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Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Achieve the ultimate crunch with these oven-baked zucchini fries. A golden, Parmesan-crusted appetizer that’s both deliciously savory and refreshingly light, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 43 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Modern American
Calories: 144

Ingredients
  

For the Creamy Herb Dip:
  • cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives minced
  • 1 small garlic clove pressed or grated
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
For the Zucchini Fries:
  • cup whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup almond flour
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoon fine sea salt
  • teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 medium zucchini about 1 lb / 450 g total
  • Avocado oil or olive oil cooking spray

Equipment

  • Heavy-gauge baking sheet
  • Oven-safe wire rack
  • Three shallow dishes (e.g., pie plates)
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Creamy Dip In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, fresh dill, chives, grated garlic, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the zucchini to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Mix the Savory Coating Set your oven to preheat to 400°F (200°C) and place a wire rack inside a large baking sheet. In a shallow dish, thoroughly mix the whole wheat Panko, almond flour, grated Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Set Up the Breading Station In a second shallow dish, crack the egg and whisk it vigorously for about 30 seconds until it becomes frothy and uniform. You now have a three-stage setup: the zucchini, the egg wash, and the Panko mixture.
  4. Cut and Dry the Zucchini Wash and trim the ends from the zucchini. Slice each one lengthwise into planks about ½-inch thick, then cut each plank into batons roughly 3-4 inches long. Spread the zucchini sticks on a clean kitchen towel and pat them firmly to remove as much surface moisture as possible.
  5. Coat the Fries Working in small batches of 5-6 sticks, first toss them gently in the frothed egg to get a light, even layer. Let any excess egg drip off before transferring them to the Panko mixture. Press the coating onto all sides of the zucchini, ensuring a generous crust.
  6. Arrange and First Bake Place the coated zucchini fries in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure none of them are touching to promote even air flow. Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray. Bake on the center rack for 15 minutes.
  7. Final Bake for a Golden Crisp Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully turn each zucchini fry over. Give them another light mist of cooking spray and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 12-14 minutes, or until the coating is a deep golden-brown and feels crisp to the touch. Serve immediately with the chilled herb dip.

Notes

👨‍🍳 Chef Notes

Storage:

Leftover zucchini fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dip should be stored separately.

Reheating:

For the best texture, reheat fries in an air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes or in a conventional oven at 400°F for 5–7 minutes, until crisp. Avoid the microwave, which will make them soggy.

Ingredient Swaps:

Feel free to swap the dill and chives in the sauce for other soft herbs like parsley or basil. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading mixture.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate):

  • Calories: 144 kcal
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fat: 7 g (Saturated Fat: 1.2 g)
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 329 mg
  • Cholesterol: 52 mg
  • Potassium: 350 mg