Asparagus fries

 

Asparagus fries are a delicious and fun twist on french fries, offering a lighter and more flavorful alternative. Here's how you can make them:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Asparagus: Wash and trim the asparagus spears. You can leave them whole or cut them into bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.

2. Set Up the Breading Station: In three separate shallow bowls or plates, set up your breading station. In the first bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).

3. Bread the Asparagus: Dredge each asparagus spear in the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Dip the floured asparagus in the beaten egg, ensuring complete coverage. Finally, coat the asparagus generously in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.

4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or pot, heat enough vegetable oil to a depth of about 1/2 inch over medium-high heat. You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb – if it sizzles and floats immediately, the oil is hot enough.

5. Fry the Asparagus: Carefully add the breaded asparagus spears to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried asparagus to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Season with additional salt and pepper (optional) while they are hot.

Tips:

• For a thinner and crispier coating, you can double-dip the asparagus in the egg and breadcrumb mixture.
• If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but they might not achieve the same level of crispiness.
• To bake the asparagus fries instead of frying, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and arrange the breaded asparagus in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
• You can serve asparagus fries with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a simple lemon aioli.
• For a smoky flavor, sprinkle the asparagus fries with a touch of smoked paprika after frying.

Enjoy these crispy and flavorful asparagus fries – a healthy and delicious appetizer option!