Baked Zucchini Fries

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Zucchini Fries are the perfect guilt-free alternative to traditional fries, offering a crispy, savory snack with a delicious veggie twist. These fries are coated in a flavorful mix of panko and Parmesan, then baked to golden perfection. The result is a crispy outside with a tender, juicy interior. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or marinara, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish that everyone will love!

Ingredients

For the Zucchini Fries:

3 medium zucchini (about 7 inches long)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs

For the Coating:

¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
¾ cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Baking:

Nonstick cooking spray (for baking)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Position the oven racks in the top third and bottom third of the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place two cooling racks on baking sheets and spray them with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Zucchini:

Cut the top and bottom off the zucchini, then cut them into sticks that are about ½ inch thick and 3–4 inches long.

3. Coat the Zucchini:

Place the flour in a ziplock bag (or a large bowl), seal it, and shake until the zucchini is evenly coated with flour.
In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
In another shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, unseasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Dredge the Zucchini:

Working with a few zucchini sticks at a time, remove them from the flour and shake off any excess.
Dip each piece into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs into the zucchini if needed.
Place the coated zucchini on the prepared cooling racks, ensuring the pieces don’t touch each other. Repeat with the remaining zucchini.

5. Bake the Zucchini Fries:

Spray the coated zucchini fries lightly with nonstick cooking spray to help them crisp up.
Transfer the baking sheets to the oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then rotate the trays and bake for another 10 minutes until the zucchini is golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve:

Serve the zucchini fries warm with a side of ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Tips & Variations

• Crispier Fries: For even crispier fries, try placing the zucchini fries on a wire rack instead of directly on the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate all around them, helping them crisp up better.

• Cheese Variations: Mix in mozzarella or cheddar with the Parmesan for an extra cheesy kick.

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy variation.

• Zucchini Chips: Slice the zucchini into thinner rounds (about ¼ inch thick) for zucchini chips instead of fries.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover zucchini fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the fries in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour for the coating?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or almond flour for a gluten-free option, but keep in mind the texture may vary.

2. Can I freeze these zucchini fries?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked zucchini fries on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes.

3. Can I make these zucchini fries ahead of time?

You can prep the zucchini fries and coat them, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking them.

4. Can I air fry these zucchini fries?

Yes, you can air fry zucchini fries. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

5. How do I make these fries spicier?

To make the fries spicier, add more cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or extra jalapeños to the breadcrumb mixture for more heat.

6. How do I keep zucchini fries crispy?

For the crispiest fries, make sure to place them on a wire rack to allow air circulation, and lightly spray them with cooking spray before baking. Avoid overcrowding the fries on the baking sheet.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese in the breadcrumb mixture?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with any hard cheese like Romano, Pecorino, or even a mild cheese like mozzarella for a softer flavor.

8. Can I make these zucchini fries gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure the flour used is also gluten-free.

9. Can I bake these in a convection oven?

Yes, if you’re using a convection oven, reduce the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and keep an eye on them while baking, as convection ovens tend to cook faster.

10. Can I add vegetables to the fries?

Yes, you can add other veggies, such as eggplant, sweet potatoes, or even carrots, cut into similar-sized pieces and prepared the same way.

Conclusion

Baked Zucchini Fries are a healthy, flavorful alternative to traditional fries, with a crunchy, savory coating and a light, tender interior. With simple ingredients and an easy baking process, these fries are the perfect side dish, snack, or appetizer for any meal. Whether you enjoy them with a dip or as a topping for salads and bowls, these zucchini fries are sure to become a favorite!

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