Craving a delicious snack that's both incredibly tasty and surprisingly healthy? Get ready to transform the humble zucchini into a crispy, cheesy sensation that will have everyone begging for more! These Parmesan Baked Zucchini Fries are the ultimate game-day appetizer, side dish, or midnight craving that will make you forget all about traditional potato fries. With a golden, crunchy exterior and a soft, tender inside, these zucchini fries are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispier fries.
- Trim the ends of the zucchinis and cut them into uniform french fry-shaped sticks, approximately 3-4 inches long and about 1/2 inch thick. Aim for consistent sizing to ensure even cooking.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, crack the egg and whisk it until well blended. In a separate bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Dip each zucchini stick first into the beaten egg, ensuring it's completely coated. Then roll the egg-coated stick in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere evenly.
- Arrange the coated zucchini fries on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other. This allows hot air to circulate and helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the fries halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The fries should be golden brown and crispy when done.
- Remove from the oven and let the zucchini fries rest for 2-3 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli. Best enjoyed while hot and crispy.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Always thoroughly pat your zucchini dry before coating to ensure maximum crunch.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different seasonings in your breadcrumb mixture. Try adding dried herbs like oregano or thyme for an Italian twist.
- Use a sharp knife to cut uniform zucchini sticks to guarantee even cooking and a professional look.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each fry some breathing room to help them crisp up perfectly.
- For an extra crispy coating, you can lightly spray the zucchini fries with olive oil cooking spray before baking.
- Serve immediately after cooking to maintain the perfect crispy texture. These fries are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven.
- If you're looking to make them gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg
