Description
Make delicious Crispy Oven Baked Zucchini Fries! This recipe offers a healthy, flavorful alternative to traditional fries, perfect for any meal or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- Zucchini & Breading Base:
- 2 medium Zucchini
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/4 cup Milk (or water for egg wash)
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- Savory Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- Key Enhancers:
- Olive Oil Spray
Instructions
- Prep Your Zucchini for Crispy Oven Baked Zucchini Fries:: First things first, get your zucchini ready. Wash them well, then slice them into fry shapes, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick and 3-4 inches long. This is where I always try to be super precise, but honestly, a little variation is fine, gives them character! After slicing, lay them out on paper towels and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes; this draws out excess moisture, which is key for truly crispy Oven Baked Zucchini Fries. You’ll literally see the water come out, it’s wild!
- Set Up Your Breading Station:: While your zucchini is doing its thing, grab three shallow dishes. In the first, put your flour. In the second, whisk an egg or two with a splash of milk – this is our glue! In the third, combine your Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good mix. This setup is crucial; I once tried to do it all in one bowl, and it was a sticky, lumpy mess. Learn from my “oops” moments!
- Coat Those Zucchini Fries:: Now for the fun part! Pat your zucchini dry with fresh paper towels – this is super important for crispiness. Then, working in batches, dredge each zucchini stick in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the egg wash, letting any extra drip off. Finally, roll it generously in the Panko mixture, pressing gently to make sure it’s fully coated. I love seeing that beautiful, golden crumb cling to each piece!
- Arrange on Baking Sheets:: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper – don’t skip this, it prevents sticking and helps with cleanup! Arrange your breaded zucchini in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching. Overcrowding is a no-no if you want truly Crispy Oven Baked Zucchini Fries. Give them space to breathe and get golden!
- Bake to Golden Perfection:: Lightly spray the zucchini fries with olive oil spray. This is key for that beautiful golden color and extra crunch. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them; ovens vary! You’re looking for a deep golden brown and a firm, crispy feel. The smell that fills your kitchen at this point is honestly incredible, a little bit cheesy, a little bit smoky!
- Serve Your Crispy Oven Baked Zucchini Fries:: Once they’re gloriously golden and crispy, pull them out of the oven. A little sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of extra Parmesan is never a bad idea. Let them cool for just a minute or two – they’ll crisp up even more as they cool. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Honestly, these are so good, they rarely even make it to the table in my house!