Crispy zucchini fries are a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional fries. These golden, crunchy sticks are perfect for a snack or a side dish, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. The combination of zucchini, panko breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese creates a flavorful treat that even picky eaters will love.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common, you might need to pay attention to panko breadcrumbs. Unlike regular breadcrumbs, panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb that is lighter and flakier, giving the fries their signature crispiness. You can find panko in the international or baking aisle of most supermarkets.
Ingredients For Crispy Zucchini Fries
Zucchini: Fresh, medium-sized zucchinis cut into fry shapes.
Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that provide a light and crispy texture.
Parmesan cheese: Grated cheese that adds a rich, savory flavor.
Eggs: Beaten to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the zucchini.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the coating.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the fries.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Technique Tip for Zucchini Fries
To achieve an extra crispy texture for your zucchini fries, try double-dipping them. First, coat the zucchini in flour before dipping them into the beaten eggs. This additional layer helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere better, resulting in a crunchier finish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
zucchinis - Substitute with eggplants: Eggplants have a similar texture when cooked and can provide a slightly different but delicious flavor.
panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a similar crunch and can be a gluten-free alternative.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a great vegan alternative.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoon water per egg) can be used as a vegan binder.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder offers a different but complementary flavor profile.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty umami flavor, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to Zucchini Fries
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. Layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness.
- For freezing, arrange the cooled 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 and store for up to 2 months.
- When ready to eat, bake the frozen fries directly from the freezer at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
- Avoid microwaving as it can make the fries mushy. Always opt for oven reheating for the best texture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the leftover zucchini fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they regain their crispy texture.
Use an air fryer for a quick and efficient method. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchini fries in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the zucchini fries in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally until they are heated through and crispy.
If you prefer using a microwave, place the zucchini fries on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Note that this method may not retain the original crispiness as well as other methods.
For a toaster oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place the zucchini fries on the toaster oven tray and heat for 8-10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the zucchini fries until they are golden and crispy.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for the zucchini fries to bake evenly.
Parchment paper: Prevents the zucchini fries from sticking to the baking sheet.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Small bowl: Holds the beaten eggs for dipping the zucchini fries.
Whisk: Used to beat the eggs until they are well combined.
Knife: Cuts the zucchinis into fry shapes.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the zucchinis.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Tongs: Helps to dip the zucchini fries into the beaten eggs and then into the breadcrumb mixture.
Cooling rack: Allows the zucchini fries to cool slightly after baking, ensuring they remain crispy.
How to Save Time on Making Zucchini Fries
Prepare ingredients in advance: Wash and cut the zucchinis ahead of time to save prep time.
Use pre-grated cheese: Opt for pre-grated parmesan cheese to skip the grating step.
Line up your station: Arrange your breadcrumbs mixture, beaten eggs, and zucchini fries in an assembly line for quick coating.
Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven before you start prepping to ensure it’s ready when you are.
Batch process: Coat multiple zucchini fries at once to speed up the process.
Crispy Zucchini Fries Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis cut into fries
- 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably panko
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs beaten
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip zucchini fries into beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture. Place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
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