Zucchini Fries - Fresh garden zucchini are cut into "fries", dredged in egg and flour and finally a parmesan bread crumb mixture before being pan fried for a quick snack or side dish.
Right around this time (mid to late August) of year, zucchini is in abundance here. By here, I mean not only here in MA, but here in my yard! Zucchini is one of my "I plant every single year" garden plants. You already know, the main reason I plant so many zucchini plants is not for the zucchini itself, but for the zucchini blossoms. Speaking of which, did you trust me and try my Zucchini Flower Pancakes (Fritters)? If so, what did you think? Awesome, right?
Anyhoo, the other day, I had 1 large zucchini just hanging around and I didn't really have a plan for it. It was the middle of the day and I had some free time. I don't know how that happened, but I was taking advantage! I decided to go ahead and make myself lunch! Yes, that's right, an actual lunch, not one compromised of the leftover bites of the kids lunches.
I was going to throw some frozen fries in the oven to go with my grilled chicken sandwich but then I remembered the zucchini. Hmmm, zucchini could be