Crispy Zucchini Fries (Print View)
Golden-brown, crunchy zucchini spears, perfect as a healthy snack or side dish. Guilt-free with great flavor and satisfying texture.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 medium zucchini
→ Coating Blend
02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Breading Station Components
08 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
09 - 2 large eggs
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
02 - Wash and thoroughly dry the zucchinis. Using a sharp knife, cut them into uniform 1/2-inch thick fries.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one containing all-purpose flour, one with the beaten large eggs, and the final bowl holding the combined panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and ground black pepper.
04 - Individually dredge each zucchini fry first in the flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, thoroughly coat the fry in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
05 - Place the coated zucchini fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced to promote optimal crispiness.
06 - Bake the fries for 22 to 25 minutes, turning them once halfway through the cooking process, until they achieve a golden-brown color and a satisfying crispy texture.
07 - Serve the crispy zucchini fries immediately while hot. Optionally, pair them with a complementary dipping sauce of your choice.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- You're going to adore how genuinely crispy these get in the oven, almost magically so.
- It's a fantastic way to enjoy a "fry" experience without any of the greasy aftermath.
02 -
- Patting the zucchini really dry before coating is the absolute key to avoiding soggy fries; I learned this the hard way with a disappointing batch once.
- Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones makes a monumental difference in achieving that satisfying crunch you're aiming for.
03 -
- For a truly dairy-free version that doesn't skimp on flavor, nutritional yeast is an incredible substitute for Parmesan in the breading mixture.
- If you have an air fryer, use it! Cooking at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, produces an unbelievably crispy result with even less oil.