Crispy Roasted Asparagus Recipe Easy Zesty Lemon Parmesan Side Dish
A quick and easy side dish featuring crispy roasted asparagus with a bright lemon zest and savory Parmesan finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450 grams) asparagus, firm with closed tips
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to come to temperature for at least 10 minutes.
- Rinse 1 pound (450 grams) of asparagus under cold water and trim off the tough woody ends by snapping each stalk.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the asparagus with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional), salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste until evenly coated.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and spread the asparagus in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Roast the asparagus for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through (about 6–7 minutes) using tongs to promote even browning.
- Check for doneness; asparagus should be tender with a slight snap and crispy edges. Add 1-2 minutes if you prefer crisper edges, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest and 1/4 cup (25 grams) freshly grated Parmesan evenly over the asparagus. Toss gently to distribute flavors.
- Serve warm for best crispness and flavor.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Use high heat (425°F) for crispy edges while keeping stalks tender. Flip asparagus halfway through roasting for even browning. Add lemon zest after roasting to preserve brightness. Freshly grate Parmesan for best melting quality. Can substitute broccolini or green beans if asparagus is out of season. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 po
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
Keywords: roasted asparagus, crispy asparagus, lemon parmesan asparagus, easy side dish, healthy vegetable recipe, quick asparagus recipe