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Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries with Parmesan

crispy baked zucchini fries - featured image

These crispy baked zucchini fries with Parmesan are a healthy, crunchy snack alternative to deep-fried fries, perfect for quick bites or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchinis, washed and sliced into fry-sized sticks (about 1/2 inch thick)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free panko can be used as a substitute)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If using, place a wire cooling rack on top.
  2. Slice 2 medium zucchinis into sticks about 1/2 inch thick, keeping them uniform for even cooking.
  3. Toss the zucchini sticks with 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large bowl until lightly coated.
  4. Set up breading stations: place 1/3 cup all-purpose flour in one bowl; beat 2 large eggs in a second bowl; combine 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
  5. Dredge each zucchini stick in flour, shaking off excess, dip into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing crumbs gently to adhere.
  6. Arrange the coated fries in a single layer on the baking sheet or wire rack, leaving space between each fry.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through (around 12 minutes), until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow fries to crisp up further.

Notes

[‘Tossing zucchini in olive oil before breading helps keep fries moist and crispy.’, ‘Turning fries halfway through baking ensures even browning.’, ‘Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming and sogginess.’, ‘Let fries rest for 5 minutes after baking to set the crust.’, ‘For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.’, ‘If coating feels soggy, let breaded zucchini sit on a wire rack for 5 minutes before baking.’, ‘Reheat leftovers in a toaster or conventional oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini fries, baked zucchini, Parmesan fries, healthy snack, crispy zucchini, easy snack recipe