Baked Zucchini Fries Recipe
Zucchini fries are a fun way to turn fresh summer squash into a crispy vegetable side dish. Kids can help cut zucchini into sticks, dip each piece into egg, coat it with breadcrumbs, and stir together a simple yogurt dipping sauce. These baked Parmesan zucchini fries are easy enough for beginning cooks, with a crispy fried variation included for families who want to try another cooking method.
Start Cooking
- Making zucchini for the first time? Start with the Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries. They're easy to prepare and bake until golden and crispy.
- Need a dipping sauce? Mix the cool and creamy Herb Yogurt Dipping Sauce while the fries are baking.
- Want them even crispier? Try the Crispy Fried Variation using a simple batter and shallow frying.
- Have extra zucchini? Watch the Zucchini Pizza Bites video for another fun way to use summer squash.
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Why Kids Enjoy Zucchini Fries
Zucchini has a mild flavor that works well with Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs, and familiar dipping sauces. Cutting it into fry-shaped sticks makes the vegetable approachable while giving children practice with breading, arranging food on a baking sheet, measuring ingredients, and safely using the oven with adult help.
Kitchen Skills Kids Practice
- Washing and drying vegetables
- Cutting zucchini into evenly sized sticks
- Cracking and whisking eggs
- Measuring breadcrumbs and seasonings
- Dipping and coating food
- Arranging food in a single layer
- Mixing a cold dipping sauce
Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries
These baked zucchini fries are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and much lighter than deep-fried versions. Parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs create a flavorful coating that pairs perfectly with a cool herb yogurt dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Wash the zucchini and cut each one in half crosswise. Slice each half into fry-shaped sticks, removing large seeds if necessary.
- Place the beaten eggs in one shallow bowl and season with the salt and pepper.
- Combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a second shallow bowl.
- Dip each zucchini stick into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Roll each stick in the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet without overlapping.
- Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning the fries halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve immediately with the herb yogurt dipping sauce.
Kid Chef Tip
Younger children can help dip and coat the zucchini while older kids can practice cutting the zucchini into sticks with close adult supervision. Leaving space between the fries helps them become crisp instead of steaming.
Try Different Seasonings
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Lemon pepper
- Everything bagel seasoning
Herb Yogurt Dipping Sauce
This cool and creamy dipping sauce is quick to mix together while the zucchini fries are baking. Fresh herbs and lemon juice brighten the flavor without overpowering the zucchini.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, parsley, and dill in a small bowl.
- Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate until the zucchini fries are ready to serve.
More Dipping Ideas
Serve zucchini fries with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, hummus, or your favorite dip for a fun variety of flavors.
Crispy Fried Zucchini Fries Variation
Instead of coating the zucchini with breadcrumbs, make a simple batter using:
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 beaten egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or mozzarella
- Salt to taste
Dip each zucchini stick into the batter and shallow fry over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
Zucchini Pizza Bites
If your garden is overflowing with zucchini, try these easy zucchini pizza bites. They're another kid-friendly way to use fresh zucchini and make a fun snack, appetizer, or light lunch.
Keep Learning About Vegetables
Use printable food facts, activities, and cooking lessons to help children learn where vegetables come from, how they grow, and how to prepare them in the kitchen.
More Zucchini, Vegetable & Side Dish Recipes
Keep practicing vegetable preparation and easy side-dish skills with these kid-friendly recipes and cooking lessons.
Continue Cooking Together
Use another fresh vegetable, practice a new cooking method, or choose an easy side dish for your next family meal.
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