Parmesan Zucchini Fries
These Parmesan Zucchini Fries are a crispy, cheesy, and secretly healthy snack or side dish. Tender zucchini sticks are coated in a savory Parmesan breadcrumb mixture and baked to golden perfection. Enjoy them with a simple dipping sauce for an irresistible treat.
Equipment
- 3 shallow dishes or plates
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl (for dipping sauce)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Oven
- Olive oil sprayer
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, cut into fries
- ½ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
- ½ cup mayonnaise for dipping sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup for dipping sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for dipping sauce
- ½ teaspoon paprika for dipping sauce
- Pinch of garlic powder for dipping sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and dry the zucchini thoroughly. Trim off the ends and cut into fry-shaped pieces (3-4 inches long, 1/2 inch thick).
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each zucchini fry in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip the floured zucchini fry into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
- Press the zucchini fry into the Parmesan cheese mixture, ensuring it's completely coated.
- Place the breaded zucchini fry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Repeat steps for all zucchini fries.
- Lightly spray the breaded zucchini fries with olive oil spray.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- While the fries are baking, prepare the dipping sauce (if using) by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, paprika, and a pinch of garlic powder in a small bowl. Mix well and adjust seasonings to taste.
- Remove the zucchini fries from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve immediately with the dipping sauce (if desired).
- Enjoy!
Notes
For crispier fries, don't overcrowd the baking sheet and ensure zucchini is dry before breading. To prevent burning, monitor closely during baking. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs. Spice it up by adding cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.