Crispy Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fries 🧀🥒 | Oven-Baked Snack or Side
These oven-baked Zucchini Fries are golden, crispy, and loaded with cheesy flavor. The perfect healthy side dish, party appetizer, or afternoon snack – with no deep fryer required!
Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Fries 💚
- ✅ Oven-baked, not fried: Light and crispy with less oil!
- ✅ Cheesy & flavorful: Parmesan adds rich umami crunch.
- ✅ Family-friendly: A great way to enjoy more veggies.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fries (matchstick shape)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Olive oil spray (for crisping)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Make the coating: In a bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the zucchini: Dip each zucchini fry in beaten egg, then coat in the Parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Arrange on the sheet: Place coated zucchini fries on the baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes: Flip halfway through, until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
- Serve warm: Enjoy with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping!
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- ✨ Dry your zucchini: Pat zucchini sticks dry with a paper towel to reduce sogginess.
- ✨ Go gluten-free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF version.
- ✨ Try different cheeses: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- ✨ Add a kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for spicy zucchini fries.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- 🧄 With garlic aioli for a bold, creamy dip.
- 🍅 With warm marinara for Italian-style snacking.
- 🥬 As a side with grilled meats, burgers, or veggie mains.
- 🧺 Party platter favorite: Pair with other baked bites like cauliflower wings or stuffed mushrooms.
🥡 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- ❄️ Prep ahead: Coat the zucchini fries and refrigerate uncooked up to 6 hours before baking.
- 🌡️ Reheat: Recrisp leftovers in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes.
- 🚫 Freezing not ideal: Zucchini has high water content and tends to get mushy after freezing.
❓ FAQ
- Can I air fry these?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. - What if I don’t eat dairy?
Try a dairy-free cheese alternative or coat with seasoned panko only. - Why are my fries soggy?
Be sure to pat the zucchini dry and bake on a rack to allow airflow.
Crispy, Cheesy, Crowd-Pleasing! 🧀🥒
These Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fries are easy, irresistible, and packed with flavor – the perfect way to upgrade your veggie game! Try them today and let us know how they turned out in the comments!
