Breaded asparagus

Cooking time 25 min
Breaded asparagus

Breaded asparagus turns this delicious spring vegetable into a crisp, golden delight. Our recipe is simple to make, with the crunchy breadcrumb coating giving the green stalks an elegant touch. That makes them a brilliant option for a refined appetiser or a side to your main course, whether you are putting together a special dinner or sharing a plate with friends over good conversation.

Ingredients

Green asparagus
1½ kilo
Flour
50 - 100 g
Eggs
2
Salt
Breadcrumbs
150 - 200 g
Butter
30 g
Toothpicks

Instructions

  • Wash the asparagus and trim off the woody ends.
  • Stick three spears together with a toothpick to keep them stable for breading and frying.
  • Crack the eggs into a shallow dish, whisk well, and season with salt. Place the flour and breadcrumbs on two separate plates.
  • Coat each asparagus bundle by dipping it first in the flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Repeat until all bundles are breaded.
  • Heat a pan over medium heat and melt some butter. Fry the breaded asparagus bundles on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, tender on the inside.
  • Remove the toothpicks and serve the asparagus hot.

Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Chilli mayo
15 min
Chilli mayo
(1)
Enjoy!

Select the ideal asparagus

When choosing asparagus, find the ones that have firm, vibrant green stalks with tightly closed tips. A slight purple hue at the ends is a good sign of freshness. Steer clear of any that feel limp or have dry, split ends. For this recipe, medium-thick asparagus is the way to go, as it holds up well during breading and frying without becoming too soft or too firm.

Master the breading process

For an even coating, follow the breading steps in order – flour first, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Use one hand for the flour and egg mixture and the other for the breadcrumbs to keep things tidy and prevent clumping. This helps the coating stick properly and gives it that stunning golden crust.

Prevent clumping

Breadcrumbs can get soggy from the egg mixture, making them clump and stick unevenly. To avoid this, split them into two batches. Use one batch to coat the asparagus, then switch to the second batch when the first starts to clump.

FAQ: Questions about breaded asparagus

Curious about breaded asparagus? We have gathered all the essential answers so you can cook, serve, and store it like a pro.

What to serve with breaded asparagus?

Breaded asparagus goes well with many main courses, especially roasted meats or grilled fish. For a lighter option, serve it with a salad made with lamb’s lettuce and white cheese. A soft-boiled egg on the side adds a creamy element that pairs nicely with the crispy coating. Or, try dipping them in garlic mayo, a tangy mustard dip, or a yoghurt sauce with lemon and herbs.

How should I store leftover asparagus?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days to keep them fresh. When ready to serve, reheat it in an air fryer at 180 °C or in the oven at 190 °C until warmed through and crispy again. Do not use the microwave, as it will make the coating soggy.

What are the different ways to cook breaded asparagus?

Breaded asparagus can be pan-fried, oven-baked or air-fried. Pan-fry in butter over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until golden and crisp. Oven-bake at 200 °C for 15–20 minutes, or air-fry at 190 °C for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispness.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

1461 Kcal

Fibre 47.1 gram fibers
Protein 66.5 gram
Carbohydrates 202 gram
Fat 41.8 gram

Try breaded asparagus for a crispy delight

Asparagus on its own is a treat, but when made into breaded asparagus, it is even harder to resist. Pan-fried asparagus keeps its fresh, snappy bite, with its natural sweetness really coming alive. And when you take that first bite, you still get all the incredible earthy flavour of the asparagus itself, only now with an extra crunch to make things even better.

Golden brown crust with eggs and breadcrumbs

We decided to coat the asparagus in breadcrumbs because everything breaded somehow tastes better. Asparagus already has a nice snap on its own, but the breadcrumbs add that ultimate crackle.

A light dusting of flour helps the eggs stick, and the breadcrumbs create a firm, textured shell. Frying them in butter makes the coating extra crunchy but also gives them a welcome rich, almost nutty taste.

If you love the crunch of breaded asparagus, there is plenty more to explore. Try pan-fried white asparagus for a lightly crisped bite, asparagus cordon bleu wrapped in ham and cheese, or asparagus in puff pastry for a flaky and buttery snack.

Enjoy the crispy snack with creamy dips and complementary sides

Breaded asparagus is brilliant for snacking, especially with a good dip. Treat the stalks like chips, dunking them into something creamy. A smooth sour cream and chive dip is always a winner, while a roasted red pepper sauce, like ajvar, leans into a sweeter, smokier profile. Or, if you are in the mood for some heat, a spicy sriracha mayo will liven things up. However you go about it, breaded asparagus and a dip are a match made in heaven.

Breaded asparagus works alongside a main course, too! Smoky and juicy roasted chicken or flaky seared salmon are both amazing options, with the golden coating adding a textural layer against their delicious tenderness. You can also pair it with a juicy steak. A crispy bite of asparagus next to it gives a welcome break from all that meaty goodness.

On the side, there is plenty to play with. Creamy mashed potatoes let you lean into full comfort mode, and roasted baby potatoes bring that caramelised edge.

Add your own style

We love green asparagus for its earthy, slightly grassy flavour, but if you are after something a little more delicate, white asparagus will do the trick. It has a milder, slightly sweeter taste with a more tender bite that works just as well with that crispy coating.

You can switch up the breadcrumb coating too, depending on what you are in the mood for. Stir in some grated Parmesan for a subtle salty kick that melts slightly as it fries. A pinch of paprika brings a warm smokiness, while garlic powder adds a mellow, roasted depth with that familiar savoury punch.

If you like a bit of heat, half a teaspoon of chilli flakes or cayenne pepper are the way to go. And for extra crunch, toss in some sesame seeds, but remember to toast them first to fully unlock their nutty flavour.

And once they are fried and ready to serve, a handful of chopped chives or fresh parsley will make the breaded asparagus look even more inviting while contributing a fresh, herby touch. Choose chives for a delicate onion-like sharpness or parsley for a light, peppery finish.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/breaded-asparagus/