Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries with Marinara Dip
Enjoy these Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries, a healthier twist on traditional fries that deliver crunch and flavor without the guilt. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these delightful zucchini sticks are coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. Served with warm marinara sauce for an irresistible dip, they are sure to please everyone at the table. Easy to prepare and great for sharing, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy more vegetables while satisfying your cravings!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
2 (Sliced into finger-sized sticks)
Eggs
2 (Beaten with 1 teaspoon of water)
Panko breadcrumbs or seasoned bread crumbs
3/4 cup (For coating the zucchini)
Marinara sauce
1/2 cup (For dipping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with a metal rack, allowing for optimal air circulation.
2
Wash and dry the zucchini, then slice each into finger-sized sticks, aiming for uniform thickness for even cooking.
3
In a shallow bowl, pour in the panko breadcrumbs or seasoned bread crumbs, and spread them out evenly.
4
In another bowl, beat the eggs with a teaspoon of water until well mixed to create an egg wash.
5
Coat each zucchini stick first in the egg wash, making sure to cover all sides.
6
After dipping in the egg, roll the zucchini sticks in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating adheres. Place the coated sticks on the metal rack in a single layer.
7
Bake the zucchini sticks in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them to ensure they remain tender but not limp. If needed, adjust cooking time slightly based on your oven variations.
8
Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before serving with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main vegetable used in this recipe?
The main vegetable used is zucchini.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
You should preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
What equipment is recommended for optimal air circulation while baking?
A baking sheet lined with a metal rack is recommended for optimal air circulation.
How should the zucchini be sliced?
The zucchini should be sliced into finger-sized sticks with uniform thickness.
How many eggs are needed for the egg wash?
The recipe requires two eggs.
What is added to the eggs to create the egg wash?
One teaspoon of water is beaten with the eggs to create the wash.
What type of breadcrumbs can be used for the coating?
You can use either panko breadcrumbs or seasoned bread crumbs.
How much panko breadcrumbs are required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs.
What is the first step in coating the zucchini?
The first step is to coat each zucchini stick in the egg wash, covering all sides.
How do you ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini?
After dipping in the egg, roll the sticks in breadcrumbs and press lightly to ensure the coating adheres.
How long do the zucchini fries need to bake?
They should bake for approximately 15-20 minutes.
What visual sign indicates the zucchini fries are done?
They are ready when they are golden brown and crisp.
What texture should the zucchini have after baking?
The zucchini should remain tender but not limp.
What is the suggested dipping sauce for this recipe?
Warm marinara sauce is the suggested dip.
How much marinara sauce should I prepare?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of marinara sauce.
Is this recipe considered a healthy alternative to traditional fries?
Yes, it is a healthier twist that provides crunch without the guilt of traditional deep-frying.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
Can these zucchini fries be served as an appetizer?
Yes, they are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Should the zucchini be washed before slicing?
Yes, you should wash and dry the zucchini before slicing.
How many zucchini are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses two zucchini.
How should the coated zucchini be placed on the baking sheet?
Place the coated sticks in a single layer on the metal rack.
How should the marinara sauce be served?
The marinara sauce should be served warm.
What should I do if my oven varies in temperature?
You should adjust the cooking time slightly based on your specific oven variations.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is described as easy to prepare and great for sharing.
What is the purpose of drying the zucchini after washing?
Drying the zucchini helps the coating adhere better and prevents sogginess.
Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, seasoned breadcrumbs are a valid alternative according to the ingredients list.
Are these zucchini fries kid-friendly?
Yes, they are a fantastic way to enjoy more vegetables and are sure to please everyone at the table.
What is the total number of ingredients needed for the base recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: zucchini, eggs, breadcrumbs, and marinara sauce.
Should I let the fries cool before serving?
Yes, allow them to cool slightly before serving for the best texture.
What is the benefit of using a metal rack?
The metal rack allows for optimal air circulation, which helps make the fries crispy on all sides.