Crispy Zucchini Fries

$- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into fries - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon paprika - 2 large eggs - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray To make crispy zucchini fries, we need simple ingredients. Fresh zucchinis are key. They give a nice crunch and great flavor. Panko breadcrumbs add texture and make them extra crispy. Parmesan cheese gives a nice salty bite. Garlic and onion powders bring depth to the taste. Paprika adds a hint of smokiness. Eggs help the coating stick well. You can adjust salt and pepper to match your taste. Lastly, a light spray of olive oil helps achieve that golden brown finish. Each serving has about 150 calories, 10 grams of carbs, 6 grams of protein, and 9 grams of fat. These fries are a tasty treat that feels light and satisfying. If you want to switch things up, you can use other breadcrumbs like regular or gluten-free options. For cheese, try mozzarella or nutritional yeast for a vegan choice. If you need an egg substitute, use flaxseed meal or a store-bought egg replacer. These changes can still give you a delicious result while fitting your diet. Check the full recipe for more details. To make perfect zucchini fries, start by slicing the zucchinis. Cut them into sticks about half an inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly. If the fries are too thick, they may not get crispy. If they are too thin, they can burn. Moisture control is key. Zucchini has a lot of water. To remove some moisture, sprinkle salt on the cut fries. Let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the fries get crispier when baked. Now, it's time to bread the zucchini. First, dip each fry into the beaten eggs. Make sure to let the excess egg drip off. Then, coat the fry in the panko mixture. Press the crumbs onto the fry gently. This ensures the coating sticks well. For maximum crunch, use fresh panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter than regular breadcrumbs. This will give your fries that extra crispiness you want. Next, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the fries become golden and crispy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. It makes cleanup easy and helps prevent sticking. Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer on the sheet. Make sure they are not touching, so they cook evenly. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil for extra crispiness. Bake the fries for 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through, turn them over with a spatula. This helps both sides cook evenly. When they are golden brown, they are ready to enjoy! To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and flakier than regular breadcrumbs. This gives your zucchini fries more texture. When you bake them, they turn golden and crispy. Don't skip the olive oil spray! A light mist helps the fries crisp up nicely. It also adds flavor without extra fat. Zucchini fries taste great with dips. Marinara sauce is a classic choice. Ranch dressing adds a creamy touch. You can also try garlic aioli for a fun twist. These fries pair well with burgers or sandwiches. They make a great side for any meal! Use a sturdy baking sheet for best results. A non-stick sheet can help prevent sticking. If you have one, a wire rack is perfect for cooling your fries. It lets air flow around them, keeping them crisp. A good knife and cutting board will make slicing zucchini easy. Don't forget a shallow bowl for the egg and another for the panko mix. These tools will help you make the best crispy zucchini fries. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can boost the taste of your zucchini fries with spices. Try adding cayenne for heat or Italian herbs for a fresh taste. You can also mix in a bit of lemon zest for a bright kick. If you want to get creative, use other veggies like carrots or eggplant. Cut them into fry shapes and follow the same steps. This way, you can enjoy different flavors while keeping it fun! If you need a gluten-free option, you can still enjoy these fries. Swap panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds. Both options give a nice crunch. Just make sure to check the labels to avoid hidden gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy crispy zucchini fries! For a vegan twist, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds. Mix one tablespoon of either with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This acts like an egg and helps the coating stick. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. This makes your crispy zucchini fries vegan-friendly! For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. To store your zucchini fries in the fridge, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Make sure they cool down first to avoid steam. For freezing, let them cool completely, then spread them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This method prevents them from sticking together. For the best results when reheating, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fries on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. If using an air fryer, set it to 375°F (190°C) and heat for around 5-7 minutes. In the fridge, zucchini fries last about 3-4 days. If frozen, they can stay good for up to 3 months. Just remember to check for any signs of freezer burn before using them. Always trust your nose; if they smell off, it’s best to toss them out. To get the best crispiness, follow these tips: - Use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs. - Sprinkle olive oil. A light spray helps the fries crisp up in the oven. - Bake at high heat. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) for a nice crunch. - Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each fry space to cook evenly. These steps ensure your zucchini fries have that perfect crispy bite! Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but your fries may not be as crispy. - Texture difference: Panko is coarser and provides a crunchier coating. - Results: Regular breadcrumbs can lead to a denser texture, not as light. If you want that extra crunch, stick with panko! Zucchini fries go great with many sauces. Here are some popular choices: - Marinara sauce for a classic Italian touch. - Ranch dressing for a creamy, tangy flavor. - Garlic aioli adds a nice kick. - Spicy ketchup brings a bit of heat to the party. Feel free to mix and match your favorites! In this post, I shared a tasty recipe for zucchini fries. You learned about essential ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for great texture. You can now easily customize the recipe based on your needs. Remember, using panko breadcrumbs gives the best crunch, and olive oil spray helps too. Enjoy these fries with your favorite dips. Whether you serve them as a snack or a side dish, they are sure to impress!$

Discover the perfect snack with these crispy zucchini fries! Made with fresh zucchini and a flavorful panko and Parmesan coating, they're baked to golden perfection and bursting with taste. This healthy recipe is easy to follow and ready in just 40 minutes. Perfect for kids and adults alike, serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful treat. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a deliciously crispy twist on classic fries!

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Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, sliced into fries

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon paprika

2 large eggs

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

In another bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed.

Dip each zucchini fry first into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off, then coat it generously in the panko mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs stick.

Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil for extra crispiness.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning the fries halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few moments. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4