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I started making these crispy parmesan zucchini fries when I was looking for creative ways to use up my summer garden zucchini. Now they've become my favorite way to sneak more veggies onto everyone's plate. The combination of tender zucchini and that golden cheesy crust is absolutely irresistible. Even my veggie-skeptic friends can't resist grabbing seconds.
What Makes These Extra Special
These aren't your ordinary veggie fries. The parmesan creates this amazing crispy coating that's full of flavor while the zucchini stays perfectly tender inside. I love serving them as a healthy snack but they're also perfect alongside burgers or sandwiches. My kids actually get excited when they see me making them.
What You'll Need
- Zucchini: 2 fresh zucchinis, sliced into fry-like strips for easy coating and even cooking.
- Parmesan Cheese: 100 grams of grated Parmesan for a cheesy crust.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon marjoram, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Breading: 100 grams breadcrumbs and 50 grams flour for a crispy coating.
- Eggs: 3 beaten eggs to bind the coating to the zucchini.
- Olive Oil: For frying to golden perfection.
Let's Make Some Fries
- Prepare The Zucchini
- Slice zucchinis into strips and sprinkle with salt. Let sit briefly, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel or cheesecloth.
- Prepare The Coating
- In one bowl, mix breadcrumbs and flour. In another bowl, beat eggs and stir in Parmesan cheese, marjoram, and paprika.
- Coat The Zucchini
- Roll the zucchini strips in the breadcrumb-flour mix, then dip them into the egg mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Fry To Perfection
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry zucchini for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain And Serve
- Place cooked zucchini on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
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My Secret Tips
Getting super crispy fries is all about technique. Make sure your oil is nice and hot before adding the zucchini and don't crowd the pan. I always give my zucchini a good pat down after salting it really helps with the crispiness. Sometimes I use my air fryer when I want a quicker healthier option.
Good For You Too
The best part about these fries is they're actually pretty healthy. Zucchini is packed with vitamins A C and K plus you get protein and calcium from the parmesan. The olive oil adds some good fats too. It's such a fun way to eat your veggies without feeling like you're missing out on anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why cut uniform slices?
Even slices ensure all pieces cook at the same rate, giving you consistently crispy results without some pieces burning while others are undercooked.
- → Can I skip the breadcrumbs?
Yes, they're optional. The Parmesan alone will create a nice crust, but breadcrumbs add extra crunch.
- → Why pat the zucchini dry?
Removing excess moisture helps achieve better browning and prevents the coating from getting soggy.
- → Can I make these ahead?
They're best served fresh while crispy. If needed, reheat in the oven to restore some crispiness, but avoid microwaving.
- → Can I use different cheese?
Parmesan works best because it crisps nicely, but you can mix in other hard cheeses like Romano or Asiago.