Simple Roasted Asparagus {Only 4 Ingredients!!}
Simple roasted asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder & seasoning—an easy, healthy side dish ready in 20 mins with easy cleanup!
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about a recipe that lets the natural flavor of vegetables shine — especially when it’s this easy roasted asparagus recipe. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this dish transforms a humble bunch of asparagus into a tender, flavorful, and healthy side dish that works with everything from salmon to roast chicken. It’s the kind of no-fuss recipe that turns busy weeknights into effortless victories.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this oven-roasted asparagus is the easiest way to bring more vegetable servings to the dinner table. With just a little olive oil, a sprinkle of garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt, you’ll have beautifully roasted asparagus spears with crispy tips and a savory, caramelized finish. Bonus? It all comes together on one parchment-lined baking sheet, making for easy cleanup. Let’s dive in!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Just 4 pantry staples highlight the natural goodness of fresh asparagus. No complicated steps or fancy sauces needed.
- Pairs with Everything: This is the perfect side dish for any main course—from grilled steak to pasta primavera.
- Foolproof Method: Roasting in a hot oven on a single layer ensures your asparagus spears come out evenly cooked with slightly crispy edges.
- Customizable: Add fresh garlic, lemon zest, onion powder, or a dash of Italian seasoning for a flavor twist.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Leftover asparagus can be repurposed into omelets, grain bowls, or even reheated in the air fryer for a quick snack.
A Breakdown of the Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy side dish:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed ends: Look for thin spears for quicker roasting or thicker asparagus for a heartier texture. Trim off the woody bottoms—usually about 1–2 inches.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for richness and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory aroma and flavor to the spears without overpowering the vegetable.
- ½ teaspoon salt & pepper: Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper bring out the best in each bite.
Optional upgrades: a squeeze of lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh garlic, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can take this dish to the next level.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet or cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prep the Asparagus
Rinse your fresh asparagus and pat dry. Trim the woody ends—either by snapping them off at the natural break point or cutting with a knife.
Step 3: Season the Spears
Toss the asparagus spears with extra virgin olive oil on the sheet pan or in a bowl. Arrange them in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Add Flavor
Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Massage gently into the spears to ensure even coating.
Step 5: Roast
Place in the oven for about 20 minutes or until tender and lightly crisped at the tips of the spears. Adjust cook time depending on the thickness of your asparagus.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven and—if desired—add a squeeze of lemon juice or a touch of lemon zest for brightness. Serve hot next to your main course.
How to Store the Recipe
To store asparagus leftovers:
- Place cooled leftover asparagus in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer or warm in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes for the best texture.
Avoid microwaving if you can—it can make the spears mushy. If you do, use short bursts and cover loosely.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Choose the Right Spears: Thinner asparagus will roast faster and become crispier. Thicker asparagus takes longer but has a meatier texture.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Arrange the spears in a single layer to avoid steaming instead of roasting.
- Customize It: Add grated Parmesan, fresh garlic, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a twist.
- Watch the Time: Ovens vary, so check doneness at 15 minutes. Spears should be vibrant green with crispy edges.
- Serve with Anything: From eggs at breakfast to roast chicken or salmon at dinner, this simple side fits any meal.
Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for your new favorite way to prepare one of your favorite vegetables, this easy roasted asparagus recipe is a winner. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and big flavor, it’s the kind of vegetable side you’ll make on repeat. So grab that bunch of asparagus, preheat your oven, and get ready to fall in love with the best way to bring greens to your plate.
FAQs
Yes! Roast asparagus in the air fryer at 375°F for 7–9 minutes, shaking halfway through. It’s a great option for a smaller batch.
Bend each spear near the base—it’ll naturally snap where the woody part ends. Or just cut 1–2 inches from the bottom.
Absolutely. Minced fresh garlic adds more punch. Just sprinkle over the spears before roasting.
Not required, but a squeeze of lemon juice or zest brightens the flavors and pairs beautifully with roasted veggies.
You can roast asparagus in advance and reheat before serving. It’s best served fresh but works well in meal prep.
The spears should be tender when pierced with a fork and slightly crisp at the tips. Don’t overcook—they’ll lose that vibrant color and become mushy.
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Simple Roasted Asparagus {Only 4 Ingredients!!}
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Coat asparagus in olive oil. Place onto the lined baking sheet.
- Top asparagus with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Massage seasoning into asparagus.
- Place in the oven for 20 minutes or until roasted. Enjoy!