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- Zucchini: Choose medium zucchinis, about 6-8 inches long. These are firm and less watery. They hold up well when baked. Look for shiny skin and vibrant color to ensure freshness. - Breadcrumbs: I recommend using whole wheat or panko breadcrumbs. Whole wheat gives a hearty texture, while panko adds extra crunch. Both create a satisfying crisp. - Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan is key. It melts better and offers a richer flavor. Pre-grated cheese can lack the depth you want in this dish. - Essential seasonings: Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Dried oregano gives an earthy taste. Paprika adds color and a hint of smokiness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. - Alternative herbs and spices: Consider adding Italian herbs like basil or thyme for a twist. For heat, try red pepper flakes. These options can make your fries unique. - Tools required for preparation: You’ll need a baking sheet and parchment paper. The parchment helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. A few bowls for the breading station will help keep things organized. - Cooking spray or oil options: Use cooking spray or drizzle olive oil on the fries. This small step helps them brown nicely and keeps them crisp. To cut zucchini into fries, start with two medium zucchinis. Wash them well and slice off both ends. Cut each zucchini in half, then slice each half into strips about ¼ inch thick. Aim for uniform shapes. This helps them cook evenly. To maintain those shapes, use a sharp knife. A steady hand makes a big difference. If you have a mandoline slicer, this tool can help you get even fries. Make sure to keep the fries dry. This step helps the coating stick better later on. Next, set up a breading station. In one bowl, place the beaten eggs. In a second bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and spices. This is where the fun begins! For an extra crispy coating, dip each zucchini fry into the egg first. Let the excess egg drip off. Then, coat it in the breadcrumb mix. Press down slightly to help the crumbs stick. This technique gives a nice crunch when baked. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup and prevents sticking. Arrange the coated fries in a single layer on the sheet. Make sure they don’t touch each other. This allows for even cooking and browning. Lightly spray or drizzle with cooking oil for a golden finish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Flip the fries halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they are done when they turn golden brown and crispy. For the full recipe, check the instructions to enhance your cooking experience! To get that perfect crispiness, you need to adjust the bake time. Ovens can vary. If your oven runs hot, start checking the fries a few minutes early. If it runs cool, you may need to bake them longer. For air circulation, make sure the fries are in a single layer. Overcrowding leads to steam, not crunch. You can also turn on the convection setting if your oven has it. This helps move hot air around the fries, ensuring they cook evenly. Want to spice things up? You can add heat by mixing in cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. This gives your fries a nice kick. Another tip is to let the zucchini sit for about 10 minutes after cutting. This helps draw out moisture. The result? A firmer fry that crisps better in the oven. When it comes to dips, marinara sauce is a classic choice. It pairs well with the cheesy flavor of the fries. You can also try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha dip. For creative plating, stack the fries in a tall glass or arrange them on a wooden board. Garnish with fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance. These small details make your dish pop! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch up the breading for your zucchini fries. If you need a gluten-free option, try crushed rice cereal or ground almonds. Both give a nice crunch. You can also use cornmeal for a different texture. For cheese lovers, mix in different cheeses. Try cheddar or mozzarella for a fun twist! Want to add more veggies? Slice carrots or sweet potatoes into thin strips and mix them with the zucchini. This adds color and flavor. You can also add herbs like basil or thyme for a fresh taste. When summer comes, toss in thin slices of eggplant or bell pepper for seasonal fun. If you want to try air frying, set the temperature to 400°F. Cook for about 10-15 minutes. This gives you a similar crunch with less oil. You can also grill the fries. Just brush them with oil and cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. For pan-frying, use a bit of oil in a skillet. Fry until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels. You can find the full recipe for Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries in the section above! To keep your leftover zucchini fries fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Place the fries in an airtight container. This helps keep them crisp for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresher, place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the fries. First, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. This method prevents sticking and keeps your fries ready for future snacking. When you want to enjoy your leftover zucchini fries, reheating properly is key to keeping them crispy: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fries on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes. This restores their crunchiness. - Air Fryer Method: If you have an air fryer, set it to 375°F (190°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method works wonders for crispiness. - Avoiding Sogginess: Do not reheat in the microwave. This makes them soft and mushy. Always choose oven or air fryer methods for the best results. For the full recipe, check out the Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries recipe. Yes, you can prep zucchini fries in advance. Start by cutting the zucchini into fries. Then, bread them as you normally would but stop before baking. Place the fries on a lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. For best results, use them within a day. Look for a golden brown color. The fries should be crispy and firm. You can also poke a fork in one to check if it is tender inside. If they appear soft or pale, they need more time. Yes! You can use eggplant, carrots, or sweet potatoes. Cut them into similar fry shapes. Adjust baking time based on the vegetable you choose. Thicker veggies may need longer to cook. To make them vegan, replace the eggs. Use a mix of ground flaxseed and water instead. Combine one tablespoon of flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Dip the fries in this mixture before breading. If your fries are soggy, check a few things. Ensure you cut them into even sizes. This helps them cook evenly. Make sure to coat them lightly in oil. Too much moisture will prevent crispiness. Flip them halfway through baking for even cooking. Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries are simple and fun to make. You learned about the best ingredients, essential seasonings, and cooking tools needed. The step-by-step guide helped you prep, coat, and bake your fries perfectly. Plus, tips for crispiness and flavor made this dish shine. Remember, you can alter recipes for your taste or try different veggies. Store extras correctly for later enjoyment, and reheat them to keep that crunch. Enjoy your delicious zucchini fries with your favorite dips. Happy cooking!

Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Enjoy a deliciously healthy snack with these Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries! These crispy, golden fries are easy to make and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients like zucchini, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, you can whip up a guilt-free treat that everyone will love. Perfect for game day or a veggie-packed side dish! Click through to discover the full recipe and step-by-step guide for this tasty addition to your meals.
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, cut into fries (about ¼ inch thick)

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat or panko for extra crunch)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 large eggs, beaten

Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

      Set up a breading station: in one bowl, place the beaten eggs; in another bowl, place the breadcrumb mixture.

        Dip each zucchini fry into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press down slightly to ensure the coating adheres.

          Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Spray or drizzle lightly with cooking spray or olive oil to enhance browning.

            Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

              Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 40 min | Serves: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the zucchini fries hot with a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dip, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.