Roasted Asparagus

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No more soggy, sad asparagus! This recipe will get you actually crispy roasted asparagus, everytime! Asparagus is one of my faves and I’ve learned all the best techniques to get those sizzling, seasoned spears. I recommend choosing thicker spears as they produce the best tender asparagus. I’ve learned that cooking at high heat with a high heat oils is the best technique. This recipe is the perfect side dish for a variety of main meals – and will be your go-to because it’s one of the easiest side dishes out there!

Roasted Asparagus Ingredients

  • One bunch fresh asparagus
  • High heat cooking oil (like avocado)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh lemon

*See below for more information.

See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.

What asparagus is best for roasting?

Thicker asparagus spears are best for oven-roasting, if possible. They become perfectly tender and crisp in the oven with less chance of drying out (like thinner spears do).

How to store fresh asparagus

Trim the ends and stand the asparagus upright in a jar with an inch of water, loosely covering the tops with a plastic bag in the fridge. Alternatively, wrap the ends in a damp paper towel, place in a plastic bag, and refrigerate.

How to Make Oven-Roasted Asparagus

How to Trim Asparagus

To trim asparagus, line up 5-6 stalks in a row and cut 1-2 inches off the base. This part of the asparagus is woody, tough, and not very edible. To naturally know where to cut, you can also take a stalk and bend it near the base – it’ll naturally snap where the woody part ends and the tender part begins. This can be a guide for the rest of the pieces.

Preheat your oven to 425°F at this time.

Spread asparagus spears evenly on a baking sheet.

How to Season Asparagus

To season asparagus, you want to use a high heat cooking oil because we are roasting at a high temperature (425°F). I personally love avocado oil because it is a mild, buttery taste.

  • Can I use extra virgin olive oil?
  • Unfortunately, olive oil is not a high heat cooking oil and has a smoke point near 375°F, so it is not the best for this recipe. If you use olive oil, it could smoke, alter the flavors of the asparagus, and could possibly produce chemical changes.

Drizzle your avocado spears with a generous amount of oil and use your fingertips to roll the spears in the oil. Sprinkle with some salt and pepper. You can always add more at the end!

Roasting Asparagus

Roast your spears in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. The length of time depends on spear size and the strength of your oven. Thin spears: 8–10 minutes, Medium: 10–12 minutes, Thick: 12–15 minutes

Your asparagus is done when it is fork tender.

Optional: Squeeze some fresh lemon on top for a burst of citrusy flavor!

How to Store Leftover Roasted Asparagus

As you might guess, roasted asparagus tastes the best the day of, however it can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2-3 days in an airtight container. For ease, I reheat in the microwave but it would be the best reheated in the oven at 350°F or even the air fryer to help it crisp up again!

  • Can I freeze leftover asparagus?
  • I do not recommend it. When thawed and reheated, it tends to be very soggy.

What to Serve with Roasted Asparagus

Tips for 5-Star Roasted Asparagus

  • Avoid overlap on the pan – This helps with even cooking and help each stalk get a crispy!
  • Don’t forget to cut off the ends – These are thick, woody, and not very tasty!
  • How to know when your asparagus is done – Your asparagus should be fork tender but not mushy!
  • Roast on high heat – This creates crispy, delicious asparagus in little time!

Common Questions

Why is my roasted asparagus soggy?

Unfortunately, your asparagus likely overcooked in the oven. Sogginess can also be caused by overcrowding in the pan; the spears then steam instead of getting nice and crispy. Make sure to spread them evenly.

What types of seasonings are best on roasted asparagus?

There are lots of ways to season asparagus. Other than salt & pepper ,you can try red pepper flakes for a little kick, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for some sweetness, or some toasted pine nuts or almonds on top for a crunch! Fresh herbs like parsley or mint also add a gorgeous spring garnish.

How do I know where to trim asparagus?

Bend the stalk gently— it naturally snaps where the tender part begins. Or just cut about 1–2 inches off the bottom.

What oil is best for roasting veggies?

I recommend using a high heat oil like avocado oil. A high heat oil has a high smoke point, meaning it can withstand high cooking temperatures without burning or breaking down. Avocado oil has a smoke point of 500 F.

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Roasted Asparagus

Allie Petersen
No more soggy, sad asparagus! This recipe will get you actually crispy roasted asparagus, everytime! Asparagus is one of my faves and I've learned all the best techniques to get those sizzling, seasoned spears. I recommend choosing thicker spears as they produce the best tender asparagus. I've learned that cooking at high heat with a high heat oils is the best technique. This recipe is the perfect side dish for so many main meals – and will be your go-to because it's one of the easiest side dishes out there!
5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Servings 4
Calories 23 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bunch Asparagus ~ 1 lb
  • Drizzle of high heat oil like avocado oil*
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F.
    To trim asparagus, line up 5-6 stalks in a row and cut 1-2 inches off the base.
    Spread asparagus spears evenly on a baking sheet.
  • To season asparagus, you want to use a high heat cooking oil because we are roasting at a high temperature (425°F). I personally love avocado oil because it is a mild, buttery taste.
    Drizzle your avocado spears with a generous amount of oil and use your fingertips to roll the spears in the oil. Sprinkle with some salt and pepper. You can always add more seasoning at the end!
  • Roast your spears in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. The length of time depends on spear size and the strength of your oven. Thin spears: 8–10 minutes, Medium: 10–12 minutes, Thick: 12–15 minutes
    Your asparagus is done when it is fork tender.
    Optional: After cooking, squeeze some fresh lemon on top for a burst of citrusy flavor!

Notes

What is a high heat oil and why should I use it?
A high heat oil has a high smoke point, meaning it can withstand high cooking temperatures without burning or breaking down. Examples include avocado oil, refined coconut oil, and grapeseed oil – my personal favorite is avocado oil because it’s smoke point is 500°F and it has a mild, buttery flavor.
FYI- If you use oils like olive oil that has a smoke point of ~ 375°F, your asparagus make produce smoke or off-flavors. 
Other tips:
  • Choose thicker asparagus spears if possible.
  • Make sure to spread your spears as evenly as possible so they cook evenly at get crispy (if they are too close together they will steam and become mushy)
 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 23kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 2gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 227mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 851IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 2mg
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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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