Savor the crispy delight of our Crispy Zucchini Fries! These delectable treats feature zucchini sticks coated in a golden breadcrumb crust, perfect for dipping into marinara sauce. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or snack, they’re sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
A Surprising Twist on Fried Goodness
At first glance, you might mistake these zucchini fries for cheese sticks! But fear not, they’re a healthier alternative, offering the same satisfying crunch without the guilt. Dipped in marinara sauce or homemade aioli, they’re a flavorful way to enjoy your veggies.
Preparation: Cutting Zucchini
For this recipe, we recommend cutting the zucchini into spears or sticks. Simply wash the zucchini, trim the ends, and cut lengthwise into halves. Then, cut each half into quarters to create spears. Depending on the size of your zucchini, you’ll end up with about 16 spears.
How to Fry to Perfection
Achieving the perfect crispness requires proper oil temperature. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) over medium heat. To test if it’s ready, try the wooden spoon method, the bread test, or the popcorn test, ensuring the oil is at the ideal temperature for frying.
Frying Instructions
Once the oil is ready, coat the zucchini sticks in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then fry them in batches until golden brown, about 3 minutes per batch. Drain them on paper towels and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Don’t throw out the used oil; check out How to Clean Used Cooking Oil so it won’t go to waste.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the zucchini sticks in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 22-25 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, for a crispier texture, try air frying them at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Ingredients:
For Zucchini Sticks:
- 4 medium zucchini, cut into 3-inch (7.5 cm) long by 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) wide strips
Flour Mixture:
- ¼ cup (32 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
Egg Mixture:
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water
Breadcrumbs Mixture:
- ½ cup (60 g) seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce, heated for dipping (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a deep saucepan to 350°F (175°C). (You should have about 2 inches (5 cm) of oil.)
- On a wide deep plate, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper.
- On a second plate, whisk together the egg and water.
- On a third plate, whisk together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge the zucchini sticks first in the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture.
- Working in batches, add 5-6 zucchini sticks to the heated oil and cook for 3 minutes (or until golden brown). Set on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve warm, dipped in marinara sauce.
Indulge in the crispy goodness of our zucchini fries for a flavorful snack or appetizer that’s sure to please!
