Zucchini fries are a healthier alternative to traditional french fries. Made with fresh zucchini coated with a mixture of bread crumbs and parmesan cheese, these fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They're a great way to get your vegetables in a fun, flavorful way.
The key ingredients for this recipe - zucchini, bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese - are relatively common and can be found in most supermarkets. However, do ensure to purchase a good quality parmesan cheese as it lends a unique, rich flavor to the fries.
Ingredients for Zucchini Fries
Bread crumbs: These add a crispy crunch to the fries. You can use either fresh or store-bought.
Parmesan cheese: This adds a rich and tangy flavor. Grated parmesan cheese is preferred for this recipe.
Garlic powder: This gives a subtle hint of garlic flavoring. It can be adjusted according to taste.
Zucchini: The star ingredient of this dish. Choose zucchinis that are firm and bright in color.
Eggs: They act as a binding agent for the coating.
Canola oil: Used for frying the zucchini. Canola oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for such recipes.
One reader, Idalina Steffen says:
I recently tried the zucchini fries recipe and it was a game-changer! The crispy texture and savory flavor were a delightful surprise. It's a healthier alternative to traditional fries and the perfect way to sneak in some extra veggies. I highly recommend giving it a try!
Mastering the Art of Making Zucchini Fries
Dredging the zucchini: Coating the zucchini pieces with the bread crumb mixture by gently pressing the mixture onto the zucchini to ensure an even coating.
Dipping the zucchini spears into the beaten eggs: Ensuring that the zucchini is fully coated with the beaten eggs to help the bread crumb mixture adhere to the zucchini.
Frying the zucchini: Ensuring that the oil is at the correct temperature (350 degrees F) and frying the zucchini for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown to achieve a crispy texture.
How To Make Zucchini Fries
Munch on these crispy and flavorful zucchini fries! They make the perfect afternoon snacks or crispy appetizers for your next big party.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupbread crumbs
- 1cupParmesan cheese,grated
- 1tspgarlic powder
- 4zucchini,cut into spears
- 2large eggs,beaten
- canola oil,for frying
Instructions
-
Mix the bread crumbs, parmesan and garlic powder in a medium sized bowl.
-
Dredge each zucchini piece through the mixture.
-
Dip the zucchini spears into the beaten eggs, then coat again in the bread crumb mixture.
-
Add 3 inches of canola oil to a Dutch oven on medium high heat at 350 degrees F.
-
Fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown.
-
Serve with favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 119.47kcal
- Fat: 5.98g
- Saturated Fat: 2.55g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.16g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.84g
- Carbohydrates: 9.16g
- Fiber: 1.08g
- Sugar: 2.33g
- Protein: 7.51g
- Cholesterol: 39.43mg
- Sodium: 253.61mg
- Calcium: 178.52mg
- Potassium: 214.14mg
- Iron: 0.94mg
- Vitamin A: 45.52µg
- Vitamin C: 11.70mg
Elevate Your Zucchini Fries with This Simple Technique
To ensure your zucchini fries are crispy and not soggy, make sure to pat dry the zucchini slices before coating them in the breadcrumb mixture. Excess moisture can cause the coating to fall off during frying and result in a less crispy fry. Additionally, don't overcrowd the pan while frying as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy fries. Fry in batches if necessary.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Zucchini Fries Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Organize your workspace: Arrange all necessary tools and ingredients within reach to avoid unnecessary movement during cooking.
Multi-task: While the zucchini fries are frying, prepare the dipping sauce or work on other components of the meal to maximize efficiency.
Use a mandoline: Slice the zucchini quickly and uniformly using a mandoline to save time on preparation.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and tools as you finish using them to maintain a tidy workspace and reduce post-cooking cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Fries Recipe
bread crumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are coarser and lighter, providing a crispier texture to the zucchini fries.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino: Pecorino cheese has a similar salty and tangy flavor to parmesan, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
canola oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for canola oil in this recipe as it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying.
How to Serve Zucchini Fries for Maximum Enjoyment
Elevate the plating: When presenting the zucchini fries, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Arrange the fries in a neat and organized manner, using negative space to draw attention to the golden brown color and crispy texture of the fries.
Incorporate a dipping sauce trio: Offer a selection of three complementary dipping sauces, such as a tangy marinara, a creamy garlic aioli, and a zesty lemon herb dressing. Present the sauces in small ramekins arranged in a triangular formation to add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the zucchini fries with finely chopped parsley and chives to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the plate. The vibrant green hues will contrast beautifully with the golden fries, enhancing the overall presentation.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Opt for sleek and modern serving ware, such as rectangular slate platters or porcelain plates, to showcase the zucchini fries. The minimalist design will allow the vibrant colors of the dish to take center stage.
Create height and dimension: Stack the zucchini fries in a vertical arrangement, creating a sense of height and dimension on the plate. This technique adds a dynamic element to the presentation, making the dish visually captivating.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate and colorful edible flowers as a garnish to add a touch of sophistication to the plate. Choose flowers such as nasturtiums or borage to bring a subtle floral essence to the zucchini fries.
Highlight the golden crust: Place the zucchini fries on a bed of microgreens or baby arugula to accentuate the crispy, golden exterior of the fries. The vibrant greens will provide a striking backdrop, emphasizing the texture and color of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Zucchini Fries
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal sheet used for baking and cooking food in the oven.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot near the handle, used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Dutch oven: A heavy cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid, often used for braising and stewing.
