Fried Asparagus Sticks

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

1. Heat 1-inch vegetable oil in a deep-sided skillet over medium heat.
2. Whisk buttermilk, paprika, black pepper, and lemon zest together in a wide bowl.
3. Pour flour into a separate wide bowl.
4. Place a paper towel-lined plate near the stove top.
5. Dip 1/3 of asparagus in buttermilk mixture.
6. Transfer asparagus to flour and coat thoroughly.
7. Repeat with a second layer of buttermilk mixture and flour.
8. Fry coated asparagus in the hot oil until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes.
9. Transfer to the paper towel-lined plate.
10. Repeat the battering and frying process until all the sticks are cooked.
11. Serve immediately.

vegetable oil, buttermilk, ground paprika, ground black pepper, lemons, allpurpose, fresh asparagus

Taken from allrecipes.com/recipe/fried-asparagus-sticks/ (may not work)