Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries

$- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fry shapes - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 large eggs, beaten - Olive oil spray Zucchinis are the star of this dish. They are crunchy and mild. Panko breadcrumbs bring a crunchy texture that you’ll love. Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty flavor. Garlic powder gives a warm, savory taste. Onion powder adds depth and sweetness. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smoke and color. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Eggs help the crumbs stick to the zucchini. Olive oil spray adds crispness without too much fat. You can swap zucchinis for eggplant or sweet potatoes. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can use cheddar cheese if you want a sharper taste. For a spicy kick, try adding cayenne pepper instead of smoked paprika. If you don’t have eggs, you can use a flaxseed mixture or unsweetened applesauce. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps the fries get crispy. Next, prepare a baking sheet. You can line it with parchment paper or grease it lightly with olive oil. This stops the fries from sticking. Now, let’s make the coating. In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well. This blend gives the fries great flavor and crunch. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. This will help the coating stick to the zucchini. Take a zucchini fry and dip it into the egg. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, move it to the breadcrumb mix. Press it lightly to coat well. Repeat this for each fry until they are all covered. Once all the fries are coated, place them in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they don’t touch each other. If you want, you can lightly spray them with olive oil. This helps them become even crispier. Bake the fries in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. They are done when they are golden brown and crispy. After baking, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. This makes them easier to eat. For serving, place the crispy zucchini fries on a colorful platter. You can add a small bowl of marinara sauce or any sauce you like for dipping. For a fun touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top. This adds color and freshness to your dish. Enjoy your delicious snack! To make your zucchini fries extra crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko is lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs. This helps create that perfect crunch. Also, make sure to spray your fries lightly with olive oil before baking. This step adds moisture and helps with browning. Flip the fries halfway through baking for even crispness. Adding spices takes these fries to another level. Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add great flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your taste. For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also mix in some dried herbs like oregano or basil for extra depth. Both fresh and dried ingredients have their perks. Dried spices are convenient and packed with flavor. Fresh herbs, however, can add brightness to your dish. If using fresh herbs, chop them finely to blend well. You can even sprinkle fresh herbs on top after baking for a nice touch. Each option has its charm, so choose what you like best! Pro Tips Use Fresh Zucchini: Choose firm, fresh zucchinis for the best texture and flavor. Avoid ones with soft spots or blemishes. Don’t Skip the Panko: Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, airier crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs, enhancing the overall crispiness. Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick! Serve Immediately: These zucchini fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, as they can lose their crispiness over time. {{image_4}} You can swap Parmesan for other cheeses. Try using sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor. Mozzarella gives a nice melt and stretch. For a rich taste, go for aged Gouda. Each cheese adds its unique twist to the fries. Experiment to find your favorite cheese. You can mix in other veggies. Sweet potatoes or carrots cut into fry shapes work well. For spice lovers, add cayenne or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix. You can also toss in finely chopped herbs like parsley or basil for freshness. These changes can boost flavor and make the dish even more fun. An air fryer is a great tool for making these fries. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 15 minutes. Flip halfway for even cooking. You can also grill them for a nice smoky taste. Just make sure they are in a single layer. Each method gives you crispy fries but with different flavors. To store leftover crispy Parmesan zucchini fries, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and tasty. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the zucchini fries on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This helps regain their crispiness. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker reheat. You can freeze the zucchini fries for later. First, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. Keep them frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries stay fresh for about 3 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them from getting soggy. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just remember to reheat them properly to regain their crispiness. Yes, you can make these fries gluten-free! Just swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. They will still taste great and stay crispy. Check the labels on all other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free, too. Many sauces go great with zucchini fries. Here are some popular choices: - Marinara sauce - Ranch dressing - Garlic aioli - Spicy ketchup - Tzatziki sauce You can mix and match based on your taste! You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives the best crunch. Regular breadcrumbs may not give you the same crispy texture. If you only have regular ones, try toasting them lightly in the oven for extra crunch before using. This post gave you a complete guide on making crispy zucchini fries. We covered the key ingredients, how to prep and bake them, and even some tips for extra crunch. You now know how to store leftovers and reheat them too. You can also explore variations with different cheeses and seasonings. Enjoy making these fries! They’re a fun and tasty treat for everyone.$

Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Deliciously crunchy zucchini fries coated in Parmesan and panko, perfect for a snack or appetizer.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, cut into fry shapes
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
0.5 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
as needed Olive oil spray or a light drizzle for baking

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with oil to prevent sticking.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
In a separate shallow bowl, pour in the beaten eggs for easy dipping.
Take one zucchini fry at a time, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Repeat this process for all zucchini fries.
Lay the coated zucchini fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. If desired, lightly spray the tops with olive oil to promote even crispiness during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through the baking time, until they turn golden brown and achieve a delightful crisp texture.
Once baked to perfection, remove the zucchini fries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for color.

Keyword appetizer, fries, vegetarian, zucchini