a quicker cooking option!
These Baked Asparagus Fries are a revelation. How can something be considered “fries” without being deep-fried and still taste amazing? The crispy, parmesan-crusted spears combined with the creamy, flavorful roasted garlic aioli create an addictive combination. You’ll be reaching for these before you even think about peeling a potato.
This recipe offers versatility. Bake these crispy treats in the oven or use an air fryer for a faster cooking time. No matter which method you choose, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy and crunchy asparagus. Paired with the irresistible aioli, this recipe is a kid-friendly way to enjoy asparagus and become a new family favorite.
What Makes These Asparagus Fries Irresistible?
- Ultra-Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumb coating ensures a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Healthier Than French Fries: Asparagus is packed with fiber, potassium, and Vitamin K, making these fries a nutritious snack or side dish. You can feel good about serving these homemade asparagus fries.
- Quick Air Fryer Option: Enjoy perfectly crispy asparagus fries in just 12 minutes using an air fryer.
- Addictive Roasted Garlic Aioli: Elevate your dipping game with a creamy, tangy aioli made with roasted garlic and lemon juice. This dip is so good, you’ll want to put it on everything!
Ingredients for Asparagus Fries and Roasted Garlic Aioli
For the Aioli:
- Garlic: Choose a firm and heavy head of garlic with a papery white or purplish husk. Avoid garlic with green sprouts. The roasting process transforms the garlic into a sweet and mellow flavor that is perfect for the aioli.
- Olive Oil: Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil adds the best flavor and richness to the aioli. The quality of the olive oil will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- Mayonnaise: Use high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise as the base of the aioli. The mayonnaise provides the creamy texture and helps bind the flavors together. Avoid light or low-fat mayonnaise for the best results.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and tanginess to the aioli, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and roasted garlic.
For the Asparagus Fries:
- Asparagus: Select thin spears of asparagus. Thinner spears are more tender and less fibrous compared to thicker ones. Fresh, vibrant green asparagus will yield the best flavor and texture.
- Egg Whites: Egg whites create a light, crispy coating that helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the asparagus stalks. The egg whites act as a binder and provide a delicate crispness when baked or air-fried. Save the egg yolks for other culinary uses, like glazing baked goods such as homemade soft pretzels.
- Mayonnaise: A touch of mayonnaise mixed with the egg whites helps the mixture stick to the asparagus stems. The mayonnaise adds moisture and richness, ensuring the breadcrumbs coat the asparagus evenly.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs with larger, crunchier flakes than traditional breadcrumbs. They provide a superior crispy texture. Look for them in the international foods aisle of your grocery store. Use any leftover breadcrumbs as a super-crunchy topping for roasted garlic mac and cheese.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor and freshness to the breadcrumb mixture. Choose flat-leaf parsley (also called Italian parsley) for its superior flavor compared to curly parsley, which is typically used for garnishes.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese seasons the breadcrumb coating with salty, umami flavor. It enhances the overall taste and adds a savory element to the asparagus fries. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Cooking Spray: Cooking spray allows you to lightly and evenly coat the asparagus for a maximum “fried” texture without using excessive oil. It promotes even browning and crisping.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Pro tip: To keep asparagus crisp and fresh before making these asparagus fries, store it in the refrigerator standing in a bowl or large mug filled with water. This helps maintain its moisture and firmness.
Tips for Perfect Breading Adhesion
How do you get a crispy coating to stick to a slippery food like asparagus? The secret ingredient is mayonnaise!
After making the roasted garlic aioli, save a squeeze of mayonnaise and whisk it into the egg whites. The mayonnaise helps the eggs adhere to the asparagus spears, giving the panko crumbs something to grab onto. The combination of egg white and mayonnaise ensures even distribution and provides a binder for the breadcrumbs.
This technique isn’t just for this breaded asparagus recipe. The recipe for baked onion rings combines mayonnaise with egg whites as well. Use this method any time you need to coat an ingredient with egg to help breading adhere. Consider using this method for zucchini fries, eggplant fries, or even chicken tenders.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
You don’t need a pot of hot oil to make these delicious parmesan asparagus fries. The oven is the key.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven preheats, whisk together the egg whites and mayonnaise in a shallow baking dish. In another shallow baking dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. The oven temperature is critical for achieving the desired crispness without burning the asparagus.
Dip each asparagus spear in the egg mixture to coat it completely, then dredge it in the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the spears to make sure they adhere well. Spread the spears on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch between them. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Lightly spray the spears with cooking spray and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden and crispy. Serve immediately with the roasted garlic aioli. Check the fries halfway through baking and rotate the baking sheet for even browning.
Quick & Easy Air Fryer Method
While the oven works its magic to create crispy asparagus fries, the air fryer offers an even faster option! The countertop appliance delivers shatteringly crispy asparagus fries in less time than an oven.
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Add the coated asparagus spears, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Overcrowding will result in steamed, rather than crispy, asparagus. Set the timer for just 10-12 minutes. You may need to cook the asparagus in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Making the Best Roasted Garlic Aioli
Roasted garlic aioli is the perfect complement to asparagus, especially when the star is an entire head of roasted garlic. Roasting brings out the sweetness of the garlic and mellows its pungent flavor. Once the garlic is soft and golden-brown, simply squeeze the roasted cloves into a mixture of mayonnaise and fresh lemon juice. Mix well and add salt and pepper to taste. In an instant, you’ve created a simple dip (or sandwich spread!). The aioli enhances this dish into an easy asparagus appetizer for your next get-together.
Essential Tips and Tricks for Asparagus Fries
- The secret to crispy asparagus fries is to cook them quickly at a high temperature. A generous spritz of cooking spray moistens the panko coating and creates a fantastic crunch. Don’t skip this step!
- Trim the asparagus by cutting off just enough of the ends to remove the most fibrous part. To easily find the right spot, hold the end of the asparagus in one hand and the middle in the other. Bend the asparagus spear until it breaks. This is the perfect place to cut, and you can use that piece to guide you as you trim the remaining spears.
- If you’re short on time, sauté about 2 teaspoons of minced garlic in olive oil for 30 seconds to 1 minute until lightly golden. Let it cool and stir it into the mayonnaise mixture. Freshly minced garlic or jarred minced garlic will work.
Frequently Asked Questions
The asparagus fries are done when the coating is crispy and golden brown. The asparagus itself should be bright green and tender, not mushy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped in aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, air fry at 360˚F (182°C) or bake in a 350˚F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to crisp up the coating and heat them through. Note they will not be as crispy as when first prepared.
Yes! Any tender vegetable that isn’t too juicy should work well. Consider adapting the zucchini fries recipe using a panko-parmesan coating. Other options include bell peppers, green beans, or carrots. Adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable’s thickness and tenderness.
If the asparagus fries aren’t crispy, they may be undercooked or the coating may be soggy. Make sure the asparagus spears are dry before coating them with the mayonnaise-egg white mixture. A light spray of cooking spray ensures a crispy coating. Fully preheating the oven or air fryer is also important. Do not overcrowd the air fryer.
More Delicious Asparagus Recipes
Looking for more asparagus inspiration? Don’t miss these additional recipes:
- Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
- Asparagus Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
- Cheesy Asparagus Tart
- Asparagus Pesto Pasta
- Roasted Asparagus with Cheesy Breadcrumbs
- Asparagus and Egg Tart with Goat Cheese
- Asparagus and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken
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