Asparagus fries coated in seasonings and protein packed almond meal, then baked to perfection. A perfect side or stand alone snack!
The last couple of weeks I have been getting some awesome local asparagus at the natural market I shop at. We have been using it roasted in pasta, chopped in quinoa salads and in veggie wraps. While trying to figure out other ways to enjoy this fresh veggie, I was hit by inspiration while at happy hour with some girlfriends a few weeks back.
We went to an adorable little cafe in downtown San Diego and on the menu was a trio of veggie “fries,” avocado, portabella and eggplant. They were all delicious! So home I went to try the concept with my asparagus! To avoid the actual “frying” process, I decided to bake and use almond meal as my coating.
These Asparagus Fries Were A Big Hit!
I added some spices and seasonings and they turned out fabulous! The key to crispiness was to use the really skinny asparagus spears and coat them well with the almond meal mix. The boys loved dipping them in ketchup! I served them along side my BBQ Tempeh Sandwich and they complimented it great!
Why These Asparagus Fries Are So Great;
- No egg – these fries are completely vegan
- They’re healthy – perfect for kids and a great alternative to regular fries
- They’re fun! – These fries are fun and easy to make, serve with a dipping sauce and a vegan burger
- Easy to adapt – choose your favorite herbs and spices to change up the seasoning
- 1 bunch asparagus , stalks trimmed and cut in half if you want shorter fries
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- a drizzle of your favorite cooking oil , optional
- 10 tablespoons almond flour
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs , gluten free if needed
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 400°F/ 200°C
Put asparagus in a flat pan (you can use a bowl but they may not lay flat) and mix with maple syrup and oil if using. Mix to fully coat.
Place almond flour, breadcrumbs, cornmeal and seasonings in another bowl or pan and mix to combine.
One by one, put asparagus in the dry ingredient mix and toss to coat well.
Place them on a baking sheet covered with parchment and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with your favorite dip.
- You can also toss everything together in the same pan but they may not get coated as well.
- When baking watch for burning as they can go from browning to burned fast. You want them crispy so start checking around 25 minutes as ovens vary.
Emily Kemp says
Yum, these are the perfect alternative to regular fries!
Gaz says
Hi,
Thanks for the recipe. Something with such yummy individual ingredients must turn out amazing. A couple of questions, though:
1. When you say “cut the asparagus”, are you cutting the stalks in half so that some will have crowns and others stalk, or are you cutting them down the middle so that there are two half asparaguses, crown and stalk on each?
2. Can I omit the maple syrup?
Thanks, looking forward to trying them.
veggiesdontbite says
Hi Gaz!! Thanks so much. When I say cut in half I mean cut each stalk in half width wise, so you have two shorter stalks. You don’t have to but it makes them easier to bread and bake. And you can omit the maple syrup but it will change the flavor a bit. Also you will need to find another way to help the coating stick to the asparagus. You can do oil, if you use oil, or if not you can try milk? It won’t stick super well but it’s better than nothing. Also if you want to try a different breading try using the breading idea from this recipe:https://www.veggiesdontbite.com/baked-cornmeal-and-pepita-crusted-onion-rings/
sweetdashofsass says
I actually just made some asparagus fries this past week with panko crumbs and parmesan. Roasted in oven — so delish!
veggiesdontbite says
We love ours, and so do the kids!
Lauren says
Would almond meal be my dried leftovers from making almond milk?
veggiesdontbite says
I believe so! I haven’t made it but I know people that do with the leftovers. Just make sure it’s completely dry.
we_should_be_folding_laundry says
I think your blog is great so I nominated you for The Lovely Blog Award: http://weshouldbefoldinglaundry.com/2014/03/24/5665/
veggiesdontbite says
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words and for following the blog!
mowr7594 says
Reblogged this on Pass Me the Gluten Free and commented:
These look absolutely amazing! Thanks Veggies Don’t Bite, I’ll definitely be making these tonight. I love asparagus, it is such a versatile vegetable. I had never thought of trying it like this though!
veggiesdontbite says
Thank you! I hope you enjoy them!