How to Roast Asparagus

Follow these tips on how to roast asparagus, and you too will fall in love with this side. Asparagus has always been my husband’s favorite vegetable. But, I didn’t fall in love with it until I tried it roasted.

Roasting asparagus gives it a crispy char on its tips, which yields to its soft and savory flavor with each bite. You can eat it with oil, salt, and pepper, or you can get adventurous with different spices.

Roasted Asparagus

These are the things I keep in mind when making roasted asparagus:

First, clean and dry the asparagus. Then, trim off the bottom inch or so of each spear–this is the toughest part of the vegetable. I prefer to roast them whole, but you can chop them into uniform pieces.

If you have larger in diameter or “older” asparagus go ahead and use a vegetable peeler (I like this one a lot!) and just take off that outside layer. This is the part that can get tough and woody as it grows.

Second, toss the asparagus with oil and season it before placing it on the pan. You can also toss it on the sheet pan, but it can be messy. Spread the spears out so there is plenty of space. 

Third, the best-tasting roasted asparagus will have browned or blackened areas on the outermost edges where the spears develop a crispy char.

If you stop roasting before this color change occurs, you will miss out on the flavors and texture that make roasted asparagus so delicious. 

Note: You don’t have to sear them. It’s possible to roast and not toast your veggies. But, the crispy bits really are the best part!

How to Roast Asparagus

Follow these directions on how to roast asparagus:

Prep the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Prep the Asparagus: Oil and season the asparagus spears, then arrange them on a sheet pan. I roast mine whole, but if you have small children, it can save time at the table to cut them into smaller bites before roasting.

How Long to Roast Asparagus

Here’s the deal on how long to roast asparagus: it depends on what you like. It should take about 10 minutes in the oven.

But, if you like them especially charred, or softer than crisp-tender, it may take as long as 15 minutes. I recommend checking them at 10 minutes.

Poke them with a fork, or give it a taste test. If they aren’t soft enough, then check again in one minute.

I prefer to roast mine until they are fork tender. It is so versatile, I can almost always find an asparagus recipe that pairs perfectly with whatever entree I’m making.

Crispy, slightly salty baked asparagus with parmesan is an easy, delicious side to pop in the oven and have on the table in no time at all.

There are so many great ways to cook asparagus! Once you’ve mastered roasting, you may want to try air frying, grilling, steaming, sauteeing, or even boiling it.