Zucchini Fries
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My zucchini fries are so crispy and crunchy, you won’t believe they aren’t fried! You can oven-bake them or chuck them in the air fryer!
When I’m not making a batch of air fryer French fries or sweet potato fries, these zucchini fries are my go-to. I first started making them when my partner and I were at a burger joint in Manhattan that served the most incredible zucchini fries. They were crispy, snackable, and still felt lighter (and low carb)- so I made it my mission to recreate them.
Instead of deep frying them, I wanted to make them healthier, so I oven-baked them. It did take a few tries to get that crispy exterior, but I finally nailed it: they’re golden and crisp on the outside, tender in the middle, and, if you’re like my partner, reckon they’re better than classic fries. Think of them as a heartier, crunchier cousin to my zucchini chips!
Key Ingredients
Here are some notes on the main ingredients for oven-baked zucchini fries. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
- Zucchini. Use firm zucchini, not overripe ones. The latter will become quite limp and lose the ideal ‘fries’ texture.
- Eggs. To dip the zucchini in before coating it in the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture.
- Bread crumbs. I tested both panko and regular breadcrumbs, and found panko yielded a much nicer crunch. It also held onto the zucchini better.
- Parmesan cheese. Finely grated Parmesan cheese, and NOT the kind in the dry grocery aisle. Trust me, you’ll notice a difference both in flavor and how crispy they turn out.
How to make zucchini fries
Step 1- Prep: Add eggs to a small bowl and whisk them together. In a bowl, mix the remaining ingredients.
Step 2 – Bread: Dip the zucchini in the whisked eggs, then in the breadcrumb mixture, until mostly coated.
Step 3- Assemble: Place the zucchini on a lined baking sheet.
Step 4- Bake for 20-25 minutes, regularly rotating them to ensure they become crispy on all sides.
Alternative cooking methods
Did you know you can make zucchini fries in the air fryer and a skillet? I’ve tested both ways out and find them equally delicious. Here’s the process to do so:
Air fryer: Prep the zucchini as instructed, then place them in a greased air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Skillet: Grease a large skillet with oil, then place the zucchini in a single layer (you may need to cook it in batches). Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Remove excess moisture: Zucchinis have a high water content, so removing any extra moisture before baking them is what separates crispy from soggy fries. Once sliced, sprinkle with salt and let sit on paper towels for several minutes.
- Cut the zucchini evenly: This ensures the fries cook evenly.
- Rotate the fries regularly: You must rotate them as they bake so no side gets soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd: Bake the fries in a single layer. You can even use more than one baking sheet or rack.
- Adjust cooking time: Not all ovens are the same. Some need more time to yield the crispiest zucchini fries. Don’t be afraid to cook a little longer.
Frequently asked questions
I mentioned it earlier, but if you don’t salt the zucchini and/or soak up the excess moisture, the fries will turn out soggy. Also, don’t skip the rotation step.
While these fries are fabulous as a side for hamburgers or hot dogs, nothing beats having a plethora of sauces to dip them in. Try my Big Mac sauce or spicy mayo for something creamy, or hot honey sauce for the sweet-and-salty. Asian sauces are also great, like eel sauce or katsu sauce, or keep things protein-packed with a garlic yogurt sauce.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Zucchini Fries (4 Ingredients!)
Video
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese finely grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Slice your zucchini into thin matchsticks and set aside. Lightly salt the fries and let them sit for 10 minutes. This draws out excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until combined. In a separate bowl, add your breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the zucchini in the egg mixture, followed by the spice and crumb mixture, and place on the lined sheet. Repeat the process until all the zucchini has been used up.
- Bake the zucchini fries for 22-25 minutes, regularly turning so they become ultra crispy. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Notes
- TO STORE: Leftover fries should be stored in the refrigerator on a plate, covered, for up to 5 days.
- TO REHEAT: Either reheat the fries in a preheated oven, air fryer, or even a non-stick pan.
Nutrition
More healthy ways to enjoy fries
Originally updated December 2023
Turned out perfectly! I’ve used other recipes but this is the first one that turned out crispy! Was especially good dipped in buttermilk ranch sauce.
Wowza, that ranch sounds yummy 🙂
Wow these are maybe the healthies fries ever. Good name for the recipe. I think many people would try.
I tried the air fryer and we loved this recipe. In a couple days the temp goes down and we will make them in the oven.
delicious!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wow this is really delicious! i used almond flour instead im definitely making this again, love your content.
Thank you so much for this recipe and all of your recipes, it sure helps me with my low carb life style. You make it a lot easier for me. You so kind to share all of this with us.
Thank you!
Seems very tasty@
I’m not really a zucchini lover, but these are excellent! My picky grandchildren even loved them! Keep up the great keto recipes!
Hi! could I use almond flour instead of the keto bread crumbs?
yes 🙂
Has anybody tried air frying these? I would think they would be cripier?
Finally got this right. I’ve been trying to get crispy zucchini fries for a while. This recipe works. I just added garlic powder and Italian season. Great
First. You are a Keto genius and I really appreciate your recipes. I have a question though, can you actually fry these instead of using the oven. I know it’s not as healthy, but I thought maybe more crispy?
You need to correct your recipe it says Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutesTotal Time: 6 hours 35 minutes lol
I think that’s supposed to be a zero/ 0 in the ‘hours’ LMAO
Love your recipes
Ahh thank you! It has been fixed!
Thank you!
Seems very tasty@
Will be making this soon i love zucchini sooooooooooo much i never had zucchini fries before sorry for early comment as am in Singapore will dm you if i make this and let you know how it goes Thanks Ramya
Thank you for your amazing and healthy recipes. I recently made your pulled pork and it was incredible..
Is there a keto version of zucchini fries?