Fried Asparagus Sticks

Ingredients

• 1 cup vegetable oil for frying, or as needed
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1.5 lemons, zested
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed

Steps

1. Heat 1-inch vegetable oil in a deep-sided skillet over medium heat.
2. Whisk buttermilk, lemon zest, paprika, and black pepper together in a wide bowl. Pour flour into a separate wide bowl. Place a paper towel-lined plate near the stovetop.
3. Dip 1/3 of asparagus into buttermilk mixture. Dredge in flour; coat thoroughly. Repeat with a second layer of buttermilk mixture and flour. Place coated asparagus, unstacked, onto a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining asparagus.
4. Fry coated asparagus, in three batches, in hot oil until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to the paper towel-lined plate. Repeat frying until all the sticks are cooked. Serve immediately.