Irresistible Zucchini French Fries Recipe You Can’t Miss
Looking for a unique and delicious way to incorporate more veggies into your diet? Look no further than this recipe for zucchini fries! These crispy, flavorful fries are a fun and healthier twist on classic French fries, making them a perfect snack or side dish.
Not only are these zucchini fries low-carb and gluten-free, but they are also packed with nutrients, including Vitamin C. So why not indulge in this guilt-free snack?
This recipe is easy to follow, and the end result is a plate of perfectly seasoned and crispy baked zucchini fries that will impress all your friends and family. So if you’re looking for a healthier snack or a new side dish to serve at your next dinner party, give this zucchini fries recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a healthier version of the classic French fries! These zucchini fries are baked to crispy perfection, and they’re so delicious that you won’t even miss the potato. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and it’s perfect for those who are trying to eat low carb or gluten-free.
With just a few simple ingredients like zucchini, cornmeal, flour, parmesan cheese, and seasoning salt, you can whip up a batch of mouthwatering zucchini fries in no time. The combination of crispy crust and tender zucchini will make your taste buds dance with joy. And don’t forget the lemon wedges on the side – they add a refreshing touch of citrus to complement the savory flavor.
Not only are these baked zucchini fries healthier than their deep-fried counterparts, but they also pack a nutritional punch. Zucchinis contain Vitamin C which helps boost your immune system health while seasoning salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg adds an extra layer of flavor to this dish.
So whether you’re looking for a tasty snack or trying to add more veggies into your diet, these parmesan zucchini fries will hit the spot! Trust us when we say that once you’ve tried them out, you will want to make them again and again.
Ingredient List
Before we start, let’s go through the ingredients we need to make delicious zucchini fries!
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Zucchini: This recipe uses 2-3 medium-sized zucchinis that you will need to slice into thin sticks or wedges.
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Panko and bread crumbs: A mixture of 1 cup panko and 1 cup bread crumbs works best for this recipe. You can also use all panko or all bread crumbs if you prefer.
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Parmesan cheese: The cheese adds flavor and crunch to the fries. You will need about 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.
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Egg mixture: The egg mixture is what helps the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini. To make it, just whisk together 2 eggs with 2 teaspoons of water in a shallow bowl.
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Flour: Use flour to coat the zucchini before dipping it in the egg mixture. About 1/4 cup of flour should be enough.
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Seasonings: This recipe calls for garlic powder, ground nutmeg, seasoning salt, and black pepper. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking.
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Cornmeal: Cornmeal adds an extra crunch to the fries. Use about 1/4 cup.
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Olive oil: The olive oil helps the zucchini fries crisp up nicely in the oven. Use 2 tablespoons.
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Lemon wedges: Lemon wedges are perfect for squeezing over the baked zucchini fries before serving.
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the exciting part – let’s start making these delicious zucchini fries! Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment at hand to avoid any last-minute hitches in the process.
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized zucchinis
- 1 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Prep Work
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Step 2: Slice the zucchinis into thin fries, about a quarter-inch wide. Keep them as uniform in size as possible so that they cook evenly.
Step 3: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, seasoning salt, black pepper, garlic powder and nutmeg. In another shallow bowl whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third shallow bowl stir together the panko bread crumbs and grated parmesan cheese.
Dipping and Coating
Step 4: Dip each zucchini “fry” first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Step 5: Next dip it into the egg mixture and let any excess drip off.
Step 6: Finally, coat it in the panko-parmesan mixture.
Step 7: Arrange the coated zucchini fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure to space them so that none are touching.
Baking
Step 8: Drizzle olive oil over the top of each fry to help them brown and become crispy in the oven.
Step 9: Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 10: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Now that you’ve followed all of these steps, it’s time to enjoy these crispy baked zucchini fries! Perfect as a side dish or even as a snack on their own.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to shake things up and put your own spin on this recipe, there are many ways you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
– Gluten-free: If you’re avoiding gluten, simply swap the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free options. Cornmeal or almond flour can make great substitutes.
– Low-carb or keto: Want to keep things low-carb? Skip the flour and breadcrumbs altogether and coat the zucchini in a mixture of parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg. This will give it a delicious flavor while keeping it keto-friendly.
– Air fryer: If you have an air fryer, try whipping up some air-fried zucchini fries. Simply follow the same instructions as the baked version but cook them in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for about 10 minutes, until crispy.
– Parmesan zucchini fries: For an extra punch of flavor, add more parmesan cheese to the mix. Try mixing grated parmesan into the breadcrumb mixture or sprinkling extra cheese on top after baking.
– Shoestring fries: If you prefer shoestring-style fries, slice the zucchini into thin strips instead of thicker sticks. This will give them a more delicate crunch that pairs well with dipping sauces.
By experimenting with different variations and substitutions, you can create a zucchini fries recipe that perfectly suits your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
These zucchini fries are the perfect snack or side dish for any occasion. They come out crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.
As a snack, these crispy baked zucchini fries pair perfectly with any dip such as ranch or marinara sauce. They are also a healthy alternative to traditional French fries, more flavorful than shoestring fries, making them ideal for those who are health-conscious or looking for low-carb or gluten-free options.
As a side dish, these parmesan zucchini fries go well with grilled meats or vegetables. They can also be paired with pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs or chicken alfredo where they add a delicious crunch and a hint of zing.
For those who love sandwiches, try adding these crispy baked zucchini fries to your next veggie sandwich. The texture is perfect!
These versatile fries can be enjoyed with just about anything and they will always add an extra layer of flavor to your meals. So, don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations because the possibilities are endless.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Crispy baked zucchini fries are best served fresh out of the oven, but what if you need to prepare them in advance or store leftovers? Fear not, as this recipe has got you covered.
For make-ahead options, you can prepare the breaded zucchini sticks ahead of time and keep them on a baking sheet until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking. This makes meal prep much easier, which is a bonus!
To store leftover baked zucchini fries, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want them to remain crispy when reheated, it’s best to reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave. Simply preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through.
If you plan on freezing the zucchini fries, it’s best to freeze them before baking so they don’t become soggy upon reheating. To do so, simply bread the zucchini sticks and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the tray in the freezer until the fries are frozen solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To reheat frozen zucchini fries, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place your frozen fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through and crisp.
Now that you know how easy it is to make these delicious zucchini fries ahead of time or even freeze leftovers for later use, meal planning has never been easier!
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving perfectly crispy baked zucchini fries requires following certain steps and precautions. Here are some tips to get the most out of this delicious zucchini French fries recipe.
One important thing to keep in mind is to ensure your oven is well preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This will make sure that the fries cook evenly and become crispy without burning.
Another key step is preparing the zucchini properly. Remember to slice them into uniform sizes for even cooking. And before breading the zucchini, pat dry it using a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
In addition, make sure you do not overcrowd the baking sheet when placing the zucchini slices, as this can result in soggy rather than crispy fries – we do not want that!
To enhance the flavor profile even more, consider adding some ground nutmeg or black pepper to your seasoning salt before coating the zucchini sticks. Alternatively, try substituting cornmeal for flour in the recipe for an extra crunch.
Lastly, if you ever find yourself running short on bread crumbs or panko parmesan mix, you can always improvise by crushing some crackers or tortilla chips and incorporating them into the mix!
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to prepare crispy baked parmesan zucchini fries that will rival any deep-fried delicacy.
FAQ
Now that you are familiar with the ingredients list and the step-by-step process of making these delicious zucchini fries, it’s time to explore frequently asked questions about this recipe. Here are some common inquiries to help you achieve perfect and crispy baked or fried zucchini fries every time.
Why is my fried zucchini soggy?
When it comes to cooking zucchini, taking a few simple steps can make a big difference in the end result. First and foremost, salting the zucchini is key to avoid ending up with soggy slices. As for frying them up, a common mistake many make is to add the breaded zucchini to a cold pan. This can result in a greasy and limp texture instead of the crisp and golden outcome we want. Properly preheating the pan is crucial in achieving the desired texture.
Is fried zucchini better for you than french fries?
Let’s take a look at the variations between zucchini and French fries in terms of their nutritional value. Vitamin B6 is present in French fries 16% more than zucchini. However, if we consider Vitamin C, zucchini is a clear winner, containing 4 times more of this vitamin than French fries. When it comes to Sodium content, zucchini has a lower amount compared to French fries.
Are zucchini fries healthier than regular fries?
When preparing zucchini fries in a healthy way, they can be a better alternative to French fries in terms of nutrition. This is because they have lower amounts of calories, fat, and carbohydrates than French fries. Additionally, zucchini fries are high in fiber and are rich in various vitamins and minerals, including potassium and Vitamin A.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this delicious Zucchini French Fries Recipe offers a wonderful alternative to traditional French fries. It’s a healthy, low-carb option, packed with vitamins and bursting with flavor.
With simple ingredients that can be found in any kitchen, this recipe provides a quick and easy solution for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. And with the variations and substitutions suggested above, you can customize your fries to your liking and still get the same crispy texture you crave from classic French fries.
So next time you’re looking for a delicious way to enjoy zucchini, give this recipe a try! Whether you’re baking them in the oven or frying them up in an air fryer, these crispy parmesan zucchini fries are sure to please. Enjoy them as a side dish, appetizer or snack – they’re perfect for any occasion!
Delicious Zucchini French Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb zucchini, small
- 1 lemon (you need the juice from 1/2 lemon)
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/3 cup cornmeal (less, actually!)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, coarsely ground
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Wash, top and tail the small zucchinis.
- Slice each in half, then slice into julienne strips, thin, like thin french fries. At this stage they can be put into a plastic bag or bowl, and kept until needed.
- To prepare: Squeeze the juice from 1/2 of the lemon -- you should have about 3 - 4 tablespoons. In a bowl, toss the zucchini strips, using a large spoon, with the lemon juice, until damp. Use more lemon juice if necessary.
- Mix the flour and cornflour (less than the 1/3 cup mentioned: my maths is bad) in a bowl, and add the black pepper and seasoning salt. (You can actually leave out the salt and rather put flaky sea salt on the table for salting later).
- Chuck this flour mixture into the bowl of zucchini fries, and toss until more or less coated -- neat work is not necessary.
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a medium saucepan, preferably with heavy bottom.
- When hot, using a slotted metal spoon, add a good heaped spoonful of zucchini strips to the oil. (I find that it takes about 10 minutes for the zucchini to actually start browning).
- You can fry them until just done (they won't be crisp, but still nice) or you can fry them until golden brown. They do not colour evenly, which doesn't matter.
- Put out a few thicknesses of kitchen paper towels next to the pot. When the zucchini strips turn colour, take out with slotted spoon and let drain on the kitchen paper. Repeat process.
- The quantity given above was about 4 batches to fry (it depends on the saucepan and you!).
- Tip each drained batch into an oven dish, and keep warm -- but serve as soon as possible, while crisp. Flaky sea salt on unseasoned fries is delicious.
Your own notes
Nutrition
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.