MYSQL into outfile "access denied" - but my user has "ALL" access.. and the folder is CHMOD 777

Try executing this SQL command:

> grant all privileges 
  on YOUR_DATABASE.* 
  to 'asdfsdf'@'localhost' 
  identified by 'your_password';
> flush privileges; 

It seems that you are having issues with connecting to the database and not writing to the folder you’re mentioning.

Also, make sure you have granted FILE to user 'asdfsdf'@'localhost'.

> GRANT FILE ON *.* TO 'asdfsdf'@'localhost';

Honestly I didnt bother to deal with the grants and this worked even without the privileges:

echo "select * from employee" | mysql --host=HOST --port=PORT --user=UserName --password=Password DATABASE.SCHEMA > output.txt

As @fijaaron says,

1. GRANT ALL does not imply GRANT FILE
2. GRANT FILE only works with *.*

So do

GRANT FILE ON *.* TO user;