BAKED ZUCCHINI FRIES

Are you craving something crunchy and savory, but want to keep it healthy? Look no further than these baked zucchini fries! With a crispy exterior and tender interior, these fries are a delicious and guilt-free snack or side dish. Say goodbye to boring veggies and hello to a new addiction!

I recently tried making these baked zucchini fries and let me tell you, they did not disappoint! It was so easy to whip up the batter using simple ingredients like panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices. Then, after coating the zucchini slices in the batter, I popped them in the oven and waited for the magic to happen. When they came out, they were crispy and golden on the outside, and perfectly tender on the inside. And the best part? They tasted just as good as regular fries but without all the extra grease and calories. These zucchini fries are a game-changer and will make you forget all about traditional fries.

NOT ALL PARMESAN CHEESE IS CREATED EQUAL

It's important to note that not all Parmesan cheese is created equal. In fact, there are a few different kinds of Parmesan cheese available on the market today. If you want to make this recipe as authentic as possible, then you'll need to use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. This kind of cheese has a much stronger taste than regular supermarket brands and is made from cow's milk that has been aged for no less than two years.

How to make Zucchini Fries

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
• Cut the zucchini into long, thin sticks, about ½ inch wide and 3 inches long.
• In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
• In a third shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
• Take a zucchini stick and coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
• Dip the coated zucchini stick into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated.
• Roll the zucchini stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the zucchini to ensure they stick.
• Place the coated zucchini stick on the prepared baking sheet.
• Repeat the process with the remaining zucchini sticks, spacing them out on the baking sheet.
• Lightly spray the zucchini sticks with cooking spray.
• Bake the zucchini fries in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve the zucchini fries hot, with your favorite dipping sauce.

TIPS FOR ZUCCHINI FRIES

• Make sure to cut the zucchini into evenly sized sticks so that they cook evenly.
• To prevent the zucchini fries from becoming soggy, pat them dry with a paper towel after cutting them and before coating them in the flour mixture.
• For extra crispy zucchini fries, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of all-purpose flour and regular breadcrumbs.
• To make sure the breadcrumbs stick well to the zucchini, press them firmly onto the zucchini sticks and use a fork to gently press them down.
• To prevent the zucchini fries from sticking to the baking sheet, lightly coat the sheet with cooking spray before baking.
• Be sure to flip the zucchini fries halfway through baking to ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
• Serve the zucchini fries hot and with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients to make Zucchini Fries

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make zucchini fries:

• grated Parmesan cheese
• Cooking 2 medium zucchini
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

FAQs

Why should I use baking powder in my zucchini fries?

Baking powder is used to create a crispy batter around the zucchini fries. It helps them brown during the frying process and gives them a light, airy texture.

How long should I cook my zucchini fries?

It will depend on your preference, but we recommend cooking them until they are lightly browned and crispy. This will ensure that they don’t fall apart while eating them. If you prefer softer fries, it’s best to cook them in less time than if you like a crispier texture.

Conclusion

Zucchini fries are a fun, healthy alternative to regular french fries. They’re easy to make and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish. With a crispy outside, tender inside, and flavorful coating, these zucchini fries are sure to satisfy your cravings for fried food without all of the guilt!