Imagine transforming ordinary asparagus into a crispy, golden-brown delicacy that will make even vegetable skeptics beg for seconds! This Crispy Fried Parmesan Asparagus is not just a side dish; it's a culinary revelation that combines the elegant, earthy flavor of asparagus with a irresistibly crunchy Parmesan coating. Perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or when you want to elevate your vegetable game, this recipe promises to turn humble asparagus into a restaurant-worthy sensation that will have everyone asking, "How did you make these?"
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly and trim off the tough woody ends by snapping or cutting about 1-2 inches from the bottom of the stalks.
- Prepare three separate shallow dishes: one with beaten eggs, another with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese, and the third for seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Pat the asparagus spears completely dry using paper towels to ensure the breading adheres properly.
- Season the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, mixing well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Dip each asparagus spear first into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then roll in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat thoroughly.
- Heat vegetable or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring enough oil to create a shallow frying environment.
- Carefully place the breaded asparagus spears into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crispiness.
- Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the breading turns golden brown and crispy, and the asparagus is tender.
- Remove the fried asparagus using tongs and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Optional: Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the hot asparagus immediately after frying for extra flavor.
- Serve hot as a side dish or appetizer, optionally with a side of marinara sauce or aioli for dipping.
Tips
- Pat the asparagus completely dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks perfectly and becomes extra crispy.
- Use fresh, medium-thickness asparagus spears for the best texture and even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying - this helps maintain oil temperature and ensures each spear gets crispy and golden.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil for the best frying results.
- For extra flavor, add herbs like dried basil or garlic powder to your breadcrumb mixture.
- Serve immediately after frying to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess.
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can also bake these in a preheated 425°F oven for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
