Baked Zucchini Fries Marinara (Printable)
Oven-crisped zucchini sticks with a savory tomato sauce perfect for snacking or appetizers.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Zucchini Fries
01 - 2 medium zucchinis
02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 - Cooking spray or olive oil spray
→ Marinara Sauce
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1/4 teaspoon sugar
16 - Salt and pepper to taste
# How To Make It:
01 - Set oven temperature to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly spraying with cooking spray.
02 - Cut zucchinis into thick matchsticks approximately 3 inches in length and 1/2 inch in thickness.
03 - Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl until smooth.
04 - Combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in another bowl.
05 - Dip each zucchini stick into the beaten eggs, then thoroughly coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
06 - Place coated zucchini sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray for enhanced crispiness.
07 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until crisp and golden brown.
08 - Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
09 - Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to preference.
10 - Serve the baked zucchini fries hot with the warm marinara sauce for dipping.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- They bake up crispy without a single drop of frying oil, so you can eat twice as many without the guilt.
- The Parmesan and garlic powder give every bite a savory, almost addictive flavor that keeps you reaching for more.
02 -
- Don't skip the cooking spray on top of the coated fries, or they'll bake up dry instead of crispy and golden.
- Turn the fries halfway through baking so both sides get evenly browned and crunchy.
03 -
- Pat the zucchini sticks dry with a paper towel before coating them so the breadcrumbs stick better and the fries bake up crispier.
- Use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to let air circulate around the fries, making them even more golden and crunchy.