Name: Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini; ½ cup all-purpose flour (optional); 2 eggs, lightly beaten; ½ cup Panko bread crumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious way to turn simple zucchini into a truly irresistible dish, these Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries will become your new go-to favorite. They strike the perfect balance between crispy coating and tender, savory veggie center, with a cheesy touch that everyone loves. Whether you’re serving them as a healthier party snack or sneaking extra veggies onto the dinner table, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and an absolute must-try for anyone who believes vegetables should never be boring.

Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries is that you probably already have most of these essentials in your pantry. Each ingredient plays a role in creating phenomenal flavor, irresistible crunch, and gorgeous color.

Zucchini: Choose medium, firm zucchini for fries that hold their shape and soak up all the goodness around them.
All Purpose Flour (optional): Adding a light flour coat gives an extra layer of crisp texture, but you can skip this for a gluten-free version.
Eggs (lightly beaten): Egg helps the breadcrumb coating stick and gives the fries that golden finish.
Panko Bread Crumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs are essential for achieving maximum crunchiness.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: The star for umami-rich, cheesy flavor with every bite.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and keeps the fries from tasting flat.
Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and rounds out the seasoning blend.
Paprika: Brings a pop of color and a mellow, smoky depth.
Garlic Powder: For that little savory kick that lifts the whole dish.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic herbs gives your Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries that unmistakable, irresistible Italian flair.

How to Make Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F so it’s hot and ready to create that signature crunch. Line a baking sheet with foil—this makes cleaning up so much easier—and give it a good spray with cooking spray to prevent the fries from sticking as they bake into crispy perfection.

Step 2: Mix the Crunchy Coating

Grab a small bowl and combine your Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This mixture is what gives Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries their delightful coating—savory, zesty, and seriously addictive.

Step 3: Slice the Zucchini

Cut the ends off the zucchini, then halve each one lengthwise. Slice each half into 1/2-inch wide strips or wedges. The key here is uniformity—this ensures each fry bakes evenly and gets perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.

Step 4: Dredge in Flour (Optional)

If you want an extra-crispy finish, lightly toss the zucchini strips in flour. This step adds a subtle crunch, but you can absolutely skip it for a lighter or gluten-free option. Shake off any extra flour before the next step.

Step 5: Dip and Coat

Next, dip each zucchini strip in the beaten egg, letting the excess drip away. Move the strip straight from the egg into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, gently pressing to coat all sides. Place each fry onto your prepared baking sheet with a little space between them so the heat can circulate and do its magic.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Goodness

Once all your fries are coated, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. About halfway through, carefully flip each zucchini fry so they brown evenly. You’ll know they’re done when the coating is golden brown and they look irresistibly crisp.

How to Serve Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and a shower of chopped fresh parsley make these fries look irresistibly inviting and bump up the flavor even more. If you love a kick, a pinch of crushed red pepper over the top adds fiery flair.

Side Dishes

Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries make a fantastic companion to burgers, grilled chicken, or even a simple pasta dinner. For dipping, try a side of marinara, ranch, or a zesty garlic aioli for a fun, interactive touch at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these fries in a parchment-lined basket for a classic feel, or stand them upright in mason jars for a stylish appetizer. You can even create a “fry board” with an assortment of dips and let everyone build their own flavor adventure at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the fries cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 3 days, staying flavorful though they may lose a bit of their crispness.

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries for later. Lay them in a single layer on a tray to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This helps them avoid sticking together and makes reheating easier.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your fries in a 400°F oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, which tends to make them soggy—an air fryer is also a great option to restore their crunch.

FAQs

Can I skip the flour coating?

Absolutely! The flour step is completely optional. If you’d like your Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries to be gluten-free or a bit lighter, you can skip the flour and proceed with the egg and breadcrumb coating—your fries will still bake up beautifully crispy.

What other cheeses can I use?

While Parmesan brings the classic flavor, you can switch things up by using finely grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different cheesy bite. Just ensure the cheese is finely grated so it sticks well to the zucchini.

How do I keep the fries crispy?

The secret to super crispy fries is giving each one a bit of space on the baking sheet so they roast instead of steaming. Spraying the tops with a little cooking spray before baking also helps create that golden, crunchy crust.

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Yellow squash works just as well, and it adds a lovely splash of color to the mix. Just try to pick squash of a similar size to keep the fries even, so they cook uniformly.

Are Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love dunking these crispy, cheesy fries into their favorite sauces. It’s a fun way to help picky eaters discover a love for veggies—plus, they make a great addition to any family meal.

Final Thoughts

Next time you’re craving something crunchy and satisfying, I can’t recommend Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries enough. They’re a joyful way to turn humble zucchini into a show-stopping appetizer or side. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself looking for excuses to make them again and again!

Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a healthier twist on a classic favorite with these Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor, these zucchini fries are a delightful snack or side dish that will have everyone coming back for more.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
Mix coating: Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
Prepare zucchini: Cut off the ends of the zucchini. Cut the zucchini in half and then cut into 1/2-inch wide strips or wedges.
Coat zucchini: Coat the zucchini with flour, if desired. This step is optional.
Dip in eggs: Dip the zucchini strips into the beaten egg and shake off excess.
Dredge in coating: Dredge zucchini in the breadcrumb mixture and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Repeat for all zucchini fries. Spray the top of the zucchini with cooking spray. Bake zucchini fries for 22 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Turn over halfway through.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can place a wire rack on the baking sheet and arrange the zucchini fries on top.
Feel free to customize the seasoning to your preference, adding in herbs or spices that you enjoy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American