Baked Zucchini Fries

$- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into fry-shaped sticks - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - Fresh parsley, finely chopped When I make baked zucchini fries, I focus on using fresh ingredients. Zucchini gives a nice crunch and a mild flavor. Panko breadcrumbs make the fries super crispy. I love the taste of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances every bite. For seasonings, I use garlic powder and smoked paprika. Garlic powder gives a nice savory touch. Smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky flavor that is hard to resist. I also sprinkle in sea salt and black pepper. These help to balance the flavors and make the zucchini fries pop. To coat the fries, I beat a large egg with extra-virgin olive oil. This mixture helps the breadcrumbs stick well. Finally, I garnish the fries with fresh parsley. It adds a splash of color and freshness. If you want the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. You will love making these crispy and flavorful snacks! First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the fries get crispy. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup easy and keeps the fries from sticking. In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and seasonings. Add 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors. In another bowl, beat 1 large egg. Then, whisk in 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. This egg wash helps the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini. Make sure it is mixed well to avoid clumps. Take one zucchini fry at a time and dip it in the egg wash. Let any extra egg drip back into the bowl. Next, transfer the fry to the breadcrumb mixture. Roll it to coat evenly on all sides. Place the coated fries on the baking sheet in a single layer. Avoid crowding them to help them crisp up. Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the zucchini fries for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, flip each fry to get an even golden color. Keep an eye on them to ensure they turn crispy and brown. Once they are cooked, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Let the fries cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh look. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. To make your zucchini fries crispy, focus on moisture. Start by salting your zucchini slices. This draws out water, making them crispier. After salting, let them rest for about 10 minutes. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Use panko breadcrumbs for better crunch. They create a light and airy coating. Make sure to coat them evenly in the egg wash. This helps the breadcrumbs stick well. Bake at a high temperature of 425°F (220°C). This gives the fries a nice golden color. Dipping sauces add fun to your zucchini fries. Try marinara sauce for a classic touch. Ranch dressing offers a creamy contrast. You can also use tzatziki for a fresh taste. A spicy aioli can add some heat. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite pairings. Each sauce brings out unique flavors in the fries. Baked zucchini fries are a healthier choice than fried ones. They have fewer calories and less fat. Zucchini is rich in vitamins and fiber, making it a smart snack. Baking helps keep the nutrients intact, while frying can reduce them. You get all the flavor with less guilt. Enjoy this tasty treat knowing it fits your healthy eating goals. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. {{image_4}} You can change up the flavor by using different spices. Try adding Italian seasoning for a herbal twist. Cajun spice brings a nice kick if you like heat. You can also use lemon zest for a fresh, bright taste. Experiment with your favorite spice blends to find what you love best. The options are endless! Besides Parmesan, other cheeses can enhance your zucchini fries. Consider using mozzarella for a gooey texture. Feta cheese adds a tangy punch that pairs well with the zucchini. Cheddar gives a sharp flavor that melts nicely. Mixing cheeses can create a complex taste that will excite your palate. You can mix in other veggies to make a colorful fry platter. Sweet potatoes work great and add sweetness. Carrots bring a nice crunch and a pop of color. Try slicing bell peppers into fry shapes for added flavor. Mixing veggies makes this dish not only tasty but visually appealing too. To store leftover baked zucchini fries, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They can last for up to three days in the fridge. Keep them separate from any sauces to avoid sogginess. When you want to eat them again, just take out the portion you need. The best way to reheat your fries is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soft. Yes, you can freeze baked zucchini fries! Let them cool completely, then spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for 1-2 hours until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. However, panko offers more crunch. Regular breadcrumbs are finer and may not give the same texture. The fries might not be as crispy, but they will still taste great. To make baked zucchini fries gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use ground almonds or crushed oats. For flour, substitute with almond flour or coconut flour. These options keep the fries tasty while avoiding gluten. Baked zucchini fries are great with many sauces. I recommend marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli. You could also try a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick. Each dip adds a fun twist to the flavor. Explore and find your favorite! Baked zucchini fries are a healthier twist on a classic snack. We covered simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for extra crispiness. Explore variations for fun flavor changes or consider storage and reheating methods to extend freshness. Enjoy these fries with your favorite dips for a tasty treat. Baked zucchini fries offer nutrition and satisfaction without the guilt. Try them out; your taste buds will thank you!$

Looking for a delicious snack that’s both healthy and satisfying? Try these crispy baked zucchini fries! Made with fresh zucchini, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, these fries are easy to prepare and full of flavor. Perfectly baked for a crunchy texture, pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty treat.

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Ingredients

2 medium zucchini, sliced into fry-shaped sticks

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an added crunch)

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 large egg, beaten

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.

Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavor.

Set Up the Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, beat the large egg and whisk in the extra-virgin olive oil until fully combined, creating a smooth egg wash that will help the breadcrumbs adhere.

Coat the Zucchini Fries: Working with one zucchini fry at a time, first dip it into the egg wash, letting any excess egg drip back into the bowl. Then, transfer the fry to the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it's coated evenly on all sides. Place the coated fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single, even layer, avoiding any overlap.

Bake for Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the zucchini fries for approximately 20-25 minutes. Halfway through baking, carefully flip each fry to achieve an even golden brown color on both sides. Bake until the fries are crispy and beautifully golden.

Finishing Touch: Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the fries to cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

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

- Serving Suggestion: Serve the crispy zucchini fries alongside a zesty dipping sauce such as marinara or a creamy ranch dressing for an extra flavor boost.