Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fries? These Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries are a delicious and guilt-free snack or side dish!

Ingredients:

2 medium zucchinis
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil cooking spray

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the zucchinis into fries-like shapes.
In a shallow dish, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dip each zucchini fry into the mixture, pressing gently to coat.
Place the coated fries onto the prepared baking sheet and spray with olive oil cooking spray.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fries are golden and crispy.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 145
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 340mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 8g

Helpful tips:

For extra crispy fries, make sure to space out the zucchini fries on the baking sheet to allow for even browning.
Try adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the fries before baking for an extra cheesy touch.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences, such as adding more garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
Serve the zucchini fries with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs or even crushed nuts as a coating for the zucchini fries.
Try cutting the zucchinis into different shapes such as wedges or rounds for a fun twist on this recipe.
If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coating mixture.
Experiment with different types of cheese for coating, such as Asiago or Pecorino Romano, for unique flavor variations.
To make a gluten-free version of this recipe, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Feel free to garnish the zucchini fries with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Expert Secrets:

To ensure maximum crispiness, try flipping the zucchini fries halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking on all sides.
For a flavor boost, sprinkle some freshly grated lemon zest over the zucchini fries before serving for a citrusy touch.
For a cheesy overload, mix some shredded mozzarella cheese with the Parmesan cheese in the coating mixture for a gooey and melty finish.
To add a hint of heat, dust the zucchini fries with a dash of red pepper flakes before baking for a spicy kick.
For a Mediterranean twist, sprinkle some dried oregano and crumbled feta cheese over the zucchini fries before serving.
If you’re a garlic lover, try adding some minced fresh garlic to the coating mixture for an extra punch of flavor.
For a smoky flavor, mix a pinch of smoked paprika into the coating mixture for a unique and savory taste.
To make these zucchini fries vegan-friendly, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use a plant-based cooking spray.
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought Italian seasoning blend instead of individual spices for a quick and convenient flavor boost.
For a crunchy texture, try adding a handful of crushed nuts or seeds such as almonds or pumpkin seeds to the coating mixture for added crunch.

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