Name: Air-Fryer Asparagus Fries with Yogurt Sauce
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ½ cup plain yogurt; 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard; ¾ cup panko bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 ounce Parmesan cheese , grated (½ cup); 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon herbes de Provence; ½ teaspoon table salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 pound asparagus , trimmed and halved crosswise; Lemon wedges

Why This Recipe Works

In the spring, asparagus is plentiful, and we like to cook it in myriad ways. Here we air-fry this sweet, grassy vegetable and turn it into fries for a deliciously quick and easy appetizer or side. A combination of toasted panko bread crumbs and grated Parmesan gave a delightfully crackly and delicate exterior to the asparagus. To make the panko mixture stick to the vegetable, we used a combination of flour and egg seasoned with herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper.

Before You Begin

Arranging the coated asparagus pieces in a “Lincoln Log” pattern in the basket allowed for maximum air circulation. Look for asparagus that is approximately ½ inch at the base.

Instructions

Whisk yogurt and mustard together in small bowl; set aside for serving. Toss panko with oil in shallow dish until evenly coated. Microwave, stirring frequently, until light golden brown, 1 to 3 minutes. Let cool slightly, then stir in Parmesan. Whisk egg, flour, herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper together in second shallow dish. Working with several asparagus pieces at a time, dredge in egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then coat with panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere; transfer to large plate.

Lightly spray base of air-fryer basket with canola oil spray. Arrange half of asparagus pieces parallel to each other in prepared basket, spaced evenly apart. Arrange remaining asparagus pieces on top, perpendicular to first layer. Place basket into air fryer and set temperature to 400 degrees. Cook until asparagus are tender and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes, shaking basket gently to loosen pieces halfway through cooking. Serve with yogurt sauce and lemon wedges.