How to Make Zucchini Fries

A plate of hot, crispy French fries can be a delicious snack, but fries made with potatoes are loaded with carbs. If you substitute zucchini for the usual potato, though, you can still enjoy a plate of fries without overindulging in carbs. You can coat the zucchini with breadcrumbs or a delicious beer batter and fry them like traditional fries, or go for an even healthier version by baking the zucchini fries. No matter which recipe you choose, you won't be missing potato fries at all.

Ingredients

Classic Zucchini Fries

  • Olive oil, for frying
  • 1 ¾ cups (175 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ cups (75 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • ¾ teaspoon (4 g) salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 medium zucchini, cut into 3-inch (8-cm) long by ½-inch (13-mm) wide strips

Beer-Battered Zucchini Fries

  • 2 to 3 medium zucchini, cut into ½-inch (13-mm) thick fries
  • 1 ½ cups (192 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
  • ½ teaspoon (1 g) ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 cup (237 ml) beer
  • 2 quarts (1.9 l) vegetable oil, for frying

Oven-Baked Zucchini Fries

  • 3 to 4 large zucchini, cut into ½-inch (13-mm) strips
  • 1 cup (125 g) breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon (1 ½ g) garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Classic Zucchini Fries

  1. Add enough olive oil to a deep skillet to reach a depth of 2-inches (5-cm), and place a deep fry thermometer on the side of the pan. Place the skillet on the stove, and heat it over medium heat until the temperature reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). [1]
    • If you don’t have a deep fry thermometer, you can use a candy thermometer.
    • You can substitute peanut oil for the olive oil if you prefer.
  2. Add 1 ½ cups (150 g) of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 ½ cups (75 g) of panko breadcrumbs, and ¾ teaspoon (4 g) of salt to a medium bowl. Mix the ingredients together well with a fork to ensure that they’re well blended. [2]
    • You can add other seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture if you like. Garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and/or black pepper are tasty options.
  3. Place another medium bowl beside the breadcrumb mixture. Crack two large eggs into it, and whisk them until they’re well beaten. [3]
    • You can use egg substitute in place of the eggs if you prefer.
  4. For the fries, you’ll need 3 medium zucchini that have been cut into 3-inch (8-cm) long by ½-inch (13-mm) wide strips. Dip the strips into the eggs first and then roll them in the breadcrumb mixture until they are completely coated in batches just before you’re ready to fry them. [4]
    • Coat the fries with the egg and breadcrumb mixture right before you plan to add them to the hot oil. Don’t do it ahead of time and leave them sitting around until you’re ready to fry the zucchini.
    • When you dip the zucchini fries into the eggs, allow the excess to drip back into the bowl to avoid clumps.
    • To ensure that the fries are well coated, pat the breadcrumb mixture onto the zucchini so it adheres well.
  5. Once the fries are coated with the breadcrumb mixture, add them to the hot oil in batches. Allow the fries to fry until they are golden brown, which should take approximately 3 minutes. [5]
    • Use a wooden spoon to stir the fries slightly while they’re frying so they cook evenly.
  6. When the zucchini is finished frying, use a slotted wooden spoon to remove them from the oil. Set them down on a plate lined with paper towel to absorb some of the excess oil. [6]
  7. Once the fries are drained, transfer them to a platter for serving. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup (25 g) of Parmesan cheese over the fries and enjoy. [7]
    • The zucchini fries pair well with tomato-based dipping sauces, such as ketchup or marinara.
    • A garlic aioli also makes a tasty dipping sauce for the fries.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Beer-Battered Zucchini Fries

  1. Add 1 ½ cups (192 g) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon (6 g) of salt, and ½ teaspoon (1 g) of ground black pepper to a large bowl. Whisk the ingredients together to ensure that they’re well blended. [8]
    • You can add other seasonings if you like. Cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and/or onion powder are good options.
  2. Add 2 egg yolks and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil to a separate small bowl. Whisk the two together until they’re completely blended. [9]
    • You can substitute canola oil for the vegetable if you prefer.
  3. Once the egg yolks and oil are mixed, slowly begin to drizzle them into the flour mixture. Mix the ingredients together until they form a crumbly dough. [10]
  4. After you’ve combined the flour mixture and the egg yolk mixture, gradually pour 1 cup (237 ml) of beer into the bowl. Whisk the mixture constantly as you pour to create a smooth, thick batter. [11]
    • You can use any type of beer in the batter as long as you like the flavor. It will impart some flavor and color to the coating, while the carbonation helps make the fries crisper.
  5. Once you’ve mixed up the batter, cover the bowl with a piece of plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator, and allow it to chill for at least an hour. [12]
    • You can chill the batter for up to 4 hours before frying the zucchini fries.
  6. Add 2 quarts (1.9 l) of vegetable oil to a large Dutch oven, and clip a deep fry thermometer to the side. Heat it on the stove over medium-high heat until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). [13]
    • You can use a candy thermometer if you don’t have a deep fry model.
  7. For the fries, you’ll need 2 to 3 medium zucchini that have been cut into ½-inch (13-mm) thick fries. Dip the zucchini into the batter, making sure that they’re well coated. [14]
    • Don’t coat the zucchini fries in the batter until right before you plan to fry them.
  8. When the fries are coated in the batter, use a pair of tongs to carefully add them to the heated oil. Allow the fries to cook until they become golden brown, which should take 4 to 5 minutes. [15]
    • To ensure that the fries cook evenly, it’s a good idea to stir them periodically with a wooden spoon while they’re frying.
  9. Once the zucchini fries are golden brown, carefully remove them from the oil with a wooden slotted spoon. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towel to drain for a minute or two. [16]
  10. After you’ve drained the fries for a couple of minutes, place them on a serving platter. Bring the zucchini fries to the table while they’re still warm. [17]
    • The beer battered zucchini fries pair well with spicy mayonnaise or ranch dressing.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Oven-Baked Zucchini Fries

