These easy-to-make Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries are tender, savory, and perfectly baked. They’re a delicious and healthy twist on classic French fries.
10 EASY HEALTHY RECIPES EBOOK
Jump to:
- ❤️ Why You'll Love This Zucchini Fries Recipe
- 🛒 Ingredients for Parmesan Zucchini Fries
- 🔪 How to Make Baked Zucchini Fries
- 💡 Tips for Making Zucchini Fries
- ☑️ Storage Instructions
- 🍴 What to Serve with Parmesan Zucchini Fries
- 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
- What Dipping Sauces Go With Zucchini Fries?
- Can I Use Frozen Zucchini Instead?
- Are These Fries Gluten-Free?
- How Can I Tell Baked Zucchini Fries are Done?
- Can I Make Zucchini Fries in My Air Fryer?
- 🍽️ More Easy Side Dish Recipes
❤️ Why You'll Love This Zucchini Fries Recipe
- Tender zucchini
- Coated in grated parmesan cheese
- Baked to perfection
- Great healthy alternative to French fries
- Easy to make
- Vegetarian and low carb
Craving French fries but looking for a healthier option? These zucchini fries have got you covered. Coated with savory, grated Parmesan cheese and baked until perfectly tender, they satisfy your cravings for traditional fries but with a fraction of the calories and carbs.
The parmesan cheese coating gives them incredible flavor, making them a delicious choice for a healthy snack or a side dish. They’re delicious on their own or with any of your favorite dipping sauces. Plus, they’re simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
If you love simple zucchini recipes that only require a few simple ingredients, be sure to check out my recipe for Grilled Zucchini.
🛒 Ingredients for Parmesan Zucchini Fries
- Zucchini
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Ground black pepper
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
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🔪 How to Make Baked Zucchini Fries
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Cut the ends off each zucchini, then slice in half both lengthwise and widthwise.
Cut each quarter into sticks. Using paper towels, dry all sides of each stick, pressing to squeeze out any moisture. This is an important step, so don’t skip it.
Add the thoroughly dried zucchini to a large mixing bowl. Pour the olive oil, garlic powder and pepper over the top.
Toss to combine, then add in the parmesan cheese.
Toss again to combine, making sure all sides of the zucchini are well coated.
Place the zucchini on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and a wire rack that’s been sprayed with olive oil.
Bake for 15-17 minutes or until golden.
💡 Tips for Making Zucchini Fries
- Zucchini size matters: Choose medium-sized zucchini, about 6-8 inches long. Larger zucchinis tend to have more seeds and can become mushy when baked.
- Perfect slicing: Slice the zucchini into uniform sticks for even cooking. Aim for sticks that are about 3-4 inches long and ½-inch thick.
- Don’t skip drying: Zucchini holds a lot of moisture, which can make your fries soggy. After slicing, pat the zucchini sticks dry with paper towels. You can even lightly sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for a few minutes before patting dry to draw out more moisture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer on the rack on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Overcrowding the pan can cause the fries to steam instead of bake.
- Serve immediately: For the best texture, these fries are best when they are served freshly made.
☑️ Storage Instructions
While you can store leftover baked zucchini fries for up to a couple of days, keep in mind that they may become too soft. They are best enjoyed when freshly made.
🍴 What to Serve with Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries go well with any main course. Here are some of my favorites:
- Filet Mignon with Mushroom Sauce
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Pork Marsala
- Lemon Pepper Baked Drumsticks
- Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
🔄 Substitutions and Additions
- Cheese: If you're looking for variety or a different flavor, you can swap the Parmesan cheese with grated Pecorino Romano. It has a sharper taste that pairs well with zucchini.
- Seasonings: Instead of garlic powder, you can use onion powder or smoked paprika for a different flavor.
- Pork panko: After tossing the zucchini sticks in the Parmesan and seasoning mixture, you can roll them in finely crushed pork rinds. This will add a crispy texture but keeps them healthy.
- Fresh herbs: Top the baked fries with chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Spicy kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the seasoning before coating the zucchini.
What Dipping Sauces Go With Zucchini Fries?
There are some of my favorite homemade dipping sauces that go well with baked zucchini:
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini Instead?
It’s not recommended to use frozen zucchini, because they hold a lot of moisture and can become too soft and watery when baked.
Are These Fries Gluten-Free?
Yes, they sure are. This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t include any flour or breadcrumbs. Just make sure that all your ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
How Can I Tell Baked Zucchini Fries are Done?
The zucchini fries are done when they are golden brown around the edges and tender but not mushy on the inside.
Can I Make Zucchini Fries in My Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! To make zucchini fries in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the zucchini sticks in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch or overlap. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and tender.
If you'd like to make them in your air fryer, check out this easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries recipe.
🍽️ More Easy Side Dish Recipes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Glazed Carrots
- Garlic Potatoes and Green Beans
- Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Cut the ends off each zucchini, then slice in half both lengthwise and widthwise.
- Cut each quarter into sticks. Using paper towels, dry all sides of each stick, pressing to squeeze out any moisture. This is an important step, so don’t skip it.
- Add the thoroughly dried zucchini to a large mixing bowl. Pour the olive oil, garlic powder and pepper over the top.
- Toss to combine, then add in the parmesan cheese.
- Toss again to combine, making sure all sides of the zucchini are well coated.
- Place the zucchini on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and a wire rack that’s been sprayed with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes or until golden.
*Make sure to scroll up and read the post for substitutions, additions and helpful tips for making this recipe.
*Nutritional data is provided as a courtesy and is accurate to the best of my knowledge. You can verify it using the nutrition calculator of your choice. All data is based on net carbs, without sugar alcohol: Swerve, Erythritol, Monk Fruit or Allulose.
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Cristina K
This looks amazing! Is the parm from the green shaker can or shredded?
Nutritious Deliciousness
I use either freshly grated or the grated cheese you find in the tub in the gourmet cheese section.
Kelly
My family LOVED this recipe. Thanks for the easy to follow detailed directions. The fries came out perfectly crispy and delicious. What a great, healthy alternative to French fries. I will definitely be making these again.
Nutritious Deliciousness
Thank you so much! I am always happy to hear that a recipe gets family approval. I really love these fries too.