If you love crunchy, savory finger foods but want a lighter twist, these Zucchini Fries are about to become your new favorite snack. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor, they’re irresistible for dipping and sharing—plus, they’re baked, not fried!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Without Frying: These Zucchini Fries get perfectly golden and crunchy in the oven, so you can indulge without feeling weighed down.
- Easy, Wholesome Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples and fresh zucchini, it’s a snack you can feel good about serving your family (and yourself!).
- Irresistible Basil Dipping Sauce: The cool, herby Greek yogurt dip brings these fries to the next level, balancing their savory crunch with creamy freshness.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s game day, a family movie night, or just a snack attack, this batch is meant to be devoured with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Zucchini Fries use an all-star lineup that’s simple, wholesome, and seriously flavorful. Every ingredient plays a role in making these fries crispy, golden, and truly addictive to dip!
- Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchini is the subtle star—sliced into sticks, it bakes up tender with just the right bite.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds that signature crunchy coating; Panko keeps the fries extra crisp and light.
- White Whole Wheat or All-Purpose Flour: Helps the coating stick and gives the fries a golden finish—use whichever flour you have on hand.
- Parmesan Cheese: Super finely grated for best results, it delivers a salty, nutty pop in every bite.
- Kosher Salt, Onion Powder, and Black Pepper: These simple seasonings turn zucchini from humble to seriously snackable.
- Egg Whites: Whisked until foamy, they’re the magic that binds the crunchy coating to each fry while keeping things light.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: A quick spritz before and during baking guarantees that irresistible golden brown crunch.
- For the Basil Dipping Sauce:
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Creamy, tangy, and the perfect base for the sauce.
- Fresh Basil: For a bright, herbaceous vibe (dried basil works if you’re in a pinch!).
- Fresh Garlic: Just a little for big flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds beautiful umami depth to the dip.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste for zingy balance.
Variations
One of the best things about homemade Zucchini Fries? They’re endlessly customizable! Tweak the recipe to fit your pantry, your tastes, or your dietary needs—it’s easy to make them your own.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Panko and your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for perfectly crispy fries.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the coating mixture for fries with a zesty flair.
- Dairy-Free: Simply swap the Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese or extra seasoned breadcrumbs, and choose a non-dairy yogurt for the sauce.
- Italian-Style: Toss some Italian seasoning or dried oregano into the breadcrumb mix for a Mediterranean twist.
How to Make Zucchini Fries
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Sheet Pan
Start by positioning your oven racks in the center of the oven, then preheat to 425°F. Give a large, rimmed baking sheet a thorough spritz with nonstick cooking spray—this is the secret to that beautifully crisp, golden exterior without any sticking or sogginess.
Step 2: Dry and Slice the Zucchini
Cut your zucchini into slender sticks—about 1/2 inch thick and 3 1/2 inches long works best. Lay the sticks out on paper towels or a dry kitchen towel, then lightly pat dry. Give them a few minutes to rest while you whip up the coating. This helps draw out excess moisture, which keeps the fries crunchy (not soggy!).
Step 3: Mix The Coating and Prep the Egg Whites
In a wide, shallow dish (a pie dish is ideal), combine the Panko, flour, Parmesan, salt, onion powder, and black pepper. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg whites briskly until they’re lightly foamy—this is your glue for a seriously crunchy crust.
Step 4: Dip, Dredge, and Arrange
Working in batches of five to six zucchini sticks at a time, dip each into the egg whites and toss to coat. Shake off the extra, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick. Line the coated fries up on your baking sheet, making sure they’re close but not touching for even browning.
Step 5: Bake (and Spray for Extra Crunch!)
Spritz the exposed sides of the zucchini fries lightly and evenly with nonstick spray. Bake for 10 minutes, then pull the sheet out, give another quick spray, and rotate the pan. Bake for another 10 minutes—your kitchen will smell amazing! When the coating looks crisp and golden and the zucchini is tender, you’re done.
