Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries
Introduction
Looking for a healthier alternative to fast food fries? Look no further than these crispy baked zucchini fries! Not only are they delicious, but they're also packed with nutrients and lower in calories than traditional fries. In this recipe, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make these irresistible fries at home.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Cut Your Zucchini
Trim the ends off your zucchini and cut them into "fry" shapes. You can make them as thick or as thin as you like, but aim for a consistent size so that they cook evenly.
Step 3: Make Your Breading Station
In three separate bowls, set up your breading station. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs. In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Coat Your Zucchini
Dredge each zucchini fry in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the egg mixture, making sure it's fully coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to make sure it sticks. Place each coated fry on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 5: Bake Your Fries
Drizzle the fries with olive oil, making sure each one gets a little bit. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy. You can flip them over halfway through baking if you like, but it's not necessary.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
These zucchini fries are best served hot and fresh out of the oven. They make a great snack or side dish and are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or ketchup.
Tips and Tricks
- If you want to make your zucchini fries even crispier, try using a baking rack instead of parchment paper on your baking sheet. This will allow air to circulate around the fries while they bake.
- If you're short on time, you can prep your breading station and cut your zucchini ahead of time. Just make sure to store the zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
- Feel free to experiment with different seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture. You could try adding some chili powder for a little bit of heat or some dried herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.
- If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead. The texture won't be quite as crispy, but they'll still be delicious!
Conclusion
In conclusion, these crispy baked zucchini fries are an excellent healthier alternative to traditional fast food fries. They're easy to make, packed with nutrients, and incredibly delicious. Give them a try and see for yourself why they're one of our favorite recipes!