Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries

These Parmesan Zucchini Fries with two different kinds of bread crumbs, Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese is an easy recipe using simple ingredients. It’s the perfect side dish or appetizer for your summer zucchini when served with a small bowl of marinara sauce, Ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.

It seems I can never find enough delicious side dishes.

I mean, I know they’re out there. 
I’ve seen them.
On Pinterest, Facebook.
I just have trouble getting my act together to make them because it seems like I’m always so focused on the main dish that I forget or can’t time it right. 
Am I alone here?

Well, this easy side dish is most definitely a keeper. I LOVE French fries, and of course, who doesn’t?
But these Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Sticks are healthy fries, and believe me when I say they are SOOOOO addictive!
Besides, this recipe is a great way to use that fresh zucchini your garden, your CSA share(Community Supported Agriculture) or just from your favorite grocery store.
So, be sure to keep this recipe handy because you’ll definitely want to make it over and over. 

What ingredients do I need to make baked zucchini fries?

Zucchini – two large zucchini

Eggs

Bread Crumbs – both regular breadcrumbs and plain Panko breadcrumbs. You can substitute cornmeal for the Panko bread crumbs if you’d like. 

Parmesan Cheese

Italian Seasoning

Garlic Powder

Salt

Pepper

Olive Oil Spray or Cooking Spray

What is the cooking process for crispy zucchini fries?

Preheat oven to 400° F. and prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray.

Place the two eggs into a shallow bowl and whisk.

In a medium bowl, mix together both bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Cut the zucchini into sticks, about 1 ½ – 2 inches in length. Zucchini has a high moisture content, so it’s important that you pat the individual sticks dry with a paper towel or two. This will also help the egg adhere to it allowing for a better coating of breadcrumbs. 

Place about 4 of the zucchini strips into the egg mixture and stir to coat. 

Then put the sticks into the panko-parmesan mixture and make sure they are completely covered.

Arrange on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. 
To get them a bit more crunchy, I’ll remove mine from the oven at 10 minutes, flip them individually and then put them back into the oven for another 10-15 minutes. 

Serve plain, with some marinara sauce, Ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.

See the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and complete instructions.

Crispiest Zucchini Fries in the air fryer

Using the same amounts of ingredients, follow the instructions in the recipe card until you’re directed to place them on the baking sheet. 
Instead, spray the inside of your air fryer basket with some cooking spray and place the breaded zucchini into it, leaving a little space among them for the air to circulate. You may have to do this in batches depending on how much there are and how many can fit. 
Spray the sliced zucchini with some olive oil or cooking spray before setting your air fryer to 400°. 
Bake for 10 minutes, until golden and crispy.

How do I store them?

Place cooled and baked zucchini sticks into an airtight container and place into the refrigerator. They will last for about 3 days. 
To reheat, bake in a 375° oven for about 8-10 minutes until heated through.
Want to use a microwave to save time? Don’t. The sticks will become mushy and won’t crisp up as nicely when reheated in the oven.

Can I freeze crunchy zucchini fries?

You sure can!
After they’re baked, place them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and place them into the freezer. 
Once frozen, place them into a resealable freezer bag with as much of the air removed as possible. 
They’ll keep for about 3 months. 
When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a 375°F preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes until heated through. 

More Zucchini Recipes

Zucchini Casserole

Lemon Zucchini Muffins

Zucchini Pancakes

Mushroom & Onion Stuffed Zucchini

Zucchini Chips

Day 125 – Zucchini Bread

​More delicious recipes for sides

These Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are one of my absolute favorites as is this Roasted Parmesan Broccoli.
I’ll just eat this stuff right off the pan when I take it out of the oven I love them that much!
Ok, I do it with the zucchini sticks as well. 

I’ve fallen in love with cauliflower when I’ve roasted it, too! 
This colorful Roasted Curry Cajun Cauliflower will add some pizzaz to your dinner. 
You’ll also want to try the Roasted Teriyaki Cauliflower.
If you prefer to eat your cauliflower with cheese, then this Cauliflower Gratin has your name all over it.

Of course, bread always makes a delicious side as well. 
Zucchini sticks and a loaf of this Italian Bread will be great accompaniments to any Italian meal, especially these Stuffed Shells or my Mom’s Lasagna.

Finally, if you choose to dip these zucchini fries in some ranch dressing, then make this Chili Ranch Dipping Sauce and you can even make some fried green tomatoes to go with them!

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Keep an eye out for more of my easy recipes each week!

This post was Day 157 of my original 365 Days of Baking it has been updated in format and with pictures on August 12, 2024.

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