Almond-Crusted Bake-Fried Asparagus

6 egg whites

1½ cups almond flour

1½ teaspoons garlic powder

1½ teaspoons smoked paprika

1½ teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons kosher salt

¾ teaspoon ground black pepper

2 bunches asparagus, tough bottoms trimmed

Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Set a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet. Coat the rack with cooking spray.

In a very large bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix together the almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper.

Place the asparagus in the egg whites and gently roll or toss until all of the spears are coated and moistened. A few spears at a time, transfer the asparagus to the almond flour mixture. Roll the spears in the mixture until evenly and well coated. If needed, pat the coating on with your hands. Arrange the coated spears on the prepared rack. When all of the spears are on the rack, spritz them lightly with cooking spray.

Roast for 20 minutes, or until crispy and lightly browned. Serve immediately.

Serves six.

Nutrition values per serving: 190 calories, 12 g fat (1 g saturated), 12 g carbohydrates, 7 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 12 g protein, 0 cholesterol, 700 mg sodium.

J.M. Hirsch, Associated Press food editor