how long to bake asparagus at 425

To bake asparagus at 425°F (220°C), the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the spears and your desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines:

– Thin asparagus spears (1/4 inch / 6 mm thick): 8-12 minutes
– Medium asparagus spears (1/2 inch / 1 cm thick): 12-15 minutes
– Thick asparagus spears (3/4 inch / 2 cm thick): 15-20 minutes

To bake asparagus, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Rinse the asparagus spears and pat them dry with a paper towel.
4. Place the asparagus spears on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings or lemon juice if desired.
6. Bake for the recommended time, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly caramelized.
7. Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Keep an eye on the asparagus during the baking time, as it can quickly go from perfectly cooked to overcooked. You can also check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the thickest part of the spear; if it slides in easily, the asparagus is done.