- Canola oil: A type of cooking oil made from the seeds of the canola plant, commonly used for frying and baking.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Grater: A tool used to shred or grate ingredients such as cheese or vegetables.
- Measuring cups: Tools used to measure liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
- Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure small amounts of ingredients accurately.
- Whisk: A utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together.
- Paper towels: Absorbent paper used for drying and cleaning food items and surfaces.
- Slotted spoon: A spoon with slots or holes, used for lifting and draining foods from liquids.
- Bread crumbs: Crumbs made from bread, used as a coating or thickening agent in cooking and baking.
- Parmesan cheese: A hard, granular cheese often used for grating and adding flavor to dishes.
- Garlic powder: Ground, dehydrated garlic used to add flavor to dishes.
- Eggs: Hen's eggs, commonly used in cooking and baking as a binding or leavening agent.
Preserving the Freshness: Storing and Freezing Zucchini Fries
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for zucchini fries:
- Let the zucchini fries cool completely before storing or freezing. This will help prevent them from getting soggy.
- To store in the fridge, place the cooled zucchini fries in an airtight container lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb excess moisture. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, arrange the cooled zucchini fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours until the fries are frozen solid.
- Once frozen, transfer the zucchini fries to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen zucchini fries will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer.
- To reheat, place the frozen zucchini fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid thawing before reheating as this can make the fries soggy.
- For best results, consume the reheated zucchini fries immediately while they are hot and crispy. Avoid refreezing previously frozen fries.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Zucchini Fries
To reheat leftover zucchini fries, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they're heated through and crispy again. This method helps to restore their crunchiness without making them soggy.
Another option is to reheat the zucchini fries in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the fries in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are hot and crispy. This method is quick and helps to maintain the original texture of the fries.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the zucchini fries in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fries and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes or until they're heated through and crispy. This method adds a bit of extra flavor to the fries.
If you're in a hurry, you can reheat the zucchini fries in the microwave, although this method may result in a softer texture. Place the fries on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. The paper towel helps to absorb any excess moisture, preventing the fries from becoming soggy.
Lastly, if you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat the zucchini fries. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the fries on the toaster oven tray. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they're heated through and crispy. This method is similar to using a regular oven but is more energy-efficient for smaller portions.
Surprising Trivia About Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fries. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. Zucchini is also low in calories and high in fiber, making it a nutritious option for snacking or as a side dish. Additionally, zucchini fries can be seasoned and flavored in various ways, allowing for versatility in taste. Whether baked or fried, zucchini fries are a tasty and nutritious addition to any meal.
Budget-Friendly: Is Making Zucchini Fries at Home Cost-Effective?
The zucchini fries recipe is quite cost-effective for a household, as the main ingredients are zucchini, bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese, which are generally affordable. Zucchini is a budget-friendly vegetable, and the other ingredients are commonly found in most households. The recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fries, making it a great option for families looking to incorporate more vegetables into their meals. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $8-$10, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Zucchini Fries Healthy or Unhealthy?
The zucchini fries recipe, while tasty, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The bread crumbs and parmesan cheese coating adds a significant amount of calories, carbohydrates, and fat to the dish.
- Deep frying the zucchini in canola oil further increases the fat and calorie content, as well as introduces potentially harmful compounds formed during high-heat cooking.
- The recipe lacks additional nutrients, such as fiber or protein, that could help balance out the less healthy aspects.
However, zucchini itself is a nutritious vegetable, low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals. With a few tweaks, this recipe can be made healthier while still maintaining its appeal.
To improve the nutritional value of the zucchini fries, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the bread crumbs with a mixture of almond flour and finely grated parmesan cheese for a lower-carb, higher-protein coating
- Use olive oil spray to lightly coat the zucchini fries and bake them in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown, instead of deep frying
- Experiment with additional seasonings, such as paprika, cumin, or Italian herbs, to add flavor without increasing calorie content
- Serve the fries alongside a protein-rich dip, like Greek yogurt-based ranch or hummus, to create a more balanced snack or appetizer
- Pair the zucchini fries with a side salad or other non-starchy vegetables to increase the overall nutrient density of the meal
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on Zucchini Fries
This zucchini fries recipe is a delightful twist on traditional fries, offering a healthier and flavorful alternative. The combination of parmesan, garlic, and breadcrumbs creates a satisfying crunch, while the zucchini provides a light and fresh taste. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making this recipe accessible for all levels of cooks. The use of canola oil for frying ensures a crispy texture without being overly greasy. Overall, this recipe is a winner, perfect for a snack or side dish that will please both kids and adults alike.
Enhance Your Zucchini Fries Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Zucchini Fries
Perfect Main Courses and Desserts to Pair With Your Fries
Why trust this Zucchini Fries Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a crunchy and flavorful experience, using fresh zucchini coated in a delightful blend of bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. The addition of garlic powder enhances the zucchini's natural flavors. The use of canola oil ensures a perfect golden brown finish. The step-by-step instructions ensure a foolproof process, resulting in a delectable snack or side dish. Trust the combination of bread crumbs and parmesan cheese to elevate your zucchini fries to a whole new level.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
