There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crispy Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fry. The way the cheese clings to the tender zucchini, creating a delightful contrast of textures is simply irresistible. As the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll find it hard not to sneak a taste before they even reach the table.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fries</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen zucchini for Parmesan crusted zucchini fries?
- What dipping sauces pair well with these fries?
- How do I make these gluten-free?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I still remember the first time I made these fries for my family. The kids were skeptical at first, but once they took that first crunchy bite, their eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. Whether it’s game night or a cozy weekend movie marathon, these fries have become a staple in our home. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will leave you wanting more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fries are incredibly easy to prepare and will impress everyone at your table
- The cheesy exterior gives a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior
- Their vibrant colors make them visually appealing, perfect for any gathering or snack attack
- Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a stand-alone snack, they’re sure to please all ages
I once served these at a gathering and watched as they vanished quicker than my favorite pair of socks in the dryer. Everyone was asking for seconds and even thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Zucchini: Choose medium-sized zucchinis for the best balance between texture and flavor; avoid overly large ones.
Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor; pre-shredded varieties often lack that punch.
Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor; panko works great for added crunch.
Eggs: Large eggs are perfect here; they help bind everything together while adding moisture.
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps crisp up the fries while imparting a rich flavor; don’t be shy!
Garlic Powder: Adds depth; feel free to increase this if you’re a garlic lover!
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fries
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and crispier fries.
Slice the Zucchini: Cut zucchinis into fry-shaped sticks about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for uniformity so they cook evenly and achieve that perfect crisp.
Create Your Breading Station: In one bowl, whisk together eggs with salt and pepper. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and more salt.
Dip and Coat Zucchini Sticks: First dip each zucchini stick into the egg mixture until well-coated, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully covered.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Lay out the coated zucchini fries in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to enhance browning.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
These steps not only guide you through making these delectable Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fries but also emphasize how simple yet rewarding this recipe can be! Enjoy watching them disappear from your serving plate just as fast as they came out of the oven!
You Must Know
- Parmesan crusted zucchini fries are not just a snack; they’re an adventure for your taste buds
- The crispy, cheesy coating combined with the tender zucchini inside makes for an irresistible treat that even veggie skeptics can’t resist
- Plus, they’re perfect for dipping!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Slice the zucchini into fry shapes, coat them in egg, and then dredge them in a mix of breadcrumbs and parmesan. Bake until golden brown, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with seasonings like garlic powder or Italian herbs. You can also swap out parmesan for another cheese or add spices like cayenne for a kick. These tweaks can elevate your zucchini fries to new heights!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover zucchini fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet at 375°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the ultimate crunch, make sure to squeeze excess moisture from the zucchini before coating
- Using panko breadcrumbs will give you an extra crispy texture
- Don’t skip the flipping step; it ensures even browning on both sides!
Memories of my friend’s face when she took her first bite of these fries still make me smile. She was skeptical about zucchini, but now she requests them every time we gather!
FAQ
Can I use frozen zucchini for Parmesan crusted zucchini fries?
Using frozen zucchini will lead to soggy fries; fresh is best for this recipe.
What dipping sauces pair well with these fries?
Ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli complement the flavors wonderfully and enhance the experience.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free varieties—your taste buds won’t know the difference!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fries
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fries are the perfect blend of crunchy and cheesy goodness. These irresistible bites feature tender zucchini coated in a golden, crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust. Ideal for game nights or as a wholesome snack, they are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create a flavorful treat that will make everyone come back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fry-shaped sticks
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the zucchini into uniform fry-shaped sticks about 1/4 inch thick.
- In one bowl, whisk together eggs with salt and pepper. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and more salt.
- Dip each zucchini stick into the egg mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully covered.
- Arrange the coated fries on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 fries (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
