This baked zucchini fries recipe is made to satisfy the toughest cravings for golden, crispy potatoes — in a healthier way! I’ve been making them for years, and even my kids have enjoyed them since they were toddlers. These parmesan zucchini fries require no breadcrumbs and need just 5 basic ingredients you might already have on-hand. They are a fun alternative to plain roasted zucchini, which is also delicious.
What Are Zucchini Fries?
Oven baked zucchini fries are sticks of zucchini that are breaded and baked (or fried!). I used Parmesan cheese for the breading as a healthier alternative to breadcrumbs. Like jicama fries and rutabaga fries, they’re low carb and very easy to make… and dip! Even though these are naturally keto zucchini fries, no specialty flours or ingredients are needed.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for baked parmesan zucchini fries, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Zucchini – Use small or medium zucchini. Yellow squash would also work.Grated Parmesan Cheese – Many recipes use panko bread crumbs or flour, but parmesan makes the perfect breading in this recipe and adds so much flavor! (It also makes these keto zucchini fries, but anyone can enjoy them.) Finely shredded cheese can also work, but may not stick to the zucchini as easily.Egg – Use a whole, large egg. A flax egg may work as a substitute, but I have not tried it.Spices – Garlic powder and (optional) black pepper. You can also add other spices if you like, such as Italian seasoning.
How To Slice Zucchini Fries
You can check the pictures (in the next section) or video (on the recipe card below) to see what the pieces look like before breading them.
How To Make Zucchini Fries In The Oven
This section shows how to make zucchini fries baked (without breadcrumbs!), including step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Storage Instructions
For crispy zucchini fries, it’s truly best to eat them fresh. However, they can be stored for later as well: The parmesan coating does a pretty good job of making these oven baked zucchini fries crispy. But, here are a few extra tips to ensure that happens:
Use small zucchini if possible. Larger zucchini will have a higher moisture content. Pat dry. If you have particularly “wet” zucchini, pat them dry with paper towels. Do not salt. Salting the zucchini before baking makes them mushy and too salty in flavor. The parmesan is already salty, so no extra salt is needed Help the “breading” stick. To ensure that it does, use one hand for breading and the other hand for the egg mixture. Try to avoid touching the breading with the wet hand. Doing this will prevent the parmesan mixture from clumping. If it clumps, it won’t stick. Let them breathe. Air flow is important for crispy results, so make sure to leave space between the fries on the baking sheet. Crisp up after baking. Broil zucchini after baking to make them extra crispy. Alternatively, you can also lightly pan fry them, or even cook the whole recipe in the air fryer instead, which yields more crispy results than the oven does.
Store: Keep any leftovers from this zucchini fries recipe in an airtight container in the fridge between layers of paper towels. They may get a little soggy, so you’ll need to crisp them up again when reheating.Reheat: Pan fry or broil to reheat and make zucchini parmesan fries crispy again.Freeze: After baking, place onto a parchment lined baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Instead of thawing, bake from frozen until hot and crispy. (Thawing can make them mushy.) Lightly pan fry if needed to crisp up more.
Dipping Sauces For Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Dipping sauce is optional, but adds to the fry eating experience! (And since there aren’t a lot of carbs in zucchini, you totally have room for a sauce even if you’re trying to be low carb.) Try these easy sauces:
More Healthy Zucchini Recipes
If you enjoy oven zucchini fries, I have a whole collection of delicious healthy zucchini recipes for you! Try some of my favorites below: Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it!
