Are you searching for a guilt-free, mouthwatering snack that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor? Look no further than Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries! These crispy, cheesy, and nutritious fries are the perfect alternative to traditional potato fries. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a party appetizer, or a fun way to include more vegetables in your diet, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why Choose Zucchini Fries?
Zucchini is not only low in calories but also packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and potassium. These baked zucchini fries offer the satisfying crunch of fried snacks without the extra calories and grease. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a truly irresistible treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray (optional)
Instructions:
1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil spray.
- Wash and dry the zucchinis. Slice them into thin, fry-like strips.
2: Create Your Breading Station
- In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In another bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3: Coat the Zucchini
- Dip each zucchini strip into the whisked egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll the zucchini strip in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
4: Bake to Perfection
- Arrange the breaded zucchini fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Lightly spray with olive oil for extra crispiness (optional).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Why These Fries Are a Winner
- Healthier Alternative: These fries are baked, not fried, making them a lighter snack option.
- Burst of Flavor: Parmesan and seasonings elevate the natural taste of zucchini.
- Customizable: Adjust the spices and dipping sauces to suit your taste preferences.
Perfect Pairings
Zucchini fries pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy Sriracha mayo. Serve them with a fresh salad for a complete, balanced meal or as an appetizer at your next gathering.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of baked Parmesan zucchini fries (about 10 fries) contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
FAQs About Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries
- How to Keep Fried Zucchini from Getting Soggy?
- To keep fried zucchini crispy, drain excess oil on paper towels and serve immediately. You can also bake it at a high temperature (400°F) for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Are Zucchini Fries Better Than Regular Fries?
- Zucchini fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries, offering fewer calories and more nutrients while still being crispy and flavorful.
- How to Reheat Fried Zucchini in the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the fried zucchini on a baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to restore crispness.
- What Does Fried Zucchini Taste Like?
- Fried zucchini has a crispy exterior and a tender, slightly sweet interior, with a mild, savory flavor that complements the seasonings.
Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries are a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Try them out and share your experience in the comments! Happy snacking!