Baked Zucchini Fries

$To make baked zucchini fries, you will need: - 2 medium zucchinis, cut into thick strips - 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 large eggs - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray When choosing zucchini, look for firm ones. The skin should be shiny and smooth. Avoid zucchinis with soft spots or wrinkles. Smaller zucchinis tend to be sweeter and less bitter. Always check for freshness at the store or market. If you can, buy organic zucchinis for better taste and less pesticide use. You can make some easy swaps in this recipe. If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of whole wheat. For a dairy-free option, you can skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. If you want a lower-carb option, try using almond flour or crushed nuts instead of breadcrumbs. These changes keep the recipe tasty while meeting your needs. Start by washing the zucchinis. Make sure to scrub them well to remove any dirt. Next, cut each zucchini into thick strips. Aim for about ¼ inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly and stay crisp. If you like, you can remove the skin, but I keep it for color and nutrients. Once sliced, place the zucchini strips on a paper towel. This step helps draw out moisture, which is key for crispiness. Now, let’s coat those zucchini strips. In one bowl, beat the two large eggs. This will help the breadcrumbs stick. In another bowl, mix together the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to mix well. Take a zucchini strip, dip it in the egg first. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mix until it's fully covered. Place the coated strips on your baking sheet. Repeat for all the zucchini. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is crucial for achieving that golden brown color. Before baking, lightly spray the tops of the zucchini fries with olive oil spray. This helps them crisp up nicely. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even browning. Watch them closely; you want them crispy but not burnt. Once they are golden and crisp, take them out. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Try serving with marinara sauce or garlic aioli for a tasty dip. Enjoy your crispy snack! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To get that nice crunch on your zucchini fries, follow a few simple steps. First, choose firm zucchinis. Soft ones will not hold up well. Cut them into thick strips to help them stay crisp. When you dip them in the egg, make sure they are fully coated. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better. After coating with breadcrumbs, spray a little olive oil on top. This will help them crisp up in the oven. For an extra crunch, bake them on a wire rack set over the baking sheet. The hot air can circulate all around. Adding flavor to your zucchini fries is easy. Start with the basic garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These spices bring a nice taste. You can also add Italian seasoning for a twist. If you like heat, try adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a cheesy kick, add more grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs. Always taste your seasoning mix before coating the fries. This way, you know the flavor is just right. The right tools make cooking easier. Use a sharp knife to cut the zucchinis. A shallow bowl works best for the egg and breadcrumb mixtures. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper makes cleanup easy. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet. This helps the fries cook evenly. Use an oven mitt when taking the fries out, as the baking sheet will be hot. For serving, a nice platter will show off your crispy baked zucchini fries. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your baked zucchini fries easily. Try adding herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to the breadcrumb mix. You can also use spices like cayenne pepper for some heat or curry powder for a warm taste. Each option gives a new twist to this tasty snack. If you want gluten-free zucchini fries, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. They will still be crispy and delicious. For a vegan version, skip the eggs. Instead, use unsweetened plant milk with a bit of flour to help the coating stick. You will enjoy these options just as much! Zucchini fries taste great with dips. Marinara sauce is a classic choice. You can also make a creamy garlic aioli by mixing vegan mayo with garlic and lemon. For something zesty, try a spicy sriracha sauce. Each dip adds fun and flavor to your fries. You can find the full recipe above for more delicious ideas! To keep your leftover zucchini fries fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. To reheat your zucchini fries, use an oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay the fries on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy and delicious. You can also use a toaster oven if you prefer. If you want to save zucchini fries for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. They will last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake directly from frozen. This method keeps them tasty and crisp. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section on ingredients and instructions. Yes, you can use other veggies. Carrots, eggplant, and sweet potatoes work great. Cut them in similar sizes to ensure even cooking. This way, you get crispy bites every time. Experiment with your favorite vegetables for new flavors. To make your zucchini fries extra crispy, follow these tips: - Remove moisture: Pat the zucchini strips dry with a paper towel. This helps reduce steam during baking. - Use a wire rack: Place the zucchini fries on a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. Air can flow around the fries, making them crispier. - Spray oil: Lightly spray the fries with olive oil. This helps them brown nicely in the oven. By using these methods, you can achieve a crunch that everyone will love. Baked zucchini fries pair well with many dishes. Here are some tasty options: - Burgers: Serve them alongside your favorite burger for a fun meal. - Salads: Add them to a fresh salad for a nice crunch. - Dips: They go great with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli. These pairings add variety and make your meal more exciting. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To recap, we explored the key ingredients for zucchini fries, including tips for selection and dietary substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions to prepare and bake them perfectly. I also offered tips for a crunchy texture, seasoning ideas, and recommended cooking tools. Variations for flavoring and coatings added more options, while storage and reheating tips simplified leftovers. Zucchini fries are versatile and tasty snacks. With these insights, you can create your own delicious version. Enjoy experimenting and sharing them with friends!$

Discover the ultimate snack solution with these crispy baked zucchini fries! Made with fresh zucchinis and a delicious blend of whole wheat breadcrumbs and Parmesan, this easy recipe is perfect for a healthy crunch. In just 35 minutes, you can enjoy a guilt-free treat that's sure to impress. Ready to give your snacking a tasty makeover?

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, cut into thick strips

1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

2 large eggs

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

In a shallow bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly incorporated.

In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.

Take each zucchini strip and dip it first in the beaten eggs, ensuring it's completely coated. Next, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully covered. Place the coated zucchini fries onto the prepared baking sheet.

Once all the zucchini fries are coated, lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to help them crisp up during baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp.

Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy zucchini fries on a platter with a side of marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color!