  1. To ensure that the oven is hot enough to bake the fries, set the temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) and allow it to fully preheat. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with non-stick cooking spray. [18]
    • You can substitute foil or a silicone baking mat for the parchment paper.
    • You can grease the baking sheet with canola or olive oil in place of the cooking spray if you prefer.
  2. Crack two eggs into a small, shallow bowl. Whisk the eggs together until they’re completely blended. [19]
    • If you prefer, you can use egg substitute in place of the eggs.
  3. Add 1 cup (125 g) of breadcrumbs and ¼ cup (25 g) of grated Parmesan cheese to a separate shallow bowl. Mix the two together with a fork to ensure that they’re well blended. [20]
    • You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs.
    • If you like, you can mix the seasonings of your choice into the breadcrumb mixture. Black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and/or onion powder all work well. Keep in mind that you will be adding some seasonings to the fries before baking them, though.
  4. For the fries, you’ll need 3 to 4 large zucchini that have been cut into ½-inch (13-mm) strips. Dip the fries into the egg mixture, and then toss them in the breadcrumb mixture until they are well coated. Transfer the coated fries to the greased baking sheet. [21]
    • Make sure to allow the excess egg to drip off the zucchini fries and back into the bowl before coating them with the breadcrumbs to avoid clumps.
  5. When the fries are on the baking sheet, sprinkle them with ½ teaspoon (1 ½ g) of garlic powder, salt,and pepper to taste. Next, drizzle 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil over them. [22]
    • Feel free to incorporate your favorite seasonings with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    • You can substitute canola oil or nonstick cooking spray for the olive oil if you prefer.
  6. Once the fries are seasoned, place them in the heated oven. Allow them to cook until they are golden brown and crisp, which should take 30 to 35 minutes. [23]
    • Halfway through the cooking process, use a spatula to turn the fries over so they cook evenly on both sides.
  7. When the zucchini fries are finished baking, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Transfer them to a platter and serve while they are still warm. [24]
    • You can serve the fries with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
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      Tips

      • To make the best fries, be sure to choose ripe zucchinis. They should have a uniform green color all the way round and be firm to the touch.
        Thanks
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      Things You’ll Need

      Classic Zucchini Fries

      • Large skillet
      • Deep fry thermometer
      • 2 medium bowls
      • Fork
      • Whisk
      • Slotted wooden spoon
      • Plate
      • Paper towel

      Beer-Battered Zucchini Fries

      • Large bowl
      • Whisk
      • Small bowl
      • Plastic wrap
      • Dutch oven
      • Deep fry thermometer
      • Tongs
      • Slotted wooden spoon
      • Plate
      • Paper towel

      Oven-Baked Zucchini Fries

      • Baking sheet
      • Parchment paper
      • Nonstick cooking spray
      • Small shallow bowl
      • Medium shallow bowl
      • Spatula

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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/fried-zucchini-recipe
      2. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/fried-zucchini-recipe
      3. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/fried-zucchini-recipe
      4. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/fried-zucchini-recipe
      5. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/fried-zucchini-recipe
      6. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/fried-zucchini-recipe
      7. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/fried-zucchini-recipe
      8. ↑ http://www.browneyedbaker.com/beer-battered-zucchini-fries/
      9. ↑ http://www.browneyedbaker.com/beer-battered-zucchini-fries/
      1. ↑ http://www.browneyedbaker.com/beer-battered-zucchini-fries/
      2. ↑ http://www.browneyedbaker.com/beer-battered-zucchini-fries/
      3. ↑ http://www.browneyedbaker.com/beer-battered-zucchini-fries/
      4. ↑ http://www.browneyedbaker.com/beer-battered-zucchini-fries/
      5. ↑ http://www.browneyedbaker.com/beer-battered-zucchini-fries/
      6. ↑ http://www.browneyedbaker.com/beer-battered-zucchini-fries/
      7. ↑ http://www.browneyedbaker.com/beer-battered-zucchini-fries/
      8. ↑ http://www.browneyedbaker.com/beer-battered-zucchini-fries/
      9. ↑ http://gimmedelicious.com/2016/07/02/the-best-crispy-baked-zucchini-fries/
      10. ↑ http://gimmedelicious.com/2016/07/02/the-best-crispy-baked-zucchini-fries/
      11. ↑ http://gimmedelicious.com/2016/07/02/the-best-crispy-baked-zucchini-fries/
      12. ↑ http://gimmedelicious.com/2016/07/02/the-best-crispy-baked-zucchini-fries/
      13. ↑ http://gimmedelicious.com/2016/07/02/the-best-crispy-baked-zucchini-fries/
      14. ↑ http://gimmedelicious.com/2016/07/02/the-best-crispy-baked-zucchini-fries/
      15. ↑ http://gimmedelicious.com/2016/07/02/the-best-crispy-baked-zucchini-fries/

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      To make zucchini fries, put a 2-inch deep layer of olive oil in a skillet and heat it to 350 °F using a thermometer. While the oil is heating up, combine the parmesan, breadcrumbs, and salt in one bowl, and whisk 2 eggs in another. Then, dip strips of zucchini into the eggs and roll them in the breadcrumb mixture. Fry the coated zucchinis for 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown, and place them on a paper towel to drain. If you don’t want to fry them, drizzle oil on the coated zucchini and bake them at 425 °F for 30-35 minutes. Keep reading the article if you want to learn how to bake zucchini fries in the oven!

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