Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare Zucchini
- Cut Zucchini: Cut the zucchinis into fry-shaped sticks, about 1/2 inch thick and 3-4 inches long.
Step 3: Prepare Coatings
- Flour Mixture: Place the flour in a shallow bowl.
- Egg Mixture: In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Coat Zucchini
- Dredge in Flour: Dip each zucchini stick into the flour, coating it lightly and shaking off any excess.
- Dip in Egg: Next, dip the flour-coated zucchini into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Finally, roll the zucchini in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
Step 5: Arrange and Bake
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated zucchini sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not touching to allow even baking.
- Spray with Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the zucchini fries with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve Hot: Serve the zucchini fries hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Tips for Perfect Zucchini Fries
- Uniform Size: Cut the zucchini into uniform sticks to ensure they bake evenly.
- Crispy Coating: Using Panko breadcrumbs adds extra crunch to the fries.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the fries in a single layer on the baking sheet to prevent steaming and ensure they get crispy.
- Optional Seasoning: Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or herbs for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Dips and Sauces: Pair with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or any of your favorite dips.
- Main Course Pairings: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or as a snack on their own.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Conclusion
Baked zucchini fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fries. They are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make, making them a perfect side dish or snack. Enjoy these tasty fries with your favorite dipping sauces and see how quickly they become a household favorite!
Happy Cooking!