Pin There's something magical about the transformation of humble asparagus into crispy, crunchy fries that can rival any potato-based counterpart. These Crispy Chili-Garlic Asparagus Fries take the concept to new heights with a bold, spicy coating that creates an irresistible texture contrast with the tender asparagus inside. The addition of Asiago cheese in the breading adds a nutty depth that perfectly complements the vibrant chili and garlic flavors.
Pin Spring and early summer bring the most tender asparagus spears, making them perfect for this preparation. The three-step breading process might seem fussy, but it's essential for creating that restaurant-quality crunch that makes these asparagus fries so satisfying. Plus, the vibrant sriracha mayo adds a cooling contrast that makes each bite a perfect balance of heat, crunch, and creaminess.
Ingredients
- For the Asparagus Fries:
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup (30 g) grated Asiago cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for baking
- For the Sriracha Mayo:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray or oil.
- Set up your breading station
- Prepare three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Add flour.
- Bowl 2: Whisk eggs with milk.
- Bowl 3: Combine panko, Asiago cheese, garlic powder, chili flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. - Bread the asparagus
- Dredge each asparagus spear first in flour, tapping off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Place coated spears on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare for baking
- Lightly spray the asparagus fries with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake to golden perfection
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Make the sriracha mayo
- Meanwhile, mix all sriracha mayo ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve
- Serve asparagus fries hot, with sriracha mayo on the side.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Working with one asparagus spear at a time during the breading process helps ensure even coating. If your asparagus spears are particularly thick, consider blanching them briefly (30 seconds in boiling water, then ice bath) before breading to ensure they cook through perfectly. For the crispiest results, make sure your asparagus is completely dry before starting the breading process, and don't overcrowd the baking sheet – give each piece room for the hot air to circulate.
Varianten und Anpassungen
These versatile asparagus fries can be adapted in numerous ways. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour and use gluten-free panko. To make it dairy-free, omit the Asiago cheese and add an extra pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor. For an extra garlicky version, add 1-2 minced fresh garlic cloves to the breadcrumb mixture instead of garlic powder. And if you prefer a different heat profile, substitute the chili flakes with cayenne pepper or gochugaru (Korean chili flakes).
Serviervorschläge
These crispy asparagus fries shine as a standalone appetizer with the sriracha mayo, but they also make an excellent side dish. Serve them alongside a juicy burger for an upgraded take on the classic burger-and-fries combo. They're fantastic with grilled fish or chicken, adding texture and excitement to a protein-focused meal. For a party spread, include them on a platter with other finger foods like buffalo cauliflower bites and stuffed mushrooms. You can even place them in paper cones for an elegant presentation at cocktail parties.
Pin Once you've mastered these Crispy Chili-Garlic Asparagus Fries, you might find yourself applying this same breading technique to other vegetables. Zucchini sticks, green beans, and even avocado slices work beautifully with this spicy coating. The combination of crunchy exterior, tender vegetable, and zesty dipping sauce creates a crave-worthy appetizer that transforms humble produce into something truly special. Whether served at a dinner party or enjoyed as a Friday night snack, these asparagus fries bring restaurant-quality flavors right to your home kitchen.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I get the asparagus fries crispy?
Coating the asparagus in flour, egg wash, and seasoned panko breadcrumbs creates a crunchy crust. Baking at 425°F and lightly spraying the spears with oil ensures a golden, crispy finish.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, increase or reduce chili flakes in the coating and sriracha amount in the mayo to suit your preferred heat level.
- → What cheese works best for the coating?
Asiago cheese adds a nutty, sharp flavor, but Parmesan can be substituted for a similar savory taste.
- → Is baking better than frying these asparagus spears?
Baking yields a crispy texture with less oil, offering a lighter alternative to frying while maintaining crunch and flavor.
- → How should the sriracha mayo be served?
Serve the sriracha mayo as a dipping sauce on the side, enhancing the asparagus fries with creamy, tangy, and spicy notes.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the coated asparagus and refrigerate briefly before baking, but it's best served freshly baked for optimal crispness.