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Oven Roasted Asparagus

5 from 3 votes
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posted: 04/22/25

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

This Oven Roasted Asparagus recipe only has a few ingredients, comes together easily, and roasts up perfectly while you are making your main dish.

overhead view of oven roasted asparagus with lemon slices on a blue platter

I love roasted asparagus so much. At least once a week in the summer I eat an entire bunch by myself. I am slowly but surely getting my kids to fall in love with it, too. If you aren’t a fan of asparagus, it’s possible that you just haven’t had it prepared correctly.

Roasted asparagus in the oven is easy to prepare and compliments so many dishes perfectly. Don’t miss my full list just above the recipe card for all the main dish recipes I love to serve this with.

overhead of ingredients for roasted asparagus, fresh asparagus, olive oil, lemon zest, kosher salt, and lemon juice

Picking the Perfect Asparagus

Make sure when you buy asparagus that you look for bunches where most to all the stems look plump. If there are stems that look wrinkly or wilted in there, move along. You want a bunch of asparagus that looks fresh and perky at the top.

How to Store Asparagus

If you aren’t making this roasted asparagus recipe the day you come home from the grocery store, you are going to want to store it in your refrigerator to keep it fresh. Add it to a small glass or a mason jar with an inch or two of water and store for up to two weeks. Read more about this here: How to Store Asparagus.

small mason jar with water and asparagus on a kitchen counter

How to Trim Asparagus

Asparagus stalks have woody ends at the bottom that aren’t appetizing. You will want to remove that before you begin this recipe. The asparagus will actually snap where it needs to be cut. I like snap one and use it as a guide to trim the rest of the asparagus spears. Read more about that here: How to Cut Asparagus.

woman holding asparagus and snapping the bottom part of the stem off

How to Cook Asparagus in the Oven

Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus

Wash and trim the asparagus as described above.

Step 2: Season the Asparagus

On a parchment lined rimmed baking sheet, drizzle the asparagus with lemon juice and olive oil. Sprinkle with lemon zest and kosher salt. Then toss to combine. I love this method because it saves you washing a bowl.

Once the asparagus is well coated, spread it in a single layer as shown below.

overhead of uncooked asparagus on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Step 3: Roast the Asparagus

Roast the asparagus in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Asparagus comes in a range of thickness, but is typically bundled with like sized asparagus. If your bunch of asparagus is thin, you will need just 15 minutes. If your asparagus is very thick, you may need even more than 20 minutes.

overhead of rimmed baking sheet with roasted asparagus
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The Best Baking Sheets

These NordicWare baking sheets are the most used thing in my kitchen. From cookies to roasting vegetables, they hold up so well and cook everything evenly.
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Getting Zest From a Lemon

This asparagus recipe uses both lemon zest and fresh lemon juice to create the perfect fresh flavor. Lemon zest comes from the peel of a lemon and is packed with intense citrus flavor, thanks to its natural oils.

To get zest from a lemon, start by rinsing the lemon thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Gently run the lemon across the zester, removing just the bright yellow outer layer of the peel. When you get to the white skin underneath, move to a different part of the lemon. I recommend zesting your lemon first and then juicing it.

TOP PICK

Microplane Zester

This zester is a great kitchen tool for zesting lemons and limes for your favorite recipes.
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Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftover baked asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It reheats well in the oven or air fryer.

side view of asparagus made in the oven on a blue platter garnished with lemon slices

What to Serve with Baked Asparagus

This makes such a great side dish to so many dinner recipes. From steak to chicken to seafood, it is a go-to recipe.

If you make this or any of the other great recipes listed here, make sure to leave me a comment and let me know!

overhead view of oven roasted asparagus with lemon slices on a blue platter
5 from 3 votes

Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe

Serves: 4 servings
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
This Oven Roasted Asparagus recipe only has a few ingredients, comes together easily, and roasts up perfectly while you are making your main dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch asparagus washed and trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest optional
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt if using table salt, use 1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Place the asparagus on the baking sheet. Add olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and kosher salt. Toss lightly. Spread into an even layer.
    1 bunch asparagus, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the asparagus is fork-tender. The thickness of the asparagus will determine the baking time with thinner asparagus on the 15 minute end and very thick asparagus spears needing at least 20 minutes.
Serving: 1serving Calories: 46kcal (2%) Carbohydrates: 3g (1%) Protein: 2g (4%) Fat: 4g (6%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g Monounsaturated Fat: 3g Sodium: 292mg (13%) Potassium: 142mg (4%) Fiber: 2g (8%) Sugar: 1g (1%) Vitamin A: 515IU (10%) Vitamin C: 6mg (7%) Calcium: 18mg (2%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
overhead view of oven roasted asparagus with lemon slices on a blue platter

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Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

Reader Interactions

    5 from 3 votes

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  1. Amy @Belly Full says

    My favorite green vegetable!

    • Bereket says

      Can tell me how money degree is oven heat ?

      • Lisa Longley says

        375 degrees

  2. Kristen says

    5 stars
    Perfect timing, I have a bunch of asparagus in my fridge that I needed a quick recipe for. This was PERFECT

    • Lisa Longley says

      Oooo, I hope you love this!

  3. Melissa Howell says

    5 stars
    This is my kids’ favorite! I hated asparagus when I was a child, but my kids love it! I had no idea it was so darn easy to make! We also like it with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. And the lemon for sure!

  4. Ann Shultz says

    I love all of your recipes. Especially the asparagus recipe. Thank you.

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’m so glad to hear it.

  5. Jackie says

    This is very similar to how I fix mine. I don’t use lemon zest – but I might now. And I melt some butter & mix it with the oil & add some Italian Seasoning. It’s terrific.

  6. Anne says

    5 stars
    Made this tonight for dinner. So delicious. Quick and easy to prepare

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’m so glad you liked these as much as I do!

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