Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears by snapping them or cutting them with a knife.

2. Prepare the Coating Mixture

1. In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. In another shallow bowl, beat the egg.

3. Coat the Asparagus

1. Dip each asparagus spear into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.
2. Roll the spear in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly.
3. Place the coated asparagus sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each spear.

4. Bake Until Crispy

1. Lightly drizzle the asparagus sticks with olive oil (optional) to help them crisp up in the oven.
2. Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the asparagus is tender but still crisp.
   1. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
   5. Serve and Enjoy

   1. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
   2. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch, marinara, or lemon aioli, for an extra burst of flavor.

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   Serving Suggestions

   • As a Side Dish: Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal.
   • For Appetizers: Serve as finger food at parties or gatherings—perfect for dipping!
   • With Breakfast: Add to omelets or serve alongside eggs for a brunch-worthy twist.
   • For Snacks: Pack them in lunchboxes or enjoy as a quick, healthy snack.

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   Pro Tips for Success

   • Use Thin Asparagus: Thinner spears cook faster and get crispier than thicker ones.
   • Double Coat for Extra Crunch: After dipping in egg and breadcrumbs, dip again in egg and roll in more Parmesan mixture for an ultra-crispy coating.
   • Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your Parmesan cheese is free of additives.
   • Air Fry Option: Cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, for extra crispiness.

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   Final Thoughts

   These Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks are proof that vegetables can be just as exciting and indulgent as any fried appetizer. With their cheesy, crunchy exterior and tender-crisp interior, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as healthy as it is delicious.

   So grab a bunch of asparagus, toss it in this cheesy, crunchy coating, and bake up a batch of these irresistible sticks. One bite of this cheesy, crispy goodness, and you’ll never look at asparagus the same way again—one savory, satisfying spear at a time! 🧀🌱