Craving something crispy and flavorful but looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks? Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries offer the perfect balance of crunch and taste while being lower in calories and packed with nutrients. They’re easy to prepare, customizable, and make a great side dish, snack, or appetizer.
This recipe takes fresh zucchini, coats it in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, and bakes it to perfection—no deep frying required! Whether you’re following a healthy lifestyle, need a gluten-free option, or just love zucchini, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Zucchini Fries:
- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fry-shaped strips
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
- Cooking spray or olive oil
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional but Recommended):
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Start by washing and drying the zucchinis. Cut off the ends and slice them into even fry-sized strips. Avoid making them too thin, as they can become soggy.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Prepare three separate bowls:
- Bowl 1: Add flour.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
- Bowl 3: Combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Coat the Zucchini Fries
- Dredge each zucchini strip in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick.
- Place the coated zucchini fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly spray the fries with cooking spray or drizzle them with a little olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
While the fries bake, mix Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), lemon juice, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked to crispy perfection, remove the zucchini fries from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them hot with the dipping sauce of your choice.
Tips for the Best Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—space them out for even crisping.
- For extra crispiness, broil the fries for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Pat zucchini dry before coating to remove excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Variations and Customizations
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the breadcrumbs and use a mix of almond flour and Parmesan cheese.
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
- Cheesy: Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries are perfect on their own or paired with:
- Burgers for a healthy side.
- Grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal.
- A fresh salad to keep things light and refreshing.
- Marinara sauce, ranch, or spicy aioli for dipping.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional French fries. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit!
Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries
Description
These Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries are a healthy, guilt-free alternative to traditional fries. Coated in a golden, crunchy parmesan-panko crust and baked to perfection, they make the perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these zucchini fries will be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Fries
For the Breading
For the Coating
For Dipping (Optional)
Instructions
Prep the Zucchini
- Wash and dry the zucchinis. Cut them into even fry-shaped strips (about 3-4 inches long and 1/2-inch thick). Sprinkle the zucchini sticks with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
Prepare the Breading Station
- In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Place flour in a separate bowl. In a third bowl, beat the eggs.
Coat the Zucchini Fries
- Dredge each zucchini strip in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage. Roll in the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture, pressing lightly for even coating.
Bake the Zucchini Fries
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes. Serve hot with marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 438.53kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30.26g47%
- Saturated Fat 6.97g35%
- Cholesterol 116.9mg39%
- Sodium 470.67mg20%
- Potassium 341.91mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 27.12g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2.14g9%
- Sugars 3.13g
- Protein 14.21g29%
- Vitamin A 95.82 IU
- Vitamin C 17.67 mg
- Calcium 286.03 mg
- Iron 2.25 mg
- Vitamin D 0.59 IU
- Vitamin E 0.56 IU
- Vitamin K 9.16 mcg
- Thiamin 0.18 mg
- Riboflavin 0.35 mg
- Niacin 1.48 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.24 mg
- Folate 42.29 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.44 mcg
- Phosphorus 237.23 mg
- Magnesium 33.91 mg
- Zinc 1.3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Extra Crispy Tip: Lightly spray the coated zucchini fries with cooking spray before baking for an extra crispy texture.
Air Fryer Option: Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 5 minutes to regain crispiness.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko and flour.
Keto Option: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds.
