If you are a huge lover of french fries but are trying to cut back on the carbs, make these parmesan zucchini fries instead! They are crispy, salty, and nutritious- perfect for when that fry craving hits! Trust me, this tasty side dish goes with just about everything.
Love fries? So do I! When I started to eat a healthier lifestyle, one of the first recipes I attempted to make healthier was french fries- just without using white potatoes.
So far, I've made fries using:
For today's recipe, all you need is zucchini, parmesan, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs to make some zucchini fries that your whole family will love. The zucchini is roasted until tender, and the outside gets nice and crispy with a few minutes under the broiler before serving.
I like to add Italian spices and serve veggie fries with a side of marinara sauce, but you can substitute any spices you like. I have tried these oven-baked zucchini fries with Greek seasoning, steak seasoning, and lemon pepper, and they taste delicious every time! They are also delicious with all your favorite dipping sauces.
Key Ingredients For Parmesan Zucchini Fries
You might already have everything you need to make these crispy zucchini fries! Here's a bit more information about what I used.
- Zucchini: For the entire recipe, I used about four zucchinis. You'll use more or less than this, depending on the size of the zucchini you are using and the width of the zucchini sticks.
- Egg Whites: You don't need the egg yolks. Using just egg whites is a way to add some protein without cholesterol. You can also use the whole eggs and include the yolks.
- Parmesan cheese: For the best flavor, I suggest shredding the parmesan cheese at home! Grated, shredded, or
- Panko Breadcrumbs: You don't have to use Panko ones, but I love their texture! Regular bread crumbs are a perfect substitute.
- Spices: For these fries, I used Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. You can also use dried basil, oregano,
- Cooking Spray: Use a low-fat cooking spray, so it doesn't make the fries more unhealthy. You could also lightly coat with olive oil.
Note: For a full list of ingredients and detailed instructions on how to make these zucchini fries, take a look at the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!
What To Serve With Baked Zucchini Fries
What goes better with fries than a nice juicy burger? Not much! Try these crunchy zucchini fries with an Italian beef burger. They have lots of similar flavors, including garlic and onion. Or, I highly recommend sinking your teeth into some portobello mushroom burgers. The mushrooms are cooked into the beef or turkey patties. They are unforgettable!
If you like a burger with a little heat to it, try this jalapeno cheddar black bean burger. You won't believe they are vegetarian!
Recipe Tips And Ideas For Homemade Zucchini Fries
Follow these tips to make sure that the zucchini fries turn out amazing every single time!
- You can use aquafaba instead of egg whites. Just whisk the bean juice until it is frothy so that it will have the same texture on the fries. Then swap in nutritional yeast and you have a vegan version of these zucchini fries.
- Do not let the zucchini fries touch on the baking sheet to avoid them touching each other and the breading coming off. Thye also won't get that delicious golden brown exterior if they are too close together.
- Flip the fries over halfway through baking so that the bottoms don't burn.
- If you want them to get extra-crispy, leave them under broil for about 2-3 minutes.
- For easy clean-up, cover the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Here are some questions I frequently get asked about by some readers...
How do you make them gluten-free?
If you want gluten-free fries, I suggest using crushed pork rinds instead of Panko bread crumbs. They are the best substitute that will still make them taste nice and crunchy. You can also find some gluten-free panko breadcrumbs in some grocery stores!
Is this recipe low-carb?
No, this is not a low-carb recipe. I used bread crumbs which are known to have more carbs in them. Swap them out for crushed pork rinds to make it low-carb and keto friendly recipe. For best results, swap in a combination of crushed pork rinds and a light dusting of almond flour to make sure the coating sticks to the zucchini strips.
Can you make zucchini fries in the air fryer?
Yes! You can easily make this recipe in the air fryer. Just let them air fry at 400 degrees F for about 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket after about 15 minutes so they get crispy on all sides.
What is a healthy dipping sauce for zucchini fries?
I have lots of recipes for sauces and condiments that are healthy and taste fantastic with these fries!
If you want an Italian dipping sauce, make some homemade marinara sauce to serve as a side dish. This healthy honey mustard is also a very popular choice for veggies fries. Lots of people also love serving zucchini fries with some creamy avocado dressing!
Do you peel zucchini before you make fries?
No, you do not have to peel zucchini before you slice them into fries. However, this is a personal preference, so if you don't like the peel, you can certainly remove it.
How do you store leftover zucchini fries?
These fries don't stay crispy for very long, so eat them when they are fresh. To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
How to reheat baked zucchini fries?
The best way to reheat zucchini fries is n the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and spray the leftover zucchini with cooking spray. Then reheat for 8-12 minutes until hot and crisp. These also reheat well in the air fryer or toaster oven.
More Delicious Zucchini Recipes You'll Love:
- Garlic Grilled Zucchini
- Sauteed Zucchini With Garlic
- Tex Mex Stuffed Zucchini
- Crispy Baked Zucchini
- Healthy Zucchini Lasagna