Step 6: Make the Basil Dipping Sauce
While the Zucchini Fries finish baking, whip up the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, stir together the plain Greek yogurt, chopped basil, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning until you’re obsessed—then get ready to dip!
Pro Tips for Making Zucchini Fries
- Zucchini Size Matters: Smaller to medium zucchini are best; they have fewer seeds and a firmer texture, which means crispier fries every time.
- Pat the Zucchini Dry: Be generous with drying time—removing moisture helps the coating stick and keeps your Zucchini Fries from turning soggy.
- Two Coats of Oil Spray: Spritzing both before and midway through baking guarantees gorgeous golden color and maximum crunch.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your fries a little breathing room—if they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of crisp up, and you want every single one perfectly crunchy.
How to Serve Zucchini Fries
Garnishes
Just before serving, shower your Zucchini Fries with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, fresh chopped basil, or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt for irresistible finishing touches. If you love a little heat, a shake of red pepper flakes adds a pop of color and flavor!
Side Dishes
Zucchini Fries pair beautifully with a juicy grilled chicken breast, a big chopped salad, or as a fun upgrade to any burger night. They’re also the ultimate party appetizer—just add extra dipping sauces, and watch them disappear.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your fries upright in a tall glass or paper cone for a bistro feel, or arrange them on a big platter with the dipping sauce in the center for easy sharing. For parties, try mini fry baskets or individual ramekins for the sauce—every bite feels special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Zucchini Fries in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their flavor and texture best for up to 2 days—if you haven’t eaten them all by then!
Freezing
While Zucchini Fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them after baking if needed. Let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Keep in mind they may soften slightly upon reheating.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, rewarm Zucchini Fries in the oven at 375°F for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave—they’ll lose their signature crunch.
FAQs
-
Can I make Zucchini Fries in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Prepare and coat the fries as directed, then air fry at 400°F in a single layer for about 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through. They’ll come out wonderfully crisp—just keep an eye on them as cooking time can vary by air fryer model.
-
Why won’t my Zucchini Fries get crispy?
Excess moisture is the top culprit! Make sure to thoroughly pat the zucchini dry before coating and don’t overcrowd the pan. A generous spritz of oil spray before and during baking also helps achieve that satisfying crunch.
-
Can I prep Zucchini Fries ahead of time?
You can cut the zucchini and mix the breadcrumb coating a few hours in advance, but for the best crunch, bread and bake them just before serving. The longer they sit before baking, the more likely they are to lose their crispiness.
-
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in the dipping sauce?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, try sour cream (for a tangy dip), regular plain yogurt, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. You can also make a quick aioli or serve with your favorite marinara if you like variety.
Final Thoughts
Bake up a batch of these Zucchini Fries and watch everyone fall in love with veggies all over again. Crispy, flavorful, and perfect for dunking, they’re the kind of snack that brings people together—so go ahead and treat yourself to this delightful twist on classic fries!
Print
Crispy Zucchini Fries with Basil Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (about 48 fries) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and healthy zucchini fries with a crispy coating served with a creamy basil dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Zucchini Fries:
- 3 medium 7-inch zucchini cut into 1/2 inch x 3 1/2-inch “sticks” (about 1 1/4 pounds)
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large egg whites
- Nonstick cooking spray olive oil or canola oil flavored
Basil Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 clove minced garlic about 1 teaspoon
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Make the fries: Position racks in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Coat a large, rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray.
- In wide, shallow dish: In a wide, shallow dish combine the Panko, flour, Parmesan, salt, onion powder, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until lightly foamy.
- Coat zucchini: Working in batches, coat zucchini sticks with egg whites, then coat with Panko mixture. Arrange on baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Prepare dipping sauce: Mix together all dipping sauce ingredients.
- Serve: Serve zucchini fries hot with basil dipping sauce.
Spread the sliced zucchini onto paper towels or a dry kitchen towel. Lightly pat dry. Let rest on the towels while you prepare the coating.
Notes
- Store leftover zucchini fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For best results, reheat in the oven at 375 degrees F to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 zucchini fries
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
