Baked Zucchini Fries are healthy, flavorful, and delicious. This baked summer vegetable is crispy on the outside while soft and creamy on the inside. They are so good that the kids might even start asking for vegetables after trying these veggie fries!
Zucchini fries are one of my favorite ways to use up this summer squash from our garden. This recipe is a go-to because it's quick and easy to make, and satisfies a variety of dietary needs — it's gluten-free, vegetarian, and low-carb. Serve these baked veggies as a nutritious appetizer or snack, or as a side dish with dinner on busy weeknights.
Why You'll Love these Baked Zucchini Fries
- The best flavor and texture. These baked zucchini fries are coated in a delicious parmesan mixture that is well seasoned, making these veggies so flavorful and also helps to create their texture. They are crispy and golden on the outside, while tender and soft inside.
- Easy to make. Fast food at home is always the best kind, especially when it’s healthy! This is an easy recipe to throw together and requires simple prep. Just slice the zucchini, coat it, and bake.
- Healthy and nutritious. These zucchini fries are healthy because they are made of a vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals — and are baked instead of deep-fried. They are still crisp on the outside, but not greasy! You can enjoy them guilt-free with less oil and fewer calories.
- The best way to enjoy summer zucchini. After you try baked zucchini fries, you might never eat zucchini any other way. They are a great way to introduce more veggies into your family's diet.
Ingredient Notes
To make these easy Baked Zucchini Fries, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- zucchini - choose a zucchini that doesn’t have any soft spots. It should be firm when squeezed, dark green on the outside, and 6-8 inches long for the best results.
- Parmesan cheese - you can also substitute with asiago cheese.
- seasoning - we season the parmesan mixture with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. You can play around with different seasoning blends to change up the flavor.
- cornstarch - or use all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour to keep the recipe gluten-free if desired).
- eggs
- salt flakes - this is optional, for serving
Dipping Sauce
You can serve these zucchini fries as is or complement them with dipping sauce. Some of our favorite options are:
- Marinara Sauce
- Ranch Dip
- Pizza Dip
- Queso Cheese Dip
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
You will also need measuring cups and spoons, shallow bowls, and a half sheet baking pan.
How to Make the Best Baked Zucchini Fries
- Prep zucchini. Cut off the ends of the zucchini. Slice the zucchini into approximately ½-inch wide x 3-inch long pieces.
- Prepare parmesan mixture. In a shallow plate, combine Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine.
- Prepare remaining coating. Place the cornstarch into another shallow plate, and the beaten eggs into another clean shallow plate.
- Coat zucchini. Dip each zucchini stick into the cornstarch and evenly coat it on all sides. Then, dip into the egg to evenly coat, and then coat it in the Parmesan mixture. (The cornstarch will stick to the zucchini, the egg sticks to the cornstarch, and the Parmesan sticks to the egg). Shake off any excess Parmesan.
- Bake. Arrange the zucchini sticks on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a 400F preheated oven until golden brown and crispy, about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve even texture on all sides.
- Serve. Sprinkle with salt flakes (if using) and serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ketchup or mayonnaise, if desired.
Recipe Variations
- Spice it up. Add some heat to your zucchini fries by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes before baking. Serve with a side of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt for balance.
- Make it crispier. Stir in some panko breadcrumbs into the parmesan mixture to give the zucchini fries an extra crispy coating.
- Give it a citrus flavor. Add some freshness by grating lemon zest or lime zest into the parmesan coating mixture.
- Add a balsamic glaze. Once the baked zucchini fries are done baking, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
How to Serve
Baked Zucchini Fries are delicious served on their own as an appetizer or snack with a side of marinara sauce or ranch for dipping. You can also serve them as a side dish with some of our favorite dinner entrees including:
- Salmon Burgers
- Beet Salad
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Ribeye Steak
- Salmon Bites
- Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Slice evenly. To ensure that the zucchini fries evenly, it's important to cut them into similar sizes. Try to cut them into even pieces that are roughly the same thickness, about ½-inch wide x 3-inch long.
- Line the baking sheet. To prevent the baked zucchini fries from sticking to the baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This also makes cleanup so easy.
- Use an oven thermometer. Not all ovens will heat to the actual temperature shown on the display. To make sure, use an oven thermometer to check the actual temperature of your oven and adjust if necessary.
- Serve immediately. Zucchini fries are best served immediately, while they are still hot and crispy. Serve them as a snack or side dish with your favorite dipping sauce. We love it with our easy homemade marinara sauce.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Allow the zucchini fries to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat
You can reheat baked zucchini fries in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 400F and ensure that the beans have plenty of space around them. Heat for 5 minutes or until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Place the zucchini fries in a single layer on a baking sheet in a single layer and place in the freezer for 1-2 hours until hard. Then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. and store for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 400F preheated oven for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy.
More Zucchini Recipes
- Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara
- Zucchini Lasagna
- Zucchini Fritters
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
- Zucchini Bites
- Zucchini Bread
Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.
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