Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside these Parmesan Zucchini Fries are your new favorite guilt-free snack. Packed with flavor and baked to golden perfection, they make the perfect appetizer, side dish, or healthy nibble.

Ingredients:

2 medium zucchinis
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil
Cooking spray

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the zucchinis into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick, to resemble fries.
In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, beat the eggs and stir in olive oil until well combined.
Dip each zucchini strip into the egg mixture, let excess drip off, then coat in the breadcrumb mix, pressing gently to stick.
Arrange coated zucchini fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Spray tops lightly with cooking spray.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Serve hot!

Variation

Air Fryer Method: Want a quicker, even crispier option? Toss the coated zucchini fries into an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through. You’ll get that irresistible crunch without heating up your whole kitchen.
Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle heat that complements the Parmesan perfectly. Great for those who love a little zing!
Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe celiac-friendly without sacrificing crunch or flavor. Look for seasoned versions to pack in even more taste.

Cooking Notes

Don’t Skip the Cooking Spray: Spraying the tops of the fries ensures a golden, crispy finish without excess oil. It also helps the breadcrumb coating set better while baking.
Cut Evenly: Try to slice your zucchini into uniform strips about 1/4 inch thick. This helps them bake evenly and keeps you from ending up with some soggy fries and some burnt ones.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can contain anti-caking agents that affect texture. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better, crisps up nicer, and has a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Dipping Sauces: Serve these zucchini fries with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or a tangy garlic aioli. The contrast between the warm, crispy fries and the cool, creamy dip is unbeatable.
Make It a Meal: Turn them into a light vegetarian meal by serving alongside a fresh garden salad or sandwich. They’re a great alternative to French fries when you want something lighter.
Perfect Party Snack: Serve these at parties or gatherings as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Set up a dip station with multiple sauces so guests can mix and match their favorites.

Tips

Pat Zucchini Dry: After cutting, pat the zucchini sticks dry with a paper towel. This removes excess moisture and helps the breadcrumb coating stick better and crisp up nicely.
Let Them Cool Slightly: Allow the fries to sit for 2–3 minutes after baking. This helps the coating firm up a bit more and prevents burning your mouth on hot cheese!
Use a Wire Rack for Extra Crisp: If you have a wire rack that fits your baking sheet, place the zucchini on that instead of directly on parchment. Air will circulate underneath, giving you maximum crunch.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 9g
Sodium: 400mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these zucchini fries ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and bread the zucchini strips a few hours in advance. Store them in the fridge on a lined baking sheet, then bake when ready. They’re best fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer.
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely. Yellow squash works just as well and has a similar texture and mild flavor. Just make sure it’s firm and not too watery.
What dipping sauces pair well with these?
These fries are super versatile! Marinara, garlic aioli, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are all great options. Feel free to get creative depending on your vibe.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the fries cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispiness—avoid the microwave if you can!

Conclusion

Parmesan Zucchini Fries are the perfect way to satisfy your fry cravings without the guilt. They’re crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—plus they come together in under an hour. Whether you’re serving them as a healthy snack, a fun side, or an appetizer for friends, these fries always hit the spot. Try them once, and they’ll be a regular in your kitchen rotation.

Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Author: Avery
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

2 medium zucchinis
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil
Cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the zucchinis into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick, to resemble fries.
In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, beat the eggs and stir in olive oil until well combined.
Dip each zucchini strip into the egg mixture, let excess drip off, then coat in the breadcrumb mix, pressing gently to stick.
Arrange coated zucchini fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Spray tops lightly with cooking spray.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Serve hot!

Notes

For extra crispiness, try broiling the fries for the last 2 minutes of baking.
Swap in panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier texture.
Serve with marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Snack, Appetizer, Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: ~1/4 of recipe
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: zucchini fries, parmesan zucchini, baked fries, healthy snack, low carb appetizer