Ingredients
- For the Zucchini Fries:
- 3 medium zucchini (each about 7 inches long)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 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 (for extra savory flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for a little heat)
- For Baking:
- Nonstick cooking spray (for baking)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve: Serve the zucchini fries warm with a side of ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 3 fries)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
