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Crispy Asparagus Fries in Your Air Fryer: A Delicious and Healthy Snack

As spring rolls in and asparagus takes centre stage at farmers’ markets and on supermarket shelves, it’s the perfect time to explore new ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable. One of the most popular and innovative methods to prepare asparagus is by transforming it into crispy fries using an air fryer. Not only does this method make for a healthier snack than traditional deep-fried options, but it also allows for a delightful crunch while retaining the vegetable’s vibrant flavour. Here’s how to create your own delicious crispy asparagus fries in your air fryer.

Why Air Frying?

Air fryers have swiftly gained popularity due to their ability to produce crispy, golden food with significantly less oil than conventional frying methods. This cooking appliance circulates hot air around the food, ensuring even cooking while achieving that desired crunch. When it comes to asparagus fries, air frying gives you the texture you crave without the heaviness of deep frying.

Ingredients

To whip up your own crispy asparagus fries, you will need the following ingredients:

• 400g fresh asparagus (trimmed)
• 100g breadcrumbs (panko is a great option for extra crunch)
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavour)
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Asparagus: Start by washing the asparagus thoroughly and trim the tough ends. You want the spears to be uniform in size for even cooking.

2. Make the Breading Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed.

3. Coat the Asparagus: Dip each asparagus spear into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off before coating it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere well. Place the coated asparagus on a plate or a baking tray.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (approximately 392°F) for about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect crispiness.

5. Air Fry the Asparagus: Lightly drizzle the asparagus fries with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

6. Cooking Time: Air fry the asparagus for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the asparagus fries from the air fryer and serve them immediately. They pair wonderfully with a tangy dipping sauce, such as aioli or a spicy mayo, but they are delicious on their own as well.

Tips for Perfect Asparagus Fries

• Choose Fresh Asparagus: The fresher the asparagus, the better the flavour and texture. Look for firm and bright green spears.
• Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to add other herbs and spices to your breadcrumb mixture for a personalised twist. Lemon zest, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning can all enhance the taste.
• Don’t Skip the Egg: The egg helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the asparagus, creating that satisfying crunch.

Conclusion

Crispy asparagus fries made in your air fryer are not only quick and easy to prepare, but they also provide a healthy alternative to conventional fries that the whole family will love. Whether served as a snack, an appetiser, or a side dish, these asparagus fries are sure to impress. So, grab a bunch of asparagus, fire up your air fryer, and indulge in this tasty, guilt-free treat!