Roasted Asparagus Parmesan is the best way to use fresh asparagus. This baked asparagus recipe is so quick and easy to make, you’ll find yourself adding it to your menu every week. With simple ingredients, you can cook this roasted asparagus in the oven or the air fryer.

Roasted asparagus parmesan on a white plate with a fork on the side.

Our favorite way to eat almost any vegetable is oven roasted, because it just brings out the richness and so much flavor. Asparagus is no exception. When you roast asparagus, it transforms these simple ingredients into something magical–a tender, herby stalk layered with olive oil and Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect side dish for almost any meal, especially pork chops or even meatloaf.

While you can certainly make roasted asparagus parmesan any time of year, spring is asparagus season and that’s when you’ll get the best, freshest asparagus. If you can grab some at a local farmer’s market then you’re really in for a treat. Or just grow your own asparagus!

How to store asparagus

You can store fresh asparagus the same way you would store fresh parsley. Fill a jar with about an inch of water. Trim the bottoms of the stalks of the asparagus slightly then stand the asparagus spears in the jar. Cover with a plastic bag and refrigerate for 4-5 days.

Why you’ll love this roasted asparagus parmesan recipe

  • Parmesan roasted asparagus is quick and easy
  • Delicious side dish
  • Kids can make this recipe
  • Use oven or air fryer

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Ingredients

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for ingredient amounts and instructions.

  • Fresh asparagus
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon zest
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
  • Sheet pan

How to make roasted asparagus parmesan

Step 1. Prepare the baking sheet.

Preheat the oven to 400 and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2. Prepare the asparagus.

Wash and trim asparagus, then place in a single layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle the asparagus with a little olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Pro Tip: Save time and use a knife to cut the woody ends from the bottom of the stalks. You can do the whole bunch of fresh asparagus at one time. You can also trim the stalks a day in advance, which makes your roasted parmesan asparagus even quicker!

Step 3. Roast asparagus in oven.

Roast asparagus for about 15 minutes, until tender. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle on the grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, then place baking sheet back in oven for a minute or two to melt the cheese. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for even more amazing flavor.

Serving suggestions

For best results, serve your roasted asparagus parmesan immediately. Add some lemon wedges on the side. You can also serve the roasted asparagus at room temperature, but we prefer it slightly warm from the oven.

This easy side dish is a great addition to your weeknight menu because it’s versatile and goes with so many things. Try your parmesan asparagus recipe with roasted chicken, or even as a main dish with a collection of other vegetable dishes, like Southern Squash Casserole and Jalapeno Creamed Corn—the perfect way to enjoy all your favorite vegetables during the warmer months of the summer season.

For a special treat, add this simple and delicious Baked Apple Brie to the meal. It’s pretty and pairs perfectly with a light vegetable menu.

How to roast asparagus in air fryer

Heat the air fryer to 375 and line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Place the trimmed asparagus in the air fryer basket and follow the steps above, reducing cooking time to 7-8 minutes.

Roasted asparagus parmesan on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

For more easy recipes, check out our Quick and Easy section.

Recipe adapted from Ina Garten’s Parmesan Roasted Asparagus in Barefoot Contessa Family Style cookbook. You need this cookbook in your life.

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5 from 3 votes

Roasted Asparagus Parmesan

Crispy roasted asparagus topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients 

  • 1 lb Asparagus
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
  • Wash and dry asparagus. Break tough ends off asparagus. Place asparagus on prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle asparagus with salt and pepper.
  • Roast for about 15 minutes, until asparagus is starting to brown just a little. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on asparagus and return to oven for one minute.
  • Serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Adapted from Barefoot Contessa Family Style cookbook.

Nutrition

Serving: 4servings, Calories: 65kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 3g, Cholesterol: 2mg, Sodium: 622mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g
Course: Sides
Cuisine: American
Calories: 65
Keyword: oven baked asparagus, parmesan asparagus, parmesan roasted asparagus, roasted asparagus
Love this recipe?Mention @southernfoodandfun or tag #southernfoodandfun!

UPDATE NOTES: This post was originally published April 7, 2014, and on May 26, 2022, was updated with one or more of the following: step-by-step photos, video, updated recipe, new tips.

Lucy standing behind a counter with a cheese board and glass of wine.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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