Zucchini Fries Recipe

Zucchini: A versatile vegetable that serves as the base for our fries.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, umami flavor and helps create a crispy coating.

Almond flour: A gluten-free alternative to regular flour, providing a nutty taste and texture.

Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a subtle garlic taste.

Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and a touch of color.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall taste.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor.

Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the coating adhere to the zucchini.

When preparing the zucchini fries, make sure to cut the zucchini into uniform strips. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden and crispy texture. Additionally, when coating the zucchini strips with the parmesan mixture, press the mixture gently onto the strips to ensure it adheres well. This will create a more flavorful and crunchy exterior.

• zucchinis - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative for zucchini fries.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a great dairy-free option.

• almond flour - Substitute with coconut flour: Coconut flour is also gluten-free and can provide a slightly sweet flavor, though it absorbs more moisture, so use less.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder offers a different but complementary flavor profile that can enhance the taste of the fries.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder adds a bit of heat and complexity, making it a good alternative to paprika.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different mineral content and flavor, but it works just as well as regular salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used as a direct substitute for black pepper.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water per egg) are a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients together.

• Allow the zucchini fries to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Store the zucchini fries in an airtight container. Line the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

• Place the container in the refrigerator. The zucchini fries will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the zucchini fries on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes until they are heated through and crispy.

• For freezing, arrange the cooled zucchini fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.

• Transfer the frozen zucchini fries to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.

• When ready to eat, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen zucchini fries on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover zucchini fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy again.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.

• Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Place the zucchini fries in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are warmed through and regain some crispiness.

• Microwave Method: Place the zucchini fries on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as others.

• Oven: Used to bake the zucchini fries at a high temperature to achieve a crispy texture.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for the zucchini fries to bake evenly.

• Parchment paper: Prevents the zucchini fries from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.

• Knife: Essential for cutting the zucchinis into fry-like strips.

• Cutting board: A safe surface to cut the zucchinis on.

• Mixing bowl: Used to mix the parmesan, almond flour, and spices together.

• Second mixing bowl: Used to beat the eggs.

• Whisk: Helps to beat the eggs until they are well combined.

• Tongs: Useful for dipping the zucchini strips into the egg mixture and then into the parmesan mixture without making a mess.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of the parmesan cheese and almond flour.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Pre-cut zucchinis: Slice the zucchinis in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Use pre-grated cheese: Save time by using pre-grated parmesan cheese instead of grating it yourself.

Set up a dipping station: Arrange your dipping bowls and baking sheet in an assembly line to streamline the process.

Double batch: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick snack later.

Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven before you start prepping to ensure it's ready when you are.