Are you tired of reaching for the same old chips or fried snacks? I know I am! That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe for Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries – Spicy Aioli for Dipping. It’s a game-changer for anyone craving that satisfying crunch without the guilt. Think of it as your new favorite way to enjoy a delicious, guilt-free alternative to traditional fries.

My journey with food, much like my Texan roots, is all about warmth and bringing people together. My uncle, a brilliant chef, taught me that food is love. He showed me the magic that happens when simple ingredients are treated with passion. That’s the spirit I pour into every recipe here at Forkful Heaven, and these baked zucchini fries are no exception. They’re born from a love for creating joyful, delicious moments in the kitchen, just like he did.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries

These baked zucchini fries are a total winner! They hit all the right spots for a snack you can feel good about. You’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.

  • A truly healthy snack
  • Super quick to make
  • Packed with flavor
  • Incredibly satisfying

A Guilt-Free Snack Solution

Forget greasy, fried snacks! These zucchini fries are baked to crispy perfection. They offer that delightful crunch you crave, but are a much lighter, healthier choice. It’s a smart swap.

Effortlessly Delicious and Quick

Prep time is a breeze at just 15 minutes. You’ll have these golden beauties ready in about 35 minutes total. They’re perfect for weeknight cravings or last-minute guests.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries

Let’s get our kitchen ready for some deliciousness! Having everything prepped makes the cooking process so much smoother. I always lay out my ingredients before I start. It’s like setting the stage for a culinary performance! For these delightful baked zucchini fries, you’ll need a few fresh items and pantry staples. We’ll focus on getting the zucchini just right and mixing up that zesty aioli.

For the Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries

You’ll need about 1 pound of fresh zucchini, with the ends trimmed off. Cut these into nice, fry-like shapes, about a quarter-inch thick so they bake up beautifully. We’ll also grab half a cup of panko breadcrumbs for that amazing crunch. A quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese adds a lovely savory note. For flavor, we’ll use a teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of paprika, a quarter teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. And of course, two large eggs, lightly beaten, and half a cup of all-purpose flour.

For the Zesty Spicy Aioli

Our dipping sauce is super simple but packs a punch! Start with half a cup of your favorite mayonnaise. Then, add one tablespoon of sriracha – feel free to add more if you like it extra spicy! A teaspoon of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up. Finally, we’ll mince one clove of garlic for that essential aromatic kick. Whisk it all together and voilà!

Crafting Your Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries – Spicy Aioli for Dipping

Now for the fun part! Let’s bring these delicious Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries – Spicy Aioli for Dipping to life. It’s a straightforward process, but paying attention to a few details makes all the difference. My uncle always said the kitchen is where the magic happens, and I truly believe that.

Preparing the Zucchini Fries

First things first: crank up that oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step prevents sticking. Now, set up your dredging station. You’ll need three shallow dishes. The first gets your flour. The second holds those beaten eggs. The third is for our crispy coating: panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper all mixed together. Take each zucchini fry, give it a little dance in the flour, then a dip in the egg, and finally, a good coat in the panko mix. Press gently so it sticks well. Arrange them on your baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; give them space to get crispy!

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Baking to Golden Perfection

Pop those fries into the preheated oven. They’ll need about 18-22 minutes. The key is to flip them halfway through. This ensures both sides get beautifully golden brown and wonderfully crispy. You’re looking for that perfect crunch!

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Whipping Up the Spicy Aioli

While the fries are busy getting golden, let’s make our zesty aioli. This is super easy! Just grab a small bowl. Toss in the mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, and that minced garlic. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste it. Need more heat? Add more sriracha! Want it tangier? A tiny bit more lemon juice. It’s your sauce, make it perfect for you.

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Tips for Achieving Ultimate Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries

Want your baked zucchini fries to be extra special? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! For that ultimate crispiness, try lightly spraying your coated fries with cooking oil before they go into the oven. It really makes a difference!

Don’t be shy with the sriracha in the aioli if you love a kick. You can totally adjust it to your taste. Feeling adventurous with the panko mix? Go for it! Try adding a pinch of onion powder or some dried Italian herbs for a flavor twist. These little tweaks make these healthy snacks even more exciting.

Serving Your Crispy Oven-Baked Fries

For the absolute best experience, serve these crispy baked zucchini fries right away. That freshly baked crunch is pure magic! They are just begging to be dipped into that cool, zesty spicy aioli. It’s the perfect pairing your taste buds will thank you for.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem! Store your cooled crispy baked zucchini fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best results when reheating, use your oven or an air fryer.

Pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. An air fryer works wonders too, just a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they’re warm and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that lovely crunch!

Frequently Asked Questions about Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries

I get asked a lot of questions about making these crispy baked zucchini fries! It’s great that you’re thinking about how to adapt them. Here are some common ones I hear.

Can I make these vegan?

Absolutely! To make these vegan, simply swap the eggs for a flax egg or a commercial vegan egg replacer. For a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes. It works just as well for coating!

What other dipping sauces can I serve with these?

While our spicy aioli is fantastic, there are other great options! Try a cool ranch dip, a tangy honey mustard, or even a simple ketchup. A creamy garlic herb dip also pairs wonderfully with these baked zucchini fries.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delightful crispy baked zucchini fries. Keep in mind these are approximate values per serving. They can vary slightly based on the exact ingredients and brands you use.

  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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Print
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Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries - Spicy Aioli for Dipping

Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries: 1 amazing healthy snack


  • Author: Alexander Knight
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Enjoy these irresistibly crispy baked zucchini fries, a healthier alternative to traditional fries, served with a zesty spicy aioli for the perfect dipping experience. They’re a delightful snack that’s both satisfying and guilt-free.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb zucchini, trimmed
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • For the Spicy Aioli:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced


Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cut the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick fry shapes.
  3. Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour. In the second, add the beaten eggs. In the third, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Dredge each zucchini fry in the flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with the panko mixture.
  5. Place the coated zucchini fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  7. While the fries are baking, prepare the spicy aioli. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, and minced garlic until well combined.
  8. Serve the crispy baked zucchini fries immediately with the spicy aioli for dipping.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the fries with cooking oil before baking.
  • Adjust the amount of sriracha in the aioli to your preferred level of spice.
  • Feel free to add other seasonings to the panko mixture, such as onion powder or Italian herbs.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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