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Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks

This simple trick turns plain old asparagus into crispy parmesan asparagus sticks. 

This alternative to fries is crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and oozing with parmesan. You’ll want to try these parmesan crusted veggies right away.

Close-up of crispy, breaded asparagus spears on a plate with a dip in a bowl in the background.

Why Make Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks

While asparagus has a broad range of nutrients, it’s often overlooked by picky eaters and those with an adventurous palate alike.

We’re here to give this side a new life by turning it into parmesan crusted asparagus. A perfect dish for a dinner party, but also a great side dish or snack.

What’s not to like about this sweet, tender, slightly crunchy vegetable, that soaks up the flavors of whatever cooking method you choose?

It’s a nutritional powerhouse that’s rich in vitamins A, C and K, as well as folate and fibre. Asparagus is always a positive addition to the dinner plate.

What dish can’t it be added to? Roasted, grilled or sautéed, asparagus brings flavor and a distinctive freshness to a dish. 

Crispy Parmesan baked asparagus with its crunchy, cheesy crisp are sure to be a hit with both adults and kids

Coated with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs and a little garlic powder to give them a nice golden, crunchy exterior, These veggies are breaded and baked until crispy.

Savory cheese and a crunchy crumb mixture come together for a recipe that will actually make you choose asparagus over any other side vegetable.

It’s Totally Restaurant Worthy!

One of the best things about this recipe is that it truly couldn’t be easier.

With only a few ingredients you can make a side dish with the look and taste of a fancy gourmet restaurant. 

If you’ve never made anything in the kitchen before, these crispy parmesan asparagus sticks are a great recipe to start with.

If you’ve been a home cook for years, you’ll appreciate how quickly and easily you can throw these together.

Crispy parmesan asparagus sticks are not just a delicious side dish, they can also be served as an appetizer or snack.

The crispiness and bold flavors of this dish are a great complement to grilled meats, roasted chicken or even pasta dishes.

You can serve it as a snack by itself or pair it with a creamy dipping sauce such as hollandaise or aioli.

In this series of posts, we will guide you through the steps of making crispy breaded asparagus sticks – from choosing the right bunch of asparagus at the market to baking them in the oven to crispy perfection.

We will offer tips for coatings that stick and crisp thoroughly, as well as variations to consider making the recipe your own.

Looking for a recipe for a special occasion or simply want to spice up your regular meals?

Here it is: crispy parmesan asparagus sticks are a great alternative to the traditional boiled asparagus.

Otherwise known as fried asparagus, these crispy treats work best with a cut of savory meat.

We’ll share some expert cooking tips and creative ideas on how to use these crispy fries.

Trust us in saying that you and your loved ones will love this recipe.

After all, this is asparagus and parmesan cheese at their best. So, what are we waiting for?

A plate of breaded and crispy asparagus spears arranged neatly, with a hint of a white sauce dish in the background.

Ingredients for Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks

  • Fresh asparagus spears, trimmed: These asparagus sticks or asparagus fries are best with fresh asparagus. Make sure to cut off the tough ends.
  • All-purpose flour: Flour allows your asparagus to get golden brown and crispy when fried.
  • Eggs, beaten: Use a whisk to beat your eggs. The egg wash will allow the flour and parmesan mixture to stick to the asparagus.
  • Panko breadcrumbs: Bread crumbs act as the breading for this asparagus recipe. 
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Together, panko and parmesan transform this dish from another dreaded veggie to a crispy baked treat.
  • Garlic powder: Combines with other spices into a super delicious, garlicky seasoning 
  • Salt: Sprinkle a heavy amount of salt onto the asparagus to bring out all of its flavors.
  • Black pepper: Salt and pepper are non negotiables in any vegetable recipe. They’re a big help if you’re not a fan of asparagus.
  • Cooking spray or olive oil: Cover your sheet pan and asparagus in olive oil, so your roasted asparagus will really crisp up in the oven.
A plate with breaded asparagus spears, a piece of grilled salmon, and a lemon wedge.

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a shallow dish, place all-purpose flour.
  3. In another shallow dish, place beaten eggs.
  4. In a third shallow dish, combine Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
  5. Dredge each asparagus spear in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  6. Dip the flour-coated asparagus spear into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
  7. Roll the asparagus spear in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  8. Place the coated asparagus spear onto the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Repeat the process with the remaining asparagus spears.
  10. Spray the coated spears with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
  11. Bake for 10-12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the asparagus is tender and the coating is golden and crispy. 
  12. Take out of the oven and serve the crispy Parmesan asparagus sticks hot as a snack or side dish.
Plate of roasted asparagus spears topped with breadcrumbs, garnished with lemon wedges. Website URL "sarahscoopeats.com" is visible on the plate.

Tips and Tricks

Since my first time trying it, this recipe has quickly become my favorite way to eat asparagus, and this veggie is no longer dreaded in my house.

You can add garlic salt to your seasoning or substitute it for the garlic powder if that is all you have, and don’t be afraid to add onion powder if that sounds good to you.

You can even add minced garlic if you love the taste of garlic food. Another one of my favorite ways to up the flavor profile of this dish is by adding lemon.

Drizzle some lemon juice over the top right before putting them in the oven for a lemony surprise when you take a bite. 

One tip to avoiding a mess is to ensure all of your dipping is happening over the bowl, shaking off excess before you move on to the next step. 

Each step from the flour to the breadcrumbs should be an even layer each time you dip the asparagus. Dip back a second time if you miss any spots. 

My favorite protein to serve with asparagus is baked salmon, but it can be served as both an appetizer or snack.

You can find an easily printable version of ingredients and steps below in the recipe card

If you decide to make this recipe leave a comment letting us know if you love it.

Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks

Close-up of crispy, breaded asparagus spears on a plate with a dip in a bowl in the background.

This simple trick turns plain old asparagus into crispy parmesan asparagus sticks. 

This alternative to fries is crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and oozing with parmesan. You’ll want to try these parmesan crusted veggies right away.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • Fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
  • All-purpose flour
  • Eggs, beaten
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Cooking spray or olive oil

Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. In a shallow dish, place all-purpose flour.
    3. In another shallow dish, place beaten eggs.
    4. In a third shallow dish, combine Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
    5. Dredge each asparagus spear in the flour, shaking off any excess.
    6. Dip the flour-coated asparagus spear into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
    7. Roll the asparagus spear in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
    8. Place the coated asparagus spear onto the prepared baking sheet.
    9. Repeat the process with the remaining asparagus spears.
    10. Spray the coated spears with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
    11. Bake for 10-12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the asparagus is tender and the coating is golden and crispy. 
    12. Take out of the oven and serve the crispy Parmesan asparagus sticks hot as a snack or side dish.

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