Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries

$- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fries - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When making Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries, you need fresh, simple ingredients. Start with two medium zucchinis. Cut them into fries for the best shape and texture. The next step is the flour mixture. Combine all-purpose flour with garlic powder and paprika. This mix adds depth to your fries. You will also need two large eggs. Beaten eggs help the breading stick well. For the crunch, use one cup of breadcrumbs. Panko gives a great texture, but regular works too. The final touch is half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a rich flavor. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. It enhances all the flavors in the dish. A light spray of olive oil helps the fries crisp up while baking. Lastly, fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness. Gathering these ingredients sets you up for success. Each one plays a role in making these fries delicious and crispy. Enjoy the process of preparing this tasty snack! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps the fries crisp up well. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the fries from sticking. 3. Next, cut the zucchinis into fry shapes. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. 4. Set up three bowls for breading: one for flour, one for eggs, and one for breadcrumbs. 1. For the first bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. 2. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until mixed well. 3. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. 4. Take a zucchini fry and coat it in the flour mixture. Shake off any extra flour. 5. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully covered. 6. Finally, roll the fry in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently to make sure it sticks. 1. Arrange the breaded zucchini fries on the lined baking sheet. Lay them in a single layer. 2. Lightly spray the fries with olive oil for extra crispness. 3. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through to cook evenly. 4. When they are golden brown and crispy, take them out. 5. Let them cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. - Best baking temperature: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This heat crisps the fries well. - Using the right breadcrumbs: I recommend panko breadcrumbs. They create a light and crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but panko delivers the best crunch. - Importance of flipping fries: Flip the fries halfway through baking. This step ensures even cooking and helps both sides get golden brown. - Additional seasonings to consider: You can add herbs like oregano or basil for extra taste. A pinch of cayenne can give a nice kick! - Experimenting with cheese options: Try mixing different cheeses. Grated mozzarella or a sprinkle of cheddar can offer a unique twist. - Serving suggestions: Serve with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dip. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a vibrant look. Pro Tips Choose the Right Zucchini: Look for firm, medium-sized zucchinis with smooth skin for the best texture and flavor. Use Panko for Extra Crunch: If you want an extra crispy coating, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Don't Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Ensure the zucchini fries are in a single layer with space in between to allow for even cooking and crispiness. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a personalized flavor twist. {{image_2}} You can switch up the zucchini for other veggies. Eggplant works great. Cut it into fry shapes, just like the zucchini. The cooking time stays about the same. Sweet potatoes are another tasty choice. They add a nice sweetness and color. Slice them thin for the best results. You can also try carrots, bell peppers, or even green beans. Each veggie gives a different flavor and texture. If you need gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour mix. Cornstarch can also work well. For a lower-calorie version, skip the breadcrumb coating. Just season the zucchini fries and bake them. They will still be good! If you want a vegan alternative, replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. This mix helps the coating stick to the veggies. To keep your Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cool the fries before storing them. This helps avoid sogginess. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat them later, don’t stack them. This prevents them from getting squished. When it comes to reheating, the oven is best. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for even heat. Arrange the fries on a baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch. Bake for about 10 minutes or until crisp again. The microwave can also work, but it won’t keep them crispy. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts to prevent drying out. For best results, always aim for the oven. Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries? Yes, you can freeze these fries. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. For best results, bake them from frozen. What can I serve with zucchini fries? You can serve zucchini fries with many dips. Some popular choices are marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli. They also go well with grilled meats or a fresh salad. How to tell when zucchini fries are done? Check for a golden color and a crispy texture. They usually take about 20-25 minutes to bake. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs? If you lack panko, use regular breadcrumbs. They may not be as crunchy but will still taste great. You can also crush crackers or cereal as a substitute. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to experiment. Cheddar or mozzarella work well. Just remember, different cheeses can change the flavor. Tips for reducing the oil used? To cut down on oil, use an oil spray instead of pouring it. You can also bake them without oil for a healthier option. They may be less crispy but still tasty. Making baked zucchini fries is simple and fun. We covered all the basics, from the ingredients to the cooking steps. You learned how to prepare, bread, and bake your fries for a tasty snack. I shared tips for crispiness and flavor, plus ways to adjust the recipe for your needs. With this guide, you can enjoy these fries your way. Don't hesitate to try new veggies or flavors. Happy cooking!$

Crispy and flavorful zucchini fries coated in garlic and Parmesan.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, cut into fries
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon paprika
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste salt and pepper
olive oil spray
fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Start the breading process: toss the zucchini fries in the flour mixture to coat, shaking off any excess.
Dip the floured zucchini fries into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are well coated.
Finally, roll the zucchini fries in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
Place the breaded zucchini fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and spray lightly with olive oil.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.

Keyword appetizer, fries, vegetarian, zucchini