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To make delicious Parmesan crusted zucchini fries, you need a few key items: - 2 medium zucchinis - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Sea salt and black pepper to taste - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Olive oil spray These ingredients come together to create a crispy and savory experience. The panko breadcrumbs add that irresistible crunch, while the Parmesan gives a rich flavor. Want to switch things up? You can try these alternate ingredients: - Swap zucchini for eggplant or sweet potatoes for a different taste and texture. - Use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. - Try different cheeses, like cheddar or mozzarella, for a fun twist. These changes can add a new layer to your dish while keeping it tasty. Choosing the right zucchini is key to great fries. Here’s how to pick them: - Look for firm zucchinis with smooth skin. Avoid any that have soft spots or blemishes. - Choose medium-sized zucchinis. They tend to have better flavor and texture than larger ones. - Check for a vibrant green color. This indicates freshness and quality. Fresh zucchinis will give your fries the best taste and crunch. Enjoy your cooking! Start with fresh zucchinis. Rinse them under cool water and dry them off. Trim both ends to remove any tough bits. Next, slice the zucchinis into fry-shaped pieces. Aim for about 1/2 inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly and get crispy. In one bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the dry ingredients blend well. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and Dijon mustard together until smooth. This mixture will help the coating stick to the zucchini. Take each zucchini fry. First, dip it into the egg mixture. Let any extra drip off. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mix. Press down gently to coat it well. This step is key for that crunchy texture. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy. Place the coated zucchini fries on the sheet in a single layer. Leave space between each fry so they can crisp up nicely. Give the tops a light spray of olive oil. This helps them brown well. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through, flip the fries. This ensures they cook evenly. When they turn golden brown, they are done. Let them cool for a few minutes before you dig in! Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness! Panko breadcrumbs are key for a great crunch. They are lighter and flakier than regular bread crumbs. This helps create that crispy bite we all want. When mixing panko with Parmesan, it gives a nice flavor boost. Make sure to coat the zucchini fries well. Press them gently into the mixture. This helps the coating stick better when baking. Adding herbs and spices makes your fries pop with flavor. I like using garlic powder and onion powder. These give a nice savory taste. Dried oregano adds an earthy note, too. Feel free to get creative! You could add paprika for a smoky touch or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. The right seasonings can turn a simple dish into something special. No one likes soggy fries. To keep them crisp, start by slicing your zucchini evenly. This ensures they cook at the same time. Make sure to dry the zucchini slices well before coating. Removing moisture is key. Also, use parchment paper on your baking sheet. This keeps the fries from sticking, promoting even browning. Lastly, don’t overcrowd the fries on the sheet. A little space allows hot air to circulate, keeping them crispy. {{image_4}} To spice things up, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper to the breadcrumb mix. Start with a half teaspoon and adjust to your heat preference. The added spice gives the fries an exciting kick. Pair these spicy fries with a cool dipping sauce like ranch or yogurt to balance the heat. If you need a gluten-free version, swap panko for almond flour. Almond flour gives a nice nutty flavor and a crunchy texture. Just combine it with Parmesan, garlic powder, and spices. You may need to adjust the baking time, so keep an eye on those fries! Experiment with different cheeses for a unique taste. Try mixing mozzarella for meltiness or cheddar for a sharp flavor. You can also sprinkle feta on top before baking for a Mediterranean twist. Each cheese brings its own flair, making your zucchini fries even more delicious. To store leftover zucchini fries, first let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and helps avoid moisture. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option too. To reheat your zucchini fries and keep them crispy, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fries on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. If using an air fryer, set it to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. You can freeze zucchini fries for later. After baking, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, you can grab a portion whenever you want a tasty snack. Enjoy them straight from the freezer or bake them from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Yes, you can use other veggies like eggplant, carrots, or sweet potatoes. Cut them into fry shapes, just like the zucchini. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Thin vegetables will cook faster, while thicker ones may need more time in the oven. Experiment with your favorites for a tasty twist! To make this recipe vegan, swap the eggs for a mixture of ground flaxseed and water. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Use this as your binding agent. Ensure the Parmesan cheese is dairy-free, or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Zucchini fries taste great with many dipping sauces. Some popular choices are marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or ranch dressing. For a spicy kick, try sriracha mayo or a zesty yogurt dip. Feel free to mix and match to find your perfect pairing! Zucchini fries are a tasty and healthy snack. In this post, we covered essential ingredients, including tips for selecting fresh zucchini. You learned a step-by-step process to prepare, bread, and bake them for a crunchy bite. We explored unique variations and discussed storage and reheating methods. Stick to these tips, and enjoy making your crisp zucchini fries. New flavors await with each variation. Have fun creating your perfect batch!

Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fries

Satisfy your cravings with these delicious Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fries! Say goodbye to boring snacks and hello to a flavorful, crispy treat that's easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients like fresh zucchini, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan, you can whip up this perfect appetizer or side dish in no time. Ready to elevate your snacking game? Click to explore the full recipe and get cooking!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an irresistible crunch)

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Sea salt and black pepper to taste

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

    Rinse the zucchinis thoroughly and trim off both ends. Slice them into fry-shaped pieces, approximately 1/2 inch thick, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.

      In a shallow mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

        In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This will serve as the binding agent for your fries.

          Take each zucchini fry and dip it first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Then, transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture, coating it thoroughly by pressing gently to ensure a solid adherence of the crust.

            Arrange the coated zucchini fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between each fry. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to promote browning and crispiness during baking.

              Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, carefully flip the fries to ensure they cook evenly and achieve that desired golden, crispy exterior.

                Once they are beautifully golden brown and crisp, remove the zucchini fries from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, arrange the crispy zucchini fries on a decorative platter. Pair them with a vibrant bowl of marinara sauce or creamy garlic aioli for dipping. As a finishing touch, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top and garnish with fresh herbs for an inviting look!