Baked Zucchini Fries
Crispy baked zucchini fries offer a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fried snacks. These fries are coated with panko and Parmesan for extra crunch and flavor, baked to golden perfection, and perfect for dipping. Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples, they are kid-friendly and ideal for any time of day.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitute)
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, washed and sliced into ¼ to ½ inch sticks
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Olive oil spray
- Prep Your Zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchinis thoroughly, then slice them into even sticks about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Uniform pieces help them cook evenly and get that perfect crunch.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: In one bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and any optional herbs or spices you wish to add.
- Coat the Zucchini Fries: Dredge each zucchini stick first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Finally, roll it through the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere well.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated zucchini sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mat, spacing them out evenly. Spray lightly with olive oil spray. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through baking, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy immediately for the best crispiness, served with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Notes
- Pat zucchini dry to remove excess moisture for crispier fries.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for the lightest, crunchiest coating.
- Don’t skip the olive oil spray to achieve a golden crust without frying.
- Space fries out on the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation and even baking.
- Flip fries halfway through baking to crisp all sides evenly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in oven to restore crispiness.
- Freeze uncooked breaded fries in a single layer; bake from frozen adding extra time as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: baked zucchini fries, healthy snack, crispy zucchini, gluten free zucchini fries, vegetable fries, baked fries, kid-friendly snack