Baked Zucchini Fries

Baked zucchini fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fries. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect as a snack or a side dish. Here’s a simple recipe to make baked zucchini fries

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (you can use regular or panko breadcrumbs)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions:

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.
2. Prepare Zucchini:
   • Wash the zucchini and cut off the ends. Cut each zucchini in half crosswise, then cut each half into strips (like fries), about 1/2 inch thick and 3-4 inches long.
3. Set up Breading Station:
   • Prepare three shallow bowls or plates. Place the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another bowl, and breadcrumbs (mixed with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika if using, salt, and pepper) in the third bowl.
4. Coat the Zucchini:
   • Dredge each zucchini strip in the flour, shaking off any excess.
   • Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
   • Finally, coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the zucchini.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
   • Place the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching each other for even crisping.
6. Bake the Zucchini Fries:
   • Lightly spray the tops of the zucchini fries with cooking spray or olive oil spray to help them crisp up.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the zucchini fries are golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve Warm:
   • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
   • Serve the baked zucchini fries with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli.

Tips:

• Uniformity: Try to cut the zucchini into evenly sized strips so they cook evenly.
• Crispiness: For extra crispy zucchini fries, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
• Variations: Feel free to add your favorite seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture, such as Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper for spice, or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.

These baked zucchini fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries, packed with flavor and crunch. They make a great appetizer, snack, or side dish for any occasion!