Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries: You’ll Want Every Night

Craving a side of fries but looking for a healthier alternative? These Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries are the perfect solution. They are unbelievably crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory, cheesy flavor. They are so good, you won’t believe they’re not from a fast-food joint.

The secret to this recipe is a clever two-step process that ensures the zucchini fries come out of the oven perfectly golden and crunchy, not soggy. They are a fantastic, guilt-free side dish that pairs beautifully with burgers, sandwiches, or as a snack all on their own with your favorite dipping sauce.¹

Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 10 minutes moisture removal)

Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini, cut into fry shapes²
1 teaspoon salt, divided
2 large eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Zucchini

Cut into Fries: Wash the zucchini and cut it into fry-shaped sticks (about ¼-inch wide).
Draw Out Moisture: Place the zucchini sticks on a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Sprinkle them with ½ teaspoon of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. The salt will draw out the moisture.
Pat Dry: Use a paper towel to blot the top of the zucchini sticks, patting them completely dry. This is a crucial step for a crispy result.

2. Bread the Fries

Set Up Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, add the flour. In the second, whisk the eggs. In the third, whisk together the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, and pepper.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).³
Bread: Working with a few zucchini sticks at a time, dredge them in the flour, shaking off the excess. Then, dip them in the egg, and finally, coat them evenly in the breadcrumb mixture.
Arrange: Place the breaded fries in a single, even layer on a large, parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Bake Until Crispy

Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them once halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Fry

The Salt Trick: This is the most important step for a crispy fry. Skipping it will result in soggy fries. The salt pulls the water out of the zucchini, allowing the breading to get crispy.
The Right Cut: Uniformly cut fries will ensure they all cook in the same amount of time.
Panko Power: Panko breadcrumbs are the secret to a light, crispy texture. They are larger and airier than regular breadcrumbs.
Don't Overcrowd: Give the fries space on the baking sheet. If they are too crowded, they will steam instead of roast, and they won't get crispy. Use two sheets if necessary.
Eat Them Fresh: These fries are best enjoyed right out of the oven, while they are at their crispiest.

Savorly Made

Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries: You’ll Want Every Night