Go Back
- 2 medium zucchinis - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper - 2 large eggs - Olive oil cooking spray If you want to replace Parmesan cheese, try nutritional yeast for a vegan twist. For gluten-free options, use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko. These swaps can keep the recipe tasty while meeting your needs. When picking zucchinis, look for ones that are firm and shiny. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes. This ensures you get the best flavor and texture. Store your zucchinis in the fridge, in a plastic bag with holes. This keeps them fresh for up to a week. Preheating the oven and preparing the baking sheet Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help the fries turn crispy. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup easy and keeps the fries from sticking. Setting up the breading station Now, set up your breading station. You need two shallow bowls. In one bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re frothy. In the second bowl, mix your panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to stir well so the flavors blend. This mixture gives the fries a yummy coating. How to properly coat with egg and breadcrumbs Take each zucchini fry and dunk it in the egg mixture first. Make sure to coat all sides. After that, roll the fry in the breadcrumb mix. Press the crumbs onto the fry gently to help them stick well. Ensuring an even coating for maximum crunch It’s key to coat each fry evenly. This ensures that every bite is crunchy and tasty. Lay the coated fries on the baking sheet in a single layer. Leave space between each fry. This allows hot air to circulate and cook them evenly. Recommended temperature and baking time Bake your zucchini fries in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. You want them to turn golden brown and crispy. Importance of flipping the fries halfway through Halfway through baking, flip the fries. This step is vital for getting them crispy on all sides. Once they are done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. This cooling time helps enhance their texture and flavor. Enjoy your delicious crispy Parmesan zucchini fries! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To get those perfect crispy zucchini fries, you need to use olive oil spray. Lightly spray the fries before baking. This step helps the breading turn golden brown. You can also try these methods for more crunch: - Bake on a wire rack to allow air flow. - Use a higher oven temperature for a shorter time. - Let the zucchini fries rest after coating to help the breading stick. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. If the fries touch, they will steam instead of bake. This makes them soggy. Also, pay attention to coating techniques. Make sure each fry is well-coated with egg and breadcrumbs. Insufficient coating leads to less crunch. For dips, marinara and ranch are great choices. They add flavor and moisture. You can also pair zucchini fries with main dishes like grilled chicken or fish. They work well as a snack too. Just add some fresh herbs on top for a nice touch. For the full recipe, check the complete guide above. {{image_4}} You can add fun flavors to your crispy zucchini fries. Try using spices like cayenne for heat or Italian seasoning for a herby kick. These spices blend well with the other flavors. You can also switch up the cheese. Instead of Parmesan, use mozzarella for a gooey melt or cheddar for a sharp taste. Each cheese gives a unique twist to this dish. If you want a quicker option, try air frying. This method cooks the fries faster and adds a great crunch. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. Pan-frying is another way to cook these fries. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the zucchini fries for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This method gives them a crispy texture with a rich flavor. To make a vegan version, swap the eggs for a mixture of flaxseed and water. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. For cheese, use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. These options keep the flavor and crunch without dairy. For the best results, check the Full Recipe for all steps and tips. To keep your crispy Parmesan zucchini fries fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps to maintain their flavor and texture. Make sure the fries are completely cool before storing. They can stay in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. For freezing, lay the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place them in the freezer for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy your fries again, reheating them properly is key. The oven is the best choice for keeping them crispy. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fries on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This method helps restore their crunch. Avoid using a microwave if you want to keep them crispy. Microwaving can make them soggy. If you must use the microwave, do so only for a short time, just to warm them. Crispy Parmesan zucchini fries last up to three days in the fridge. After that, they may spoil. Look for signs like a change in color or an off smell. If you freeze them, they can stay good for about three months. Always check for ice crystals or freezer burn, which can affect their taste. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko. Ground almonds or cornmeal can work too. For the flour, try almond flour or coconut flour. These swaps keep the crunch while meeting gluten-free needs. Yes, you can prep the zucchini fries before baking. Cut and coat them, then store in the fridge for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a bag. Just bake straight from the freezer when ready. These fries pair well with many dishes. Serve them with burgers or grilled chicken. They also make great snacks with dips like ranch or marinara. A fresh salad beside them adds a nice touch too. First, slice the zucchini thinly. This helps them cook faster and stay crisp. Next, pat them dry with a paper towel. Removing moisture is key. Finally, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give them room to breathe. In this blog post, we covered how to make crispy zucchini fries. You learned about the ingredients needed and substitutions you can make. I also shared tips for choosing fresh zucchini and step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking. We discussed methods to achieve extra crispiness and common mistakes to avoid. Finally, I provided storage info and answered frequently asked questions. With this knowledge, you can enjoy delicious, homemade zucchini fries that fit your preferences. Try different variations and serve them alongside your favorite dips or meals. Enjoy your cooking!

Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries are the perfect guilt-free snack! Made with fresh zucchinis, panko breadcrumbs, and a dash of spices, this simple recipe will delight your taste buds. Perfect for parties or a healthy side dish, these fries are ready in just 30 minutes. Click through for the full recipe and learn how to impress your guests with this delicious treat!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, sliced into fry shapes

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crunch)

½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a hint of smokiness)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

2 large eggs, beaten well

Olive oil cooking spray

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

    In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed—this will be your flavorful coating.

      In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well-combined and frothy.

        Take each zucchini fry and first dunk it into the beaten eggs, ensuring every side is coated. Next, transfer the fry to the breadcrumb mixture, rolling it thoroughly and pressing gently to help the crumbs stick.

          Arrange the coated zucchini fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space in between to allow for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops of the fries with olive oil cooking spray to promote extra crispiness while baking.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and delightfully crispy. Flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure all sides crisp up evenly.

              Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the zucchini fries from the oven. Allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving to enhance texture and taste.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 30 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: To impress your guests, serve the crispy zucchini fries in a charming rustic basket lined with parchment paper. Add a small bowl of marinara or ranch dressing on the side for dipping. For an eye-catching finish, sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan and a few fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.