Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries

$To make crispy Parmesan zucchini fries, gather these ingredients: - 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fries - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling) These simple ingredients create a tasty snack that everyone will love. If you don’t have an ingredient, here are some easy swaps: - Instead of panko, use regular breadcrumbs. - Substitute Parmesan cheese with any hard cheese like Pecorino. - You can replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan option. - For a gluten-free version, try gluten-free breadcrumbs. These swaps still keep your fries tasty and crispy. Zucchini is not just tasty; it has many health perks: - Low in calories, making it a great snack. - Packed with vitamins A and C, which are good for your skin and eyes. - Contains fiber that helps with digestion. - Rich in antioxidants that protect your cells. Eating zucchini fries lets you enjoy these benefits while having fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with two medium zucchinis. Cut them into fry shapes. Aim for even sizes to cook them well. This ensures they bake at the same rate. Next, pat the zucchini pieces dry with a paper towel. Moisture can make them soggy. You want them crispy, not limp. In a shallow bowl, mix one cup of breadcrumbs with half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of dried oregano, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Stir it well. In another bowl, beat two large eggs. Dip each zucchini fry into the egg first. Let the extra egg drip off. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well. This step is key for that crunchy bite. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the coated zucchini fries on the sheet in a single layer. Make sure they don’t touch each other. This helps them crisp up. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil lightly over the fries. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. They should be golden brown and crunchy when done. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the tasty crunch! To make your zucchini fries super crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They add extra texture. Coat the fries well by pressing the coating firmly. This helps it stick better. Drizzle a bit of olive oil before baking. It will help them brown nicely. Baking at 425°F (220°C) is key. This high heat will create that perfect crunch. One common mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. If the fries touch, they will steam instead of crisp. Also, don’t skip the egg wash. This step helps the breadcrumbs stick. Lastly, remember to flip the fries halfway through baking. This ensures even cooking and browning. For this recipe, you’ll need a few simple tools. A sharp knife works best for cutting the zucchini. A cutting board keeps your workspace safe. Use two shallow bowls for the egg and breadcrumb mixtures. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper makes cleanup easy. Lastly, a spatula helps flip the fries without breaking them. Pro Tips Choose the Right Zucchini: Select firm, medium-sized zucchinis for optimal taste and texture. Avoid larger zucchinis as they may contain more seeds and excess moisture. Double Dipping for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier coating, dip the zucchini fries in the egg mixture again after the first breadcrumb coating before the final dip in breadcrumbs. Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, substitute dried oregano with fresh oregano for a brighter flavor profile. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish significantly. Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the fries during baking; ovens vary. Bake until they are golden brown, as this ensures a crispy texture without burning. {{image_2}} You can make these zucchini fries gluten-free easily. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Panko-style gluten-free crumbs give a nice crunch. You can also crush gluten-free rice crackers as a substitute. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty snack. You can boost the flavor of your fries with different spices. Try adding smoked paprika for a hint of smoke. A bit of cayenne pepper will add heat if you like spice. You can also mix in Italian seasoning for extra herb flavor. Experiment with your favorite seasonings to find what you love most. The right dip can elevate your zucchini fries. Marinara sauce works great, but you can try ranch dressing for a creamy twist. A spicy aioli can add a zing. You could even mix Greek yogurt with herbs for a light dip. Choose a sauce that makes your snack even more enjoyable. To keep your leftover zucchini fries fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool completely before storing. This helps to maintain their crunch. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, try to eat them within this timeframe. When you want to enjoy your leftover fries, the oven is your best friend. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fries on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and tasty. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy. If you want to store zucchini fries for a longer time, freezing is an option. First, allow the fries to cool completely. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for 1-2 hours until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Yes, you can air-fry these zucchini fries! To do this, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated zucchini fries in the basket in a single layer. Cook them for about 10 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The fries will turn golden and crispy. These zucchini fries pair well with many dips. You can serve them with marinara sauce for a classic touch. Ranch dressing or garlic aioli also make great choices. For a twist, try spicy sriracha or a creamy avocado dip. You can even serve them alongside burgers or salads for a tasty side dish. Zucchini fries are done when they turn golden brown and crispy. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes. Check them halfway through and flip for even crispiness. If they feel firm and look golden, they are ready! Let them cool slightly before you dig in. Enjoy the crunch! Crispy Parmesan zucchini fries are easy to make and fun to eat. We covered the best ingredients, techniques for crispiness, and even tips for storage. Remember, you can swap ingredients and try new seasonings for unique flavors. Keep practicing the methods, and you’ll avoid common mistakes. With these insights, you can enjoy tasty fries that are both healthy and delicious. Try them out next time you want a snack or side dish. You won’t regret it!$

Deliciously crunchy zucchini fries coated in Parmesan and breadcrumbs, perfect as a snack or side dish.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, cut into fries
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs until combined.
Dip each zucchini fry first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating sticks.
Place the coated zucchini fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve the crispy zucchini fries in a cone or a small basket lined with parchment paper. Accompany with a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dip for added flavor.

Keyword fries, Parmesan, snack, zucchini