Zucchini Fries

I LOVE zucchini. It’s one of my favorite vegetables. My Mom’s always made sautéed zucchini with onions and butter and I’ve always loved it. Over the years I’ve tried to think outside the box and do something different since I love this ingredient so much.

I’ve used zucchini in everything from pasta to eggs. I first made these zucchini fries a few years ago when I was being healthy and had a craving for something salty and crunchy. Since I was dieting I couldn’t just have the French fries I wanted so I decided to try zucchini fries. They came out delicious. I baked them the first time I made them.

The zucchini fries I made today I actually fried. I fried in a little oil and let drain on a paper towel. They came out amazing. I used mini zucchinis I found at the store but I usually use regular size ones. Either will work. Check it out!

Zucchini Fries

Ingredients:
2 zucchini cut into fries or wedges or 8-10 mini zucchini cut in half
1/2 cup flour
1- 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
3 eggs, whisked
2 T Romano cheese, grated
1/2 T garlic powder
1/2 T onion powder
1/2 T Italian seasoning
Salt & Pepper to taste
Oil for frying
Ranch dressing to serve (optional)

Directions: Make a breading station. Add whisked eggs to a bowl and add breadcrumbs with seasoning and cheese to a 2nd bowl. In a large zip lock bag add the flour and the pieces of zucchini. Shake the bag until the zucchini is coated with the flour. (Note: you can also do this step in a bowl.)

Bread the zucchini. Remove from flour, dip in egg and then coat in breadcrumb. Finish with all pieces and set aside. (You can bread all the zucchini and then put in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help the breading stay on when frying.) Note: The breading doesn’t stay overly well on the skin side of the zucchini so it’s not abnormal for the breading to be coming off.

Heat a large sauté pan, Add in frying oil to cover the bottom and about 1 inch deep. Let heat up. You can use more oil if you want. I didn’t want to use too much. To check if you oil is hot enough you can drop a drop of water and make sure it sizzles or you can put the end of a wooden spoon in the oil and make sure there is bubbles coming from where the spoon is (This was a trick from Culinary School.)

Once the oil is ready start frying your zucchini in batches. Don’t over crowd the pan or that will bring down the temperature of the oil and you won’t get a nice golden and even fry.Cook for 2 minutes and flip over. If your using bigger pieces, you may need to cook 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel. Continue with remaining pieces. You can add the zucchini to a baking sheet pan and place in a low oven, about 325° degrees to keep warm. This is a great idea if your making a lot at one time. Season the zucchini fries with salt to taste. Serve immediately.

Air Fryer Cooking: Preheat air fryer. Add zucchini fries to basket or rack. Cook at 400° for 10 minutes. Flipping half way. Adjust cook time based on size of zucchini stick and preference. Note: Not all air fryer are the same. You may need to adjust time and temp.

Notes: Don’t forget to put on a paper towel after you take out of the oil. If you skip this step your zucchini may get very soggy due to the oil absorbing in the zucchini. Season with salt once you take out of the oil because then the salt will stick to the fries better. Serve with ranch dress if you’d like.