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- 2 medium zucchinis - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend - 2 large eggs - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Olive oil spray The ingredients for crispy Parmesan zucchini fries are simple yet essential for great taste. Start with fresh zucchinis. They are the star of this dish. Panko breadcrumbs add a light and crispy texture. Finely grated Parmesan cheese gives a rich, cheesy flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. The Italian herb blend brings a nice aroma. Eggs help the coating stick, while salt and pepper season the fries. - If you want a different crunch, use regular breadcrumbs. - To cut fat, use low-fat cheese or nutritional yeast. - For an eggless option, use a flax egg or a mixture of water and cornstarch. These substitutions can help you customize the recipe. They still keep the fries tasty and enjoyable. - Use fresh zucchinis for the best results. They should feel firm and look bright. - When choosing Parmesan cheese, opt for a block over pre-grated. Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds flavor. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste and texture. Make sure to choose wisely for a delightful snack. 1. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for crispiness. 2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps fries from sticking. 3. Wash two medium zucchinis under cool water. Dry them well with a towel. 4. Cut each zucchini into fry-shaped sticks, about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for uniformity to cook evenly. 5. Place the zucchini sticks in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste. Toss well to coat. 1. In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. 2. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian herb blend. Mix everything evenly. 3. In a separate shallow bowl, crack two large eggs. Whisk them until yolks and whites blend fully. This creates your egg wash. 1. Take each zucchini stick and dip it into the egg wash. Ensure it's well-coated. 2. Next, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly so the coating sticks well. 3. As you coat each stick, lay them on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange in a single layer, avoiding overlap. 4. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. This helps achieve a golden brown finish. 5. Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. 6. Flip the zucchini fries halfway through the baking time. This step helps both sides crisp up nicely. 7. Keep an eye on them. You want a lovely golden color and crispy texture. 8. When done, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the fries cool for a few minutes before serving. To make your zucchini fries super crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko gives a light and airy crunch. Regular breadcrumbs can be too dense. When using panko, you get that perfect golden crunch. Also, using olive oil spray is key. Lightly spray the tops of your coated fries before baking. This helps them brown and crisp up nicely in the oven. A little goes a long way! You can boost the flavor of your zucchini fries by adding spices. Try adding paprika for heat or lemon zest for brightness. You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresh taste. For serving, think about dips! Marinara sauce pairs well. You can also serve them with seasoned yogurt or a spicy aioli. These dips add another layer of flavor to your crispy fries. One big mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. If the fries touch, they won’t crisp up. Make sure they are in a single layer with space between them. This allows hot air to circulate. Another mistake is not patting the zucchini dry. If they are wet, the coating won’t stick well. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to dry the zucchini before coating. This simple step makes a big difference! {{image_4}} Do you want to add some heat to your fries? You can use cayenne pepper or paprika. Just mix these spices into your breadcrumb mix. Start with a small amount, like 1/4 teaspoon. You can always add more if you like it spicy! This twist gives your fries a bold flavor that will surprise your taste buds. If you love cheese, try different kinds! Cheddar or mozzarella can make your fries extra cheesy. Just replace the Parmesan with your favorite cheese. Grate it finely so it mixes well with the breadcrumbs. Each cheese brings its unique taste, making your fries fun to customize! For a gluten-free version, swap panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. Many brands offer tasty gluten-free options that work great here. Look for ones that are crispy to keep that crunch. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious fries without worry. To store leftover zucchini fries, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, avoid stacking them too high. This prevents sogginess and keeps them crispy longer. The best way to reheat zucchini fries is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10 minutes. This method helps to keep the fries crispy. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and fry for about 5 minutes. Both methods work well to revive the crunch. For freezing, you can choose to freeze them uncooked or cooked. If uncooked, coat the zucchini fries and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for one hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. This keeps them from sticking together. To freeze cooked fries, let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container. They can last up to two months. Just remember, freezing may change their texture slightly. Yes, you can. Air frying is a great option for making these fries. Here are some tips for air frying: - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). - Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer. - Cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding. - Air fry for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. - Check for a golden brown color and crispiness. You can serve these fries with various dips and sides. Here are some popular options: - Marinara sauce for a classic pairing. - Ranch dressing for a creamy touch. - Garlic aioli for an extra flavor boost. - Side salad for a fresh contrast. To keep your fries crispy, follow these tips: - Pat the zucchini dry before coating them. - Avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet. - Use panko breadcrumbs for more crunch. - Lightly spray with olive oil to promote crispness. Zucchini fries can be a tasty treat made with simple ingredients. Fresh zucchini offers the best flavor and texture, while panko crumbs give that perfect crunch. Remember to avoid common mistakes, like overcrowding the baking sheet. You can customize the recipe with spices or cheese for extra flavor. Whether served fresh or reheated, enjoy your fries with a fun dip. Embrace the healthy twist on a classic snack and savor each bite!

Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Get ready to satisfy your cravings with these Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries! This simple and delicious recipe features fresh zucchini coated in a golden, crunchy mixture of panko and Parmesan. Perfect as a snack or side dish, they're both healthy and irresistible. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions for a mouthwatering treat. Click now to explore the full recipe and enjoy this tasty twist on fries!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian herb blend

2 large eggs

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

    Wash and dry the zucchinis, then cut them into fry-shaped sticks approximately 1/4 inch thick. Transfer the zucchini sticks to a mixing bowl and season generously with salt and fresh pepper, tossing to coat evenly.

      In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, finely grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

        In a separate shallow bowl, crack the two eggs and whisk vigorously until the yolks and whites are fully combined, creating an egg wash.

          Take each zucchini stick and first immerse it in the egg mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Next, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating adhere well.

            As you coat your zucchini fries, arrange them on the prepared baking sheet in a single, spaced-out layer, ensuring no fries overlap. This will promote even cooking and crispiness.

              To enhance the crispiness of your fries, lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. This will help create that perfect golden-brown exterior.

                Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to flip the zucchini fries halfway through the baking time to achieve an even crisp on both sides. Keep an eye on them; you're looking for a beautiful golden brown and crispy texture.

                  Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the fries to cool for a few minutes; this will help them firm up and make them easier to handle.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy zucchini fries on a rustic wooden board or a white plate for contrast. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a side of marinara or seasoned yogurt for dipping!