Oh, zucchini, that humble green vegetable—you know, the one that often gets overlooked in favor of its flashier veggie cousins. But let me tell you, when you transform it into crispy baked Parmesan fries, it’s like discovering a secret hidden within the grocery aisle! It’s like watching the latest Netflix series everyone’s raving about and realizing, yes, it’s as good as they say—this recipe is a crunchy, cheesy revelation, and you might just find yourself munching on them like popcorn during a movie night.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the zucchini into sticks approximately 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
- Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the last with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each zucchini stick first in the flour, then in the eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange the coated zucchini sticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
FAQ
- How do I make zucchini fries crispy?
- To achieve crispy zucchini fries, ensure you coat them thoroughly in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, and bake them at a high temperature. Flipping them halfway through the baking process also helps to ensure even crispiness.
- Can I make zucchini fries ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the zucchini fries in advance by slicing and coating them. Store them in the refrigerator and bake just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
- Are zucchini fries healthy?
- Zucchini fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries as they are baked instead of fried and made with zucchini, a nutrient-rich vegetable low in calories and carbohydrates.
- What can I serve with zucchini fries?
- Zucchini fries pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or a simple yogurt-based dip. They can be served as an appetizer or a side dish.
- Can I freeze zucchini fries?
- While it’s possible to freeze zucchini fries, they might lose some of their crispiness upon reheating. If you choose to freeze them, do so after coating but before baking, and bake them directly from frozen when ready to serve.
Tips
- To ensure crispy zucchini fries, make sure to pat the zucchini sticks dry with a paper towel before coating them. This helps remove excess moisture, which can prevent the coating from becoming crunchy.
- When coating the zucchini fries, use a combination of almond flour and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful and low-carb option. This mixture not only adds taste but also enhances the texture of the fries.
- For even baking, arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure each fry gets evenly crispy.
- Experiment with spices by adding garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning to the coating mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Equipment
- Mandoline Slicer – For slicing zucchini into uniform strips.
- Air Fryer – If the recipe suggests air frying the fries.
- Baking Sheet – If baking in an oven is recommended.
- Parchment Paper – For lining a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Wire Rack – If the recipe calls for cooling the fries on a rack.
