Craving fries but trying to stick to a low carb diet? Look no further! These Low Carb Baked Zucchini Fries are here to satisfy your cravings without derailing your healthy eating goals. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with flavor, these crispy zucchini fries are sure to become a favorite snack or side dish in your household. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these delicious treats!
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini, split in half and sliced into fry shapes
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash the zucchini thoroughly and cut it in half lengthwise. Then, slice each half into fry shapes, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
- Set Up Your Dipping Station: In one shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs. In another shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper to create the coating mixture.
- Coat the Zucchini: Dip each zucchini fry into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the fry evenly with the Parmesan cheese mixture, ensuring that it’s fully covered on all sides.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated zucchini fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they’re spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the fries for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remember to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the zucchini fries are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Extra Crispy Texture: For an extra crispy texture, consider placing a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and arranging the coated zucchini fries on the rack. This allows air to circulate around the fries, resulting in a crispier finish.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional spices like paprika, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for a flavor boost.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan cheese adds a delightful flavor to these fries, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella. Each cheese will impart its unique taste to the dish.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly Option: These Low Carb Baked Zucchini Fries are inherently keto-friendly, as zucchini is a low-carb vegetable. The use of Parmesan cheese as the coating adds richness and flavor without adding unnecessary carbs.
- Low Carb Variation: To further reduce the carb content, you can substitute almond flour or crushed pork rinds for the Parmesan cheese in the coating mixture. This alternative coating will still provide a crunchy exterior while keeping the carb count low.
In conclusion, these Low Carb Baked Zucchini Fries are a delightful alternative to traditional potato fries, offering all the flavor and satisfaction without the excess carbs. Whether you’re following a low carb or keto lifestyle or simply looking for a healthier snack option, these zucchini fries are sure to please your taste buds. Give them a try for your next snack time or dinner side dish, and indulge guilt-free in their crispy goodnes
