Description
Crispy, golden Baked Zucchini Fries coated in a flavorful panko and parmesan crust, served with a tangy honey Dijon dipping sauce. A healthy and delicious alternative to traditional fries that’s perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Baked Zucchini Fries:
- 3 medium zucchini, about 1 pound
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, whisked
Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons water
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped basil
Instructions
- Heat the Oven: Set the oven rack to the center position and preheat to 425°F (218ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with nonstick cooking spray or vegetable oil. Alternatively, you can bake the fries directly on the lined pan.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Cut each zucchini into 12 pieces about 3 to 4 inches long, ½ to ¾ inches wide, resulting in approximately 36 pieces total.
- Create a Breading Station: Place the flour in one bowl. Whisk the eggs in a second bowl. In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and dried oregano.
- Bread the Zucchini: Dip each zucchini piece first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the whisked eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Arrange each breaded piece on the wire rack. Repeat with all zucchini pieces.
- Bake the Zucchini Fries: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. If baking directly on the sheet pan without the wire rack, flip the fries halfway through baking for even crispness.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together dijon mustard, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, water, black pepper, and chopped basil until smooth and well combined.
- To Serve: Serve the zucchini fries hot alongside the prepared dipping sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a wire rack to allow air circulation around the fries while baking.
- If you prefer a spicier dipping sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Store leftover fries in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Fresh basil adds brightness to the dipping sauce; fresh herbs can be substituted based on preference (like parsley or chives).
