Content Summary
Roasting asparagus in a toaster oven is a quick and easy way to bring out its natural sweetness, and add both a crispy texture and depth of flavor.
In this guide, we will tip you with everything you need to know about how to roast asparagus in a toaster oven, including step-by-step instructions to the basic method, and 3 delicious recipes to try out.
Plus, we’ll share some suggestions for side dishes that pair perfectly with roasted asparagus, and answer several questions about cooking asparagus in the asparagus season. Love asparagus? Let's get started!
How To Roast Asparagus In A Toaster Oven
To start with, you'll need some fresh asparagus! Look for firm, bright green stalks that aren't too thick. Here's the details:
Ingredients
- 1 bunch - about 1 pound of asparagus spears
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- dried herbs or Italian seasoning (optional)
Equipment
- Parchment paper
- Aluminum foil
- Sharp knife
- Sheet pan
- Paper towel
- A toaster oven
Jane Vo
Instructions
Prepare The Asparagus
- Wash asparagus under cool water.
- Pat dry them off with a paper towel.
- Trim off the woody ends of each spear where they are fibrous.
- Snap off the tough, woody stems. Discard these trimmings.
Roast Asparagus Spears
- Preheat your toaster oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the asparagus spears on a baking sheet pan lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus, then sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder and any other herbs of choice (optional).
- Toss everything together to coat the spears evenly.
- Roast for 15 minutes or until the asparagus is tender and slightly browned, stirring once halfway through.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides or try one of our recipes below!
3 Roasted Asparagus Toaster Oven Recipes
#1: Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon juice
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat toaster oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Place asparagus on the prepared pan.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the asparagus is tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Squeeze lemon juice, add lemon wedges over the asparagus (optional) and serve hot.
#2: Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat toaster oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of bacon.
- Place on the prepared pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the bacon-wrapped asparagus.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy the delicious contrast of flavors!
#3: Balsamic Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup Feta cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat toaster oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the asparagus on the prepared pan.
- Drizzle with the balsamic mixture, coating evenly.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes or until the asparagus is tender and caramelized.
- Serve hot with crumbled Feta cheese sprinkled on top.
Side Dishes
Roasted asparagus spears are a delicious and healthy side dish on its own, but adding a complementary side dish can take it to the next level. Here are some ideas:
- Baked potatoes - seasoned with herbs and spices
- Roasted sweet potatoes - seasoned with herbs and spices
- Quinoa or brown rice - with chopped vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes - with shredded cheese
- Roasted cauliflower - seasoned with herbs and spices
- Grilled or baked fish - with lemon slices
- Grilled or steamed salmon - with garlic and lemon slices
- Grilled or smoked meats - such as tenderloin, pork chops, chicken, lamb or steak
- Simple salad - with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers - drizzled with balsamic vinegar
- Hummus or a tzatziki-style dip for dipping
Roasting Asparagus FAQs
Here are some of the most common asked questions about roasting asparagus in a toaster oven:
How long do I roast asparagus in a toaster oven?
Asparagus is usually roasted for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Keep an eye on it while cooking, so that the spears don't overcook.
What temperature do you cook asparagus in the oven?
The ideal temperature for roasting asparagus in the oven is 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the asparagus spears are tender, yet still have a slight crunch.
You can cook at a lower temperature for a longer period of time, or at higher temperatures for a shorter period of time.
How do you know when asparagus is done roasting?
The asparagus should be slightly browned and tender when pierced with a fork or sharp knife. Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the spears.
Can I freeze roasted asparagus?
You can freeze roasted asparagus. To freeze, cool the cooked asparagus completely and then tightly wrap in plastic foil. Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 6 months. Before reheating defrost overnight in the refrigerator .
Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?
You can use frozen precooked asparagus. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before roasting. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. Note: frozen asparagus may not be as flavorful as the fresh asparagus.
What other ways can I cook asparagus?
Asparagus is delicious cooked in a variety of ways! Other cooking methods include steaming, boiling, grilling, sautéing, and stir-frying. Try experimenting with different recipes to discover your favorite way of asparagus cooking!
Should you boil asparagus before roasting
Boiling asparagus before roasting is not necessary. Roasting is a simple and quick way to prepare asparagus without the need for boiling ahead of time. Roasting will also bring out the flavor of the asparagus, making it an ideal cooking method!
What cooking method is best for asparagus?
The best method for cooking asparagus is roasting. Roasting requires minimal prep time and the resulting asparagus spears are tender with a slight crunch.
It is also easy to customize the flavors and seasonings, making it an ideal way to cook asparagus! You can also steam, boil, grill, sauté or stir-fry asparagus for delicious results.
Why isn't my asparagus crispy?
If your asparagus is not crispy, it may be overcooked. Asparagus should be cooked for a short amount of time at high heat to achieve the perfect texture. Don't walk away while roasting, and keep an eye on the roasting process.
Why is my roasted asparagus soggy?
To avoid roasted asparagus becoming soggy, make sure to use a light oil such as olive oil or vegetable oil. The oil will help the asparagus crisp up and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Additionally, roast at a high temperature for a shorter amount of time in order to achieve the perfect texture. Avoid overcrowding the pan when roasting, as this can also lead to soggy asparagus.
- Cooking Steaks: 7 Ways
- Roasting Garlic: 4 Ways
- Baking Potatoes: 7 Ways
- Roasting Peppers: 8 Ways
- Baking Cauliflower: 3 Ways
Tips & Tricks
- For extra smoky flavor to roasted asparagus, try using smoked paprika or chipotle powder in the seasoning mix.
- For a tangy twist, top your asparagus with freshly squeezed lemon juice before serving.
- For an Asian flair, marinate the asparagus in soy sauce and sesame oil before roasting.
- For a sweeter flavor, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon before roasting.
- If you like spicy, try roasting with cayenne pepper, chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce.
- If you like garlic, you'll love to garnish roasted asparagus with minced garlic, or dip the spear in a small cup of garlic butter.
- For an extra crunchy texture, add chopped toasted nuts on top of the asparagus before serving.
- To make roasted asparagus more colorful and vibrant, top with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill before serving.
- Although many will prefer to use a fork, some will prefer to eat asparagus with their hands. If so, put a small bowl of water with lemon juice next to the plate to clean fatty fingers.
- To make it vegan friendly, replace the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil.
No matter how you choose to cook asparagus, you'll be sure to enjoy its unique flavor and nutrition benefits.
And don't forget to add a side dish to complete the meal! With a little creativity, you can turn a simple roasted asparagus dish into a gourmet feast.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Get out that toaster oven and start roasting some scrumptious asparagus today. Need a quality appliance? Check out our top picks to find the one for you!
8 BEST AIR FRYER TOASTER OVENSJane VoWith this guide, you now have all the information you need to get started – from the basic method to 3 flavorful recipes to try out, and multiple possibilities to experiment with!
Happy roasting!
Catchy Finds
Jane Vo
Jane Vo
Jane Vo
Jane Vo
Jane Vo
Jane Vo
