Looking for a delicious and healthy way to enjoy zucchini? Look no further than baked zucchini fries with panko bread crumbs! These crispy, flavorful treats make a perfect appetizer or side dish. By baking instead of frying, you can indulge in a guilt-free snack that retains all the flavors and textures you love. Coated in a savory mixture of panko bread crumbs and spices, these zucchini sticks are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a tasty snack, this recipe is a fantastic way to incorporate zucchini into your menu. So, let's dive in and learn how to make these irresistible baked zucchini fries!
Breaded zucchini sticks
Zucchini is a summer squash, so it makes sense to enjoy it during...summer! This light and easy dish can be a snack served with drinks or a side dish for a big meal.
The recipe is pretty simple to whip up, just like most of the recipes on my blog. You don’t need many ingredients either - I have a feeling you’re going to enjoy this recipe!
Zucchini sticks or fries can be fried and come out more like chips but I wanted to keep the dish on the healthy side and chose to bake them instead.
For the coating of the zucchini and to add more texture, I used panko breadcrumbs, however any kind of bread crumbs will work. I had them at home and simply wanted to use them. The "glue" for the breadcrumbs is a beaten egg.
The spices I used are dried oregano, salt and pepper. If you want, you can add chili flakes or paprika to upgrade the dish’s flavor even more.
Tips for making baked zucchini sticks with bread crumbs
Choose firm zucchinis
Look for zucchinis that are firm and without any soft spots or blemishes. This ensures that your zucchini sticks have a nice texture when baked.
Slice the zucchini evenly
Try to slice the zucchinis into sticks of similar thickness so that they cook evenly. This will help ensure that all the sticks are crispy and golden brown.
Pat dry the zucchini sticks
After slicing the zucchinis, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the bread crumb coating adhere better and result in a crispier texture.
Season the bread crumbs
Enhance the flavor of the bread crumb coating by adding additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper. Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet
Arrange the zucchini sticks in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between each stick. Overcrowding the sheet can cause the sticks to steam instead of getting crispy.
Flip halfway through baking
To ensure even browning, flip the zucchini sticks halfway through the baking time. This helps both sides cook evenly and become crispy.
Serve immediately
Baked zucchini sticks are best enjoyed when they are still warm and crispy. Serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or marinara sauce for maximum enjoyment.
FAQS
Yes, you can use either regular bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs. Regular bread crumbs will give a finer coating, while panko bread crumbs will result in a slightly crunchier texture.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will retain their crispiness for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can use an oven or toaster oven to restore some of the crispness.
Baked zucchini sticks are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers and want to freeze them, it's possible. Place the cooled zucchini sticks in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven until heated through and crispy.
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other vegetables like eggplant, yellow squash, or even green beans. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as different vegetables may require different baking times.
While it's best to enjoy the zucchini sticks fresh out of the oven, you can prepare them ahead of time by coating the zucchini sticks with the bread crumb mixture and placing them on a baking sheet. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours until you're ready to bake them. This way, you can have them freshly baked when you need them.
Other recipes you should try:
Another great zucchini dish I shared on the blog is pesto zoodles, if you have a lot of zucchinis then you should try this recipe too!
Bake these zucchini fries today!
Baked zucchini sticks with panko bread crumbs are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fried zucchini sticks. By baking them instead of frying, you can enjoy a guilt-free snack that retains all the flavors and textures you love. Coated in a mixture of bread crumbs and spices, these zucchini sticks are crispy, flavorful, and perfect as an appetizer or side dish. This recipe offers a fantastic way to incorporate zucchini into your menu, whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a tasty snack. So, try out this simple recipe and enjoy the delightful combination of zucchini and panko bread crumbs!
Baked Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
- 3 zucchinis cut to sticks
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper by your taste
Instructions
- Set the oven to 180°C / 350°F with the fan.
- In a bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with the oregano, salt and pepper.
- In another bowl, add the beaten egg
- Prepare a baking pan with baking paper on top of it.
- Dip the zucchini sticks into the egg and then into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the zucchinis on the baking pan.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until bread crumbs start to golden.
- Cool at room temperature.
- Have a zucchini stick and enjoy!
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