Crunchy oven-fried zucchini sticks are a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional fried snacks. These zucchini sticks are coated with a flavorful panko and Parmesan crust, then baked to crispy perfection. They are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Follow this guide to create these delicious crunchy oven-fried zucchini sticks that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 lbs zucchini
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1-1/2 cups panko crumbs
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Zucchini
- Heat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Get a baking sheet ready by either lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light coating of cooking spray.
- Cut the Zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchini. Cut them into sticks about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
Prepare the Coatings
- Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well.
- Egg Mixture: In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the milk until well combined.
- Panko Mixture: In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko crumbs and freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese. Mix well.
Coat the Zucchini Sticks
- Dredge in Flour: Working in batches, dredge the zucchini sticks in the flour mixture, coating them evenly and shaking off any excess flour.
- Dip in Egg: Dip the floured zucchini sticks into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Coat with Panko: Finally, roll the zucchini sticks in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs and cheese to the zucchini.
Bake the Zucchini Sticks
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated zucchini sticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini sticks are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure even crispiness.
Serve
- Cool Slightly: Allow the zucchini sticks to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Serve Warm: Serve the crunchy oven-fried zucchini sticks warm, with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Conclusion
These crunchy oven-fried zucchini sticks are a delicious and healthy snack that everyone will enjoy. The combination of the crispy panko and Parmesan coating with the tender zucchini inside creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Easy to make and baked instead of fried, these zucchini sticks are a guilt-free treat that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Enjoy the delightful crunch and savory taste of these oven-fried zucchini sticks, and happy cooking!