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Air Fryer Panko Asparagus Fries: A Crunchy Delight

Asparagus is a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable, often celebrated for its delicate flavour and impressive health benefits. In recent years, innovative cooking methods have gained popularity for their ability to create crispy textures with less oil. Enter the air fryer—a kitchen appliance that promises the crunchy satisfaction of fried food without the added fat. In this article, we’ll explore the delightful recipe for Air Fryer Panko Asparagus Fries, perfect for a light snack or as a side dish to elevate any meal.

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious asparagus fries, you will need the following ingredients:

• 450g fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 100g panko breadcrumbs
• 50g plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 60g grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavour)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Prepare the Asparagus
   Begin by washing the asparagus and trimming the woody ends. Aim for asparagus spears of similar size to ensure even cooking. Pat the asparagus dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.

2. Set Up Your Breading Stations
   Prepare three shallow dishes: one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and another for the panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat the Asparagus
   Take each asparagus spear and first dip it into the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour before dipping it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the asparagus in the panko mixture until it is fully covered. This three-step process creates a wonderfully crunchy crust.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer
   Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes. Preheating will help achieve that crispy exterior, mimicking the frying effect.

5. Air Fry the Asparagus
   Arrange the coated asparagus spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to encourage browning. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on them; the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the asparagus.

6. Serve and Enjoy
   Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove the asparagus fries from the air fryer. Serve immediately, optionally with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as garlic mayo, aioli, or a tangy yogurt dip.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Asparagus: Look for firm, bright green spears with tight tips. Thin asparagus tends to crisp up better in the air fryer.
• Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to add your favourite seasonings to the panko mixture, such as paprika, cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, or dried herbs for an aromatic twist.
• Batch Cooking: If you’re preparing a larger quantity, cook the asparagus in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which could cause uneven cooking.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Panko Asparagus Fries are an exciting and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried snacks. With their crunchy texture and vibrant flavour, these fries are sure to be a hit with both adults and children alike. Whether you’re looking for a tasty appetiser, a side dish, or simply a guilt-free snack, this delightful recipe ticks all the boxes. So, grab your air fryer, and let’s get cooking!

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