These baked zucchini fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fries. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
If you don't usually have zucchinis at home, you might need to pick some up at the supermarket. Additionally, parmesan cheese and italian seasoning might not be staples in every pantry, so make sure to grab those as well. The rest of the ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are more commonly found in most kitchens.
Ingredients For Baked Zucchini Fries Recipe
Zucchinis: Fresh green vegetables that are cut into fry shapes.
Breadcrumbs: Used to create a crispy coating on the fries.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the coating.
Eggs: Helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the zucchini fries.
Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall taste.
Salt: Used to season the fries.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and additional seasoning.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the zucchini fries, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before dipping them into the egg mixture. This helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere better and ensures a crispier texture. Additionally, for an extra crunch, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
zucchinis - Substitute with eggplant: Eggplant has a similar texture and can be cut into fries, providing a slightly different but delicious flavor.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, giving the fries an extra crunch.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes add a unique crunch and can be a gluten-free option if needed.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a great vegan alternative.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano is a similar hard cheese that offers a slightly saltier and sharper taste.
beaten eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water) can be used as a vegan binding agent.
beaten eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the zucchini fries and adds a tangy flavor.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a different but complementary flavor to the fries.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de provence: Herbes de Provence includes a mix of herbs that can provide a similar Mediterranean flavor profile.
italian seasoning - Substitute with oregano and basil: A combination of oregano and basil can mimic the flavors found in Italian seasoning.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, enhancing the overall flavor of the fries.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This
How To Store / Freeze Zucchini Fries
Allow the zucchini fries to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
Place the cooled fries in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes to regain crispiness.
For freezing, arrange the cooled zucchini fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
Transfer the frozen fries to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for reference.
Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover zucchini fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. This method helps retain the crunchiness of the fries.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method is quick and keeps the fries crispy.
Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet. Place the zucchini fries in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally until they are heated through and crispy. This method adds a bit of extra flavor from the oil.
Microwave Method: Place the zucchini fries on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may result in less crispy fries compared to other methods.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the zucchini fries at the required temperature, ensuring they become golden and crispy.
Baking sheet: A flat surface to place the zucchini fries on while they bake in the oven.
Parchment paper: Lined on the baking sheet to prevent the zucchini fries from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Mixing bowl: Used to mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning together.
Mixing bowl: Another bowl to beat the eggs in, which will be used to coat the zucchini fries.
Whisk: Used to beat the eggs until they are well combined.
Knife: To cut the zucchinis into fry shapes.
Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the zucchinis on.
Measuring cups: To measure out the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese accurately.
Measuring spoons: To measure out the garlic powder and Italian seasoning precisely.
Tongs: Useful for dipping the zucchini fries into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture without making a mess.
Cooling rack: Optional, but can be used to place the baked zucchini fries on after they come out of the oven to keep them crispy.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Cut the zucchinis and measure out the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices ahead of time.
Use a coating station: Set up a station with the egg mixture and breadcrumb mixture side by side to streamline the coating process.
Line the baking sheet: Pre-line the baking sheet with parchment paper to save time on cleanup.
Batch process: Coat multiple zucchini fries at once instead of one by one to speed up the preparation.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the ingredients to save waiting time.
Baked Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large zucchinis cut into fries
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip zucchini fries into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated zucchini fries on the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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