These baked zucchini fries are my new obsession, fresh from my garden and inspired by Mediterranean flavors. Crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-addictive!
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 20 Minutes.
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 Servings
Baked Zucchini Fries are a healthy and delicious way to enjoy the season’s zucchini harvest. Instead of deep frying, these Parmesan zucchini fries are oven-baked to crispy perfection, making them a lighter twist on a classic favorite. Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this easy zucchini recipe features fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, and cheese, making it a flavorful and crunchy snack or side dish. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up garden zucchini or just want a healthy alternative to fries, these baked zucchini fries are sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients for the Baked Zucchini Fries
- Zucchinis: These are the stars of the show. Zucchinis have a mild, slightly sweet flavor, and when baked, they become tender on the inside with a crisp outer layer.
- Paprika: The zucchini fries add a smoky, slightly spicy, sweet flavor. It provides depth and a beautiful color.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder brings a savory and garlicky punch to the fries, enhancing their overall flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley contributes a bright, herbaceous note to the dish. It complements the other flavors and adds a touch of freshness.
- Dried Oregano or Herbs: Dried oregano or your favorite dried herbs add depth and complexity to the fries. They provide a savory, earthy flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs are the recipe’s binding agent. They help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the zucchini.
- Breadcrumbs and Flour: Breadcrumbs create a crispy coating for the zucchini fries, while flour helps them adhere to the zucchini and form a crunchy texture when baked.
Tips for Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries
- Dry Zucchini Sticks thoroughly: For the best crispy results, please make sure the zucchini sticks are adequately dried before coating. Excess moisture can prevent them from getting that desired crunch.
- High Temperature: Baking at a higher temperature, like 425°F, can help achieve that perfect crunch for your Baked Zucchini Fries.
- Don’t Crowd the Baking Sheet: Space is key. Ensure the zucchini sticks are spaced out on the baking sheet. Crowding them can lead to steaming rather than baking, which affects their crispiness.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs. Due to their larger size, Panko breadcrumbs can offer an even crispier crust, making your Baked Zucchini Fries extra crunchy.
- Light Spray of Cooking Oil: A light spray of cooking oil just before baking can enhance the crispiness without adding too many calories.
- Wire Rack for Even Circulation: Using a wire rack for even air circulation can make all the difference in achieving that perfect golden crunch. This allows the hot air to circulate around the zucchini sticks, baking them evenly on all sides.
Sauce Pairings for Zucchini Fries
What’s a crispy zucchini fry without the perfect dip? These Mediterranean-style fries love bold, creamy, and zesty sauces — and here are some of my favorite pairings:
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Romesco Sauce: Smoky, nutty, and made with roasted red peppers and almonds — a bold match for crisp zucchini.
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Tzatziki: Cool and tangy with cucumber and garlic, this Greek classic brings refreshing balance to every bite.
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Hummus: A velvety blend of chickpeas and tahini, perfect for dipping and scooping with extra texture.
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Baba Ghanoush: Roasted eggplant meets tahini and lemon in this smoky, creamy Levantine favorite.
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Moutabbal: Similar to baba ghanoush but with more tahini and garlic — ultra-rich and deeply savory.
Whether you serve just one or make a full dip platter, these sauces take your zucchini fries from snack to showstopper. Mix, match, and double-dip — no judgment here!
What to Serve with These Zucchini Fries
They make a perfect side for grilled chicken, seared fish, or even a light Mediterranean-style grain bowl. But honestly, they’re so irresistible I often enjoy them solo — just me, a plate of fries, and a medley of dips like tzatziki, romesco, or lemony yogurt sauce.
Feeling creative? You can easily swap the zucchini for eggplant, bell peppers, or even sweet potato wedges. This Mediterranean-style coating works beautifully with all kinds of veggies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Oven and Zucchini
Set Up the Dredging Station
Bowl 1: Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, lemon zest, parsley, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
Bowl 2: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and chopped parsley.
Bowl 3: Beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of milk until well combined.
Bread the Zucchini
Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Bake in the preheated oven for 6 minutes. Then, remove the pan, flip each zucchini piece, and spray lightly with olive oil again. Return to the oven and bake for another 6 minutes, or until the zucchini is golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy
Oven-baked zucchini sticks with a Mediterranean twist, crowned with Parmesan and paired with luscious Romesco.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 20 Minutes.
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 Servings
Ingredients:
| 2 medium zucchinis | |
| 1 cup all-purpose flour | |
| 1 teaspoon paprika | |
| 1 teaspoon garlic powder | |
| 1 Zest of lemon | |
| 1 teaspoon dried oregano or your favorite dried herbs | |
| Salt and pepper to taste | |
| 1 cup bread crumbs | |
| 1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano | |
| 2 large eggs whisk with 1 tablespoon milk | |
| olive oil spray |
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice the zucchini into rounds or sticks—whichever shape you prefer for roasting.
In three separate bowls, prepare the coating layers: Bowl 1: Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, lemon zest, parsley, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Bowl 2: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and chopped parsley. Bowl 3: Beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of milk until well combined.
Dredge each zucchini piece in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, press the zucchini into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it thoroughly on all sides for a crisp and flavorful crust.
Place a wire rack over a baking pan and arrange the breaded zucchini pieces on top, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly spray with olive oil to help them crisp up. Bake in the preheated oven for 6 minutes. Then, remove the pan, flip each zucchini piece, and spray lightly with olive oil again. Return to the oven and bake for another 6 minutes, or until the zucchini is golden brown and crispy.
Once done, remove the zucchini from the oven and let them cool slightly on the rack to maintain their crispiness. Serve warm, and if desired, pair with Romesco sauce for a flavorful dipping option.
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
Storing Leftovers:
Freezing Uncooked Zucchini Fries:
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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Did you try these zesty zucchini fries? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below and share your culinary adventure with us.