Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Asparagus

The first time I tasted LongHorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Asparagus, I knew I had to recreate it at home. It was one of those appetizers that had everyone at the table reaching for more, even those who typically avoided vegetables. The crispy, cheesy coating transformed ordinary asparagus into something extraordinary, crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with savory Parmesan flavor.

After several test batches in my kitchen, I finally perfected this copycat recipe that captures all the magic of the restaurant version. Now it’s become my go-to dish for everything from dinner parties to family meals. What began as a restaurant appetizer has evolved into a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with steaks, chicken, or even as a stand-alone vegetable option for those looking to add more greens to their diet. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make at home with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Impressive presentation – Looks and tastes gourme
• Crowd-pleaser – Even vegetable skeptics will ask for seconds
• Restaurant-quality – Tastes just like the LongHorn Steakhouse original
• Versatile – Works as an appetizer or side dish
• Simple ingredients – Use pantry staples you likely have on hand
• Quick preparation – Ready in under 30 minutes
• Crispy texture – Perfect contrast to tender asparagus

Ingredients needed for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Asparagus

• Fresh asparagus – Provides the tender, flavorful base that gets transformed by the coating; medium spears work best as they hold up to battering and frying
• All-purpose flour – Creates the foundation for the crispy coating and helps the Parmesan adhere to the asparagus
• Parmesan cheese – Contributes rich, savory flavor and golden-brown color when fried
• Seasoned salt – Adds the perfect blend of salt and spices that enhances the natural flavor of the asparagus
• Buttermilk – Acts as the binding agent that helps the flour and Parmesan stick to the asparagus; also adds tangy flavor
• Oil for frying – Creates the hot cooking environment needed for the perfect crispy exterior (canola or vegetable oil recommended)
• Shaved Parmesan – Optional garnish that adds visual appeal and an extra burst of cheese flavor

How to make Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Asparagus

1. Wash the asparagus and trim off the woody ends.
2. Place the flour, Parmesan, and seasoned salt in a shallow dish. Stir to combine.
3. Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
4. Dredge asparagus in the flour mixture.

5. Then dip them in buttermilk and dredge again in the flour.

5. Place the breaded asparagus on a wire rack and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before frying.
6. Pour enough oil in a cooking vessel until it is 2-inches deep. Heat oil to 350 degrees. Carefully drop a few asparagus spears in the oil at a time, and fry until golden brown. Drain the fried asparagus on a wire rack that is resting on a baking sheet.
7. Garnish with grated or shaved Parmesan cheese.

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Asparagus

You don’t want to miss out on this amazing appetizer.

4.84 from 6 votes

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Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Longhorn Steakhouse, Parmesan Crusted Asparagus

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 231kcal

Author: Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh asparagus
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 2 cups buttermilk
• Oil for frying e.g., vegetable oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil
• Ranch dipping sauce optional

Instructions

• Trim the asparagus by removing the bottom inch. You can save the trimmings for soup stock, if you’d like.
• In a shallow bowl combine the flour, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and seasoned salt.
• In another shallow dish, add the buttermilk.
• Coat the asparagus first in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk, and then dredge in the flour coating again.
• Place the coated asparagus on a wire rack. Repeat with all the asparagus, and allow to rest for about 5 minutes before frying.
• Add oil to your cooking vessel until it is 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F. Drop a few asparagus spears in at a time, and fry until golden brown. Remove the golden asparagus, and allow them to drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
• Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese, and serve with optional ranch dipping sauce or other sauce of your choice

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 667mg | Potassium: 304mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 810IU | Vitamin C: 4.2mg | Calcium: 257mg | Iron: 3.2mg

Ingredient notes

You can also choose to use two types of Parmesan:

1. Grated Parmesan. I don’t often say this, but the pre-grated kind works just fine for this recipe.
2. Shaved Parmesan. This is optional for the garnish because you can sprinkle grated parmesan on the finished dish. You can either get a block of Parmesan and shave off thin slices or get it already shaved.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers:

• Allow to cool completely before storing
• Place in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper
• Refrigerate for 3-4 days
• Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag

Reheating for Best Results:

Air Fryer Method (Preferred):

1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F
2. Place cold asparagus in a single layer in the basket
3. Heat for 3-4 minutes if refrigerated, 6-8 minutes if frozen
4. Check for desired crispiness and extend time if needed

Oven Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F
2. Place asparagus on a wire rack over a baking sheet
3. Bake for 5-7 minutes if refrigerated, 10-12 minutes if frozen
4. Watch carefully to prevent burning

Methods to Avoid:

• Microwave (results in soggy coating)
• Covering while reheating (traps steam and softens the coating)

What to serve with parmesan crusted asparagus

Here are some great sauces to serve with fried asparagus:

• Cane’s Sauce
• Horsey Sauce
• Onion Ring Sauce
• Ranch Dipping Sauce
• Create a special sauce by combining high-quality Ranch dressing mix with a small amount of chili sauce.

Here are a few entrees to serve with parmesan asparagus:

• Chicken Tenders
• Shake and Bake Pork Chops
• Smoked Steak

How to store leftovers

After the asparagus has completely cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

You can freeze the asparagus for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag.

How to reheat crispy parmesan asparagus

I recommend placing the asparagus into a 350°F air fryer and cooking for 6 to 8 minutes. You can also reheat this in the oven at 350°F for about 10 to 12 minutes.

I do not recommend microwaving the Parmesan Crusted Asparagus because it will become soggy.

I hope you give this recipe a try in one of your upcoming meals. No matter if you serve this with some shaved prime rib, a flavorful steak, or your favorite chicken, you’re going to love this way to prepare asparagus.

Love Longhorn Steakhouse? Try these copycat recipes!

• Longhorn Mac and Cheese
• Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
• Mushroom Bisque

Favorite Fried Appetizer Recipes

• Air Fried Buffalo Cauliflower
• Blooming Onion
• Cream Cheese Wontons
• Deep Fried Mushrooms
• Fried Cheese Curds
• Fried Cheese Sticks
• Fried Jalapeno Poppers
• Fried Mozzarella
• Mini Corn Dogs
• Mojos

Check out more of my easy appetizer recipes and the best copycat restaurant recipes here on CopyKat!