Imagine transforming humble zucchini into a crave-worthy, crispy sensation that'll make even veggie-skeptics beg for more! These Parmesan Zucchini Fries are not just a side dish—they're a culinary revelation that combines the lightness of zucchini with the irresistible crunch of perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs and the bold kick of chipotle mayo. Whether you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fries or simply want to impress your dinner guests, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chipotle sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and trim off the ends. Cut each zucchini into thin, french fry-like strips, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform coating mixture.
- Pat the zucchini strips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better and ensures crispiness.
- Dredge each zucchini strip in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres completely to all sides of the zucchini.
- Arrange the coated zucchini strips on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow proper air circulation and crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, turning the fries halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispness on all sides.
- While the zucchini fries are baking, prepare the chipotle mayo by mixing mayonnaise with chipotle sauce in a small bowl, whisking until well combined.
- Remove the zucchini fries from the oven when they are golden brown and crispy. Let them cool for 2-3 minutes to set the coating.
- Transfer the crispy Parmesan zucchini fries to a serving plate and serve immediately with the prepared chipotle mayo for dipping.
Tips
- Pat the zucchini strips completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet—give each "fry" space to breathe for optimal crunchiness.
- Use fresh, firm zucchinis for the best texture and flavor.
- Experiment with different cheese blends in your coating for unique variations.
- Serve immediately after baking to maintain the perfect crisp texture.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or dried herbs to the breadcrumb mixture.
- If you prefer an even crispier result, you can briefly broil the fries for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
