Here’s a teen-friendly recipe for baked zucchini fries—crispy, tasty, and healthier than fried ones! 🥒🍟
Ingredients (serves 2–3)
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prep zucchini:
- Wash and cut zucchinis into sticks, like fries.
- Pat dry with a paper towel to remove extra moisture.
- Make coating:
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss zucchini sticks with olive oil, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake:
- Arrange zucchini sticks on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Enjoy with ketchup, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce!
Tips:
- Extra crisp: Use panko breadcrumbs and don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Flavor twist: Add smoked paprika or Italian seasoning to the coating.
- Shortcut: Spray the zucchini with a little cooking spray instead of tossing in oil for fewer calories.
It’s basically crispy, cheesy veggie fries that are fun to make and eat—perfect for a snack or side!
I can also give a super quick 15-minute version if you want them even faster.
Do you want me to do that?