Baked Zucchini Fries

$- 2 medium zucchinis - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 2 large eggs, beaten - ¼ cup all-purpose flour - Cooking spray or olive oil The right ingredients make all the difference. Fresh zucchinis bring flavor and crunch. Panko breadcrumbs give the fries that extra crispy bite. Parmesan cheese adds a nice, salty kick. The spices—garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika—add depth to each fry. Don’t forget the salt and pepper for seasoning. The eggs help the coating stick, while flour gives a base for the breading. Using cooking spray or olive oil ensures the fries crisp up nicely in the oven. - Calories per serving: About 150 calories - Breakdown of macronutrients: - Protein: 6g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Fat: 7g Understanding the nutritional value helps you enjoy your snack guilt-free. Each serving has around 150 calories, making these fries a lighter option. With 6 grams of protein, they provide some muscle support. The carbs come mainly from zucchinis and breadcrumbs, giving you energy. The fat content is moderate, thanks to the olive oil or cooking spray. This balance makes these baked zucchini fries a tasty, healthy snack! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to make these crispy delights. 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will help cook the fries evenly. 2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and keeps fries from sticking. 3. Wash the zucchinis under cool water. Trim off the ends using a sharp knife. 4. Slice the zucchinis into fry-shaped sticks, about 1/2 inch thick. This size helps them cook well. 1. Set up your breading station. Place flour in one shallow dish. In another dish, beat the eggs until combined. 2. In a third dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until mixed well. 3. Take a zucchini stick and dredge it in flour first. Shake off any extra flour. 4. Dip the floured zucchini into the beaten eggs. Let any extra egg drip off. 5. Roll the zucchini stick in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure crumbs stick well. 1. Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer on your baking sheet. Keep space between each fry for proper cooking. 2. For extra crunch, lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. 3. Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. 4. Flip the fries halfway through the baking time. This helps them brown evenly. 5. Once golden brown and crispy, take the baking sheet out. Let the fries cool for a moment before serving. For the full recipe, check the section above. Enjoy your crispy zucchini fries! To get your zucchini fries nice and crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs. This makes a big difference in texture. Proper oiling also helps a lot. Lightly spray the fries with cooking spray or drizzle olive oil over them. This step helps the fries crisp up nicely in the oven. You can make your fries even tastier by adding spices or cheeses to the mix. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for a fresh kick. Grated Parmesan adds a rich flavor that pairs well with zucchini. For dipping, marinara sauce is a classic choice. You can also try garlic aioli or ranch dressing. These dips add extra flavor and make the snack more fun. One big mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. If the fries touch, they won’t crisp up. Make sure to leave space between them. Another common error is not preheating the oven. Always preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that desirable crispiness. {{image_4}} You can make your Baked Zucchini Fries even healthier. Start by using whole wheat flour. Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients. It also gives a nice nutty flavor. This small change makes your fries more nutritious. Another great swap is for the Parmesan cheese. You can use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Nutritional yeast has a cheesy taste without the dairy. It's also rich in vitamins. This option is perfect for those who want a vegan snack. To boost the flavor, add fresh herbs. Oregano or thyme work well with zucchini. Just sprinkle some in the breadcrumb mix. The herbs will give your fries an aromatic touch. If you like heat, try cayenne pepper. Just a pinch can add a spicy kick. This twist will excite your taste buds. You can even create a spicy dipping sauce to match. You can serve these fries in many ways. They make a great side dish with any meal. Just pair them with your favorite main course. For a fun twist, use them as an appetizer. Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping. You can also add them to sandwiches or wraps. They can add crunch and flavor to your lunch. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy these tasty variations! To keep your baked zucchini fries fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option. To properly freeze your zucchini fries, let them cool completely. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as you can. They can stay fresh for up to three months. When it comes to reheating, the oven is the best choice. It helps keep them crispy. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fries on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. If using a microwave, they may get soggy. For best results, use the oven method. Enjoy your crispy fries again! Yes, you can prepare Baked Zucchini Fries in advance. Here’s how: - Slice the zucchinis: Cut them into fry-shaped sticks. - Prep the coating: Mix the breadcrumbs and spices. - Store separately: Keep the zucchini and coating in separate containers. - Refrigerate: This keeps them fresh until you are ready to bake. When you want to bake them, just follow the cooking steps. They will taste great even after some time in the fridge. Yes, you can make Baked Zucchini Fries gluten-free. Here are some options: - Use gluten-free breadcrumbs: Look for panko-style crumbs made without gluten. - Substitute flour: You can use almond flour or coconut flour instead of regular flour. These changes keep the dish crunchy and tasty without gluten. Soggy zucchini fries can be a letdown. Here are common reasons and fixes: - Too much moisture: Zucchini has a lot of water. Pat them dry before coating. - Not enough cooking time: Make sure to bake them long enough to crisp up. - Overcrowding the pan: Give them space on the baking sheet. This helps air flow. By fixing these issues, you can enjoy crispy, delicious fries every time. These baked zucchini fries are easy to make and delicious. We covered key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for perfect fries. I shared tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. You can try different variations and storage methods to suit your needs. In summary, you can enjoy these fries in many ways. They are a great snack or side dish. With the right steps, you can create a crunchy, tasty treat. Give these a try; your taste buds will thank you!$

Satisfy your cravings with these irresistible Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries! Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this healthy alternative is easy to make and packed with flavor. With simple ingredients like zucchini, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan, you'll enjoy a guilt-free snack or side. Ready in just 40 minutes, click through to discover this delicious recipe and elevate your snacking game today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crunchy texture)

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 large eggs, beaten

¼ cup all-purpose flour

Cooking spray or a light drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure an easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Take the zucchinis, wash them thoroughly, and trim off the ends. Cut them into fry-shaped sticks, aiming for a thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking.

In a shallow mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Set up a breading station: In one shallow dish, place the flour; in another, beat the eggs until well combined; and have your breadcrumb mixture within easy reach.

Take each zucchini stick and first dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess egg to drip off before rolling it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well to the zucchini.

Once coated, arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. For an extra crispy finish, lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. Be sure to flip the fries halfway through to achieve an even golden-brown color and crispiness.

Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the fries cool slightly before serving.

- Prep Time: 15 minutes

- Total Time: 40 minutes

- Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the zucchini fries hot, accompanied by a side of marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping. Arrange them in a cone-shaped paper holder or in a rustic basket for a fun presentation!