Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables. I love its fresh, green flavor and crunchy texture. When cooked just right, asparagus becomes tender on the inside with a bit of crispiness on the outside. One of my favorite ways to prepare asparagus is Parmesan crusted. The cheesy coating gives the spears a wonderful flavor boost and satisfying crunch.
I first tried Parmesan crusted asparagus years ago at Longhorn Steakhouse. I absolutely loved the dish and always made sure to order it when dining there. The combination of crunchy, cheesy asparagus alongside a juicy steak is heavenly.
I finally decided to try making the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Asparagus Recipe at home in my air fryer, and it turned out even better than the restaurant version!
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Asparagus
Making Parmesan crusted asparagus at home is easy. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have restaurant-quality asparagus ready in under 25 minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- Fresh asparagus
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 beaten eggs with salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- A generous handful of finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil spray
Kitchen Tools
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or Forks
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepping the Asparagus
- Snap the asparagus spears to the desired length, discarding the tough ends.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
- In one bowl, place the flour.
- In another bowl, combine beaten eggs with salt and pepper.
- In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs with finely shredded Parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Coating the Asparagus
- Dip each asparagus spear into the flour, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Next, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly.
- Finally, roll the asparagus in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture until evenly coated.
Step 4: Air Frying
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the breaded asparagus in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
- Give them a light spray with olive oil using an oil sprayer.
Step 5: Cooking Process
- Set the air fryer for 10 minutes, checking halfway through.
- At the 5-minute mark, take a peek – the bottoms should be golden brown.
- If needed, continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the asparagus reaches a satisfying crispiness.
Step 6: Final Touch
- After 8 minutes, if the asparagus is golden and crunchy, they’re ready to eat.
- Optionally, add a sprinkle of garlic powder to the breadcrumbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Making Perfect Parmesan Crusted Asparagus
- For maximum crunch, use fresh panko breadcrumbs rather than stale breadcrumbs.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches for even crisping.
- If the breading seems dry, give a light spritz of olive oil spray before air frying.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
Sauce to Serve With Asparagus
Here are some tasty sauce options to serve with Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Asparagus Recipe:
Lemon Garlic Aioli
- Blend together mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. The tangy creaminess pairs perfectly with the crispy asparagus.
Spicy Ranch
- Mix ranch dressing with hot sauce and minced jalapenos for a creamy, spicy dipping sauce. Cool and creamy balances the asparagus crunch.
Garlic Butter
- Melt butter with minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice and pepper. Drizzle over the asparagus or serve alongside for dipping.
Hollandaise
- A classic! The rich, eggy hollandaise sauce complements the Parmesan flavor.
Pesto
- Stir together pesto sauce, olive oil and Parmesan. The herby pesto is delicious with crispy asparagus spears.
Marinara
- For an Italian flavor, serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Parmesan crusted asparagus holds up well for 2-3 days stored properly:
- Allow asparagus to cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container.
- To reheat, place chilled asparagus in a 400°F oven for 4-5 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Microwaving is not recommended, as it will make the crust soggy. Always reheat in the oven.
- For best texture, eat leftovers within 3 days. The breading may soften over time.
FAQs About Parmesan Crusted Asparagus
Have questions about replicating this addictive appetizer at home? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What size asparagus should I use?
Look for spears that are at least 1/2-inch thick. Thinner spears tend to overcook and get soggy.
Do the breadcrumbs need Parmesan cheese?
Finely shredded Parmesan adds a savory flavor, but you can omit it if you don’t have it.
Can I bake Parmesan asparagus in the oven?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping once, until browned and tender when pierced.
Should the asparagus be blanched before breading?
Blanching is not necessary. The direct air fryer heat will cook the asparagus thoroughly.
Got any other questions about making this crispy Parmesan crusted asparagus recipe? Let me know in the comments!
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Asparagus Recipe
Learn how to make crispy, cheesy Parmesan crusted asparagus at home with this easy air fryer recipe inspired by Longhorn Steakhouse's famous appetizer.
Ingredients
- Fresh asparagus
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 beaten eggs with salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- A generous handful of finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepping the Asparagus: Snap the asparagus spears to the desired length, discarding the tough ends.
- Prepare the Breading Station: In one bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, combine beaten eggs with salt and pepper. In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs with finely shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Coating the Asparagus: Dip each asparagus spear into the flour, ensuring it's well-coated. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Finally, roll the asparagus in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture until evenly coated.
- Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the breaded asparagus in the air fryer basket, ensuring they're not overcrowded. Give them a light spray with olive oil using an oil sprayer.
- Cooking Process: Set the air fryer for 10 minutes, checking halfway through. At the 5-minute mark, take a peek – the bottoms should be golden brown. If needed, continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the asparagus reaches a satisfying crispiness.
- Final Touch: After 8 minutes, if the asparagus is golden and crunchy, they're ready to eat. Optionally, add a sprinkle of garlic powder to the breadcrumbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 150Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 230mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 8g
The nutrition information provided below is estimated using an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered medical advice or guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a professional for any dietary needs or restrictions.
Final Words
Crunching into these crispy Parmesan-crusted asparagus spears is a truly satisfying experience. The textural contrast between the ultra-crisp exterior and the tender interior is what makes this veggie side so crave-worthy. Each spear packs a flavor punch, with savory Parmesan and garlic mingling with the fresh, verdant taste of the asparagus.
Recreate the flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse in your own kitchen by whipping up a batch of their signature Parmesan Crusted Asparagus. This easy air fryer Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Asparagus Recipe transforms basic ingredients into something special enough for date nights or dinner parties. Surprise your family with these crunchy, cheesy spears and enjoy feeling like dining out at home.
