This Simple Baked Asparagus makes a wonderful side dish for absolutely any meal. With a few seasonings added, these tender asparagus spears will work well with a variety of dishes.
Asparagus is one of those vegetables that can be served at a weekday dinner or reserved for an elegant meal. They're so versatile and have a mild flavor that complements everything. This Simple Baked Asparagus is my go-to recipe for an easy, quick, and convenient side dish. I can add and substitute when I need to or stick to the recipe for a perfectly cooked and deliciously seasoned veggie.
Asparagus is plentiful in the spring, but you can get it year-round, so this dish can be utilized often. Serve it with your favorite main courses or pair it with a side dish for a light meal. You can use thick or thin spears, whichever you like, and I give you some tips below for choosing good quality ones. But first, let's look at the other ingredients involved in this Simple Baked Asparagus.
Video Tutorial
What you'll need
- Asparagus.
- Olive oil. Or any other oil you like.
- Spices. Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
How to make this Baked Asparagus
1. Preheat the oven, or air fryer, to 400°F. Break or cut off the woody ends of the asparagus spears.
2. Place the asparagus on a baking tray and add the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until they are coated with the oil and seasoning.
3. Bake for 12-14 minutes for thick asparagus spears and 8-10 minutes for thin asparagus, or until a pairing knife (or a fork) inserted at the base of the largest spear meets little resistance.
Tips for the best Baked Asparagus
- Choose good quality asparagus spears. Look for asparagus that are plump and firm, with a bright color. The tips should be tightly closed and they should be stored upright in cold water.
- Make these in an air fryer. If you like your asparagus tender on the inside, but with an outer crunch, consider using an air fryer. The quickly circulating hot air will give them extra texture.
- Chop off the ends. Asparagus ends are tough and woodsy. It's best to take them off beforehand to avoid chewy and fibrous ends in your dish. You can either break them off by hand or use a knife.
- Base cook times on thickness. Since asparagus can be either thick or thin, cook them based on size to avoid undercooking or burning them. 12-14 minutes for thick spears and 8-10 minutes for thin ones should be perfect.
Add-ins and Substitutes
- Use an air fryer. This is a great way to make this asparagus recipe. The air fryer can be set at the same temperature as your oven, but will cook quickly and add extra crunch.
- Substitute other seasonings. You can toss them with any seasoning you like, including onion powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, or Italian seasoning. You can also add herbs like dill, tarragon, and chives.
- Add breading. Dipping these asparagus spears in flax egg or aquafaba, and then coating them in Panko breadcrumbs will give them a delicious crunch when baked or air fried.
- Give them a flavor boost. There are lots of ways to turn up the flavor with this Simple Baked Asparagus, such as adding lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or nutritional yeast for a salty, cheesy taste.
How to Store
Store any leftover Simple Baked Asparagus in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. You can also freeze them once cooled on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge and then reheat in the oven or air fryer.
What to Serve with it
- Proteins. Serve them on the side of dishes like Vegan Gyros, Black Bean Tacos, Quick Maple Sriracha Tofu, and Vegan Black Bean Burgers.
- Potatoes. Pair this dish with Easy Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Vegan Scalloped Potatoes, Paprika Baked Potatoes, and Garlic Smashed Potatoes.
- Pasta. Serve this Simple Baked Asparagus with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Spinach, Mushroom Bolognese Pasta, Creamy Zucchini Pasta, or Pasta with Roasted Pepper Sauce.
- Soups and Stews. Enjoy it with a bowl of Mushroom Stew, Three Bean Chili (Vegan), Hearty Red Lentil Stew, or Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup.
I hope you enjoy this deliciously Simple Baked Asparagus. It's the perfect addition to any meal.
More tasty veggie-loaded vegan recipes:
Simple Baked Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 lb. asparagus spears
- 1 ½ tbsp. olive oil
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. paprika
- ¼ tsp. sea salt or to taste
- ⅛ tsp. pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven, or air fryer, to 400°F. Break or cut off the woody ends of the asparagus spears.
- Place the asparagus on a baking tray and add the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until they are coated with the oil and seasoning.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes for thick asparagus spears and 8-10 minutes for thin asparagus, or until a pairing knife (or a fork) inserted at the base of the largest spear meets little resistance.
Notes
How to Store
Store any leftover Simple Baked Asparagus in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. You can also freeze them once cooled on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge and then reheat in the oven or air fryer.Tips for the best Baked Asparagus
- Choose good quality asparagus spears. Look for asparagus that are plump and firm, with a bright color. The tips should be tightly closed and they should be stored upright in cold water.
- Make these in an air fryer. If you like your asparagus tender on the inside, but with an outer crunch, consider using an air fryer. The quickly circulating hot air will give them extra texture.
- Chop off the ends. Asparagus ends are tough and woodsy. It's best to take them off beforehand to avoid chewy and fibrous ends in your dish. You can either break them off by hand or use a knife.
- Base cook times on thickness. Since asparagus can be either thick or thin, cook them based on size to avoid undercooking or burning them. 12-14 minutes for thick spears and 8-10 minutes for thin ones should be perfect.
So good!
Yay! Thanks, Melanie!