Crispy Zucchini Fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional French fries. With their golden exterior and tender interior, these fries are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Perfect as a snack or a side dish, they are easy to whip up and can be enjoyed with a variety of dips.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein: 6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Fat: 7 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 250 mg
Why Make This Crispy Zucchini Fries
Crispy Zucchini Fries are not only a fantastic way to sneak some veggies into your meals, but they also offer a satisfying crunch that makes them a delightful snack. Baking instead of frying reduces the oil used, making them healthier without sacrificing taste. They are versatile enough to be served at parties, or alongside burgers and sandwiches. Loaded with flavor from Parmesan cheese and spices, these fries are bound to become a beloved recipe in your cooking repertoire.
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fries
Step 1: Preparation
To start, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This hot temperature is essential for achieving the perfect crispiness. Next, wash and cut the zucchinis into thin fry shapes or sticks, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create a flavorful coating that enhances the taste of the fries.
Step 3: Coating
In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well blended. Take each zucchini stick, dip it into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. This double-dipping method guarantees a crunchy finish.
Step 4: Finishing
Place the coated zucchini fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for the best experience.
How to Serve Crispy Zucchini Fries
Crispy Zucchini Fries are delightful on their own, but they shine even brighter when paired with dipping sauces. Consider serving them with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a spicy aioli for extra flavor. These fries also make a great accompaniment to burgers, grilled meats, or even tossed into a salad for added crunch.
How to Store Crispy Zucchini Fries
To store any leftovers, let the fries cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last for 2-3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to regain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving them as that can make them soggy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crispy Zucchini Fries
- Cut Uniformly: Make sure your zucchini pieces are cut to a similar size to ensure even cooking.
- Dry the Zucchinis: Pat the cut zucchinis dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which can prevent crispiness.
- Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite spices to the breadcrumb mixture, such as paprika or cayenne for a kick.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet will make cleaning up easier and also help prevent sticking.
Delicious Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Fries: Add more Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Spicy Zucchini Fries: Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
- Herb-Infused Fries: Add dried herbs like oregano or basil for a rustic flavor enhancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?
Yes! You can experiment with eggplant, carrots, or even sweet potatoes for alternative fries. -
Can I prepare them in advance?
Yes, you can coat the zucchini in advance and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. -
Can I air fry these fries?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking. -
What dipping sauces pair well with zucchini fries?
They pair well with ranch dressing, marinara, honey mustard, or a spicy ketchup. -
How can I make these fries gluten-free?
Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Conclusion
Crispy Zucchini Fries are the ultimate snack that brings both fun and nutrition to your plate. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, they provide a fantastic way to enjoy more vegetables in your diet. Whether for a game day treat or a simple side dish, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of these golden fries. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Crispy Zucchini Fries
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and healthier alternative to traditional French fries, these Crispy Zucchini Fries are perfect as a snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fry shapes
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs, whisked
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and cut the zucchinis into thin fry shapes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs until blended.
- Dip each zucchini stick in the egg, allowing excess to drip off, and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For best results, cut zucchinis uniformly and pat them dry before breading to enhance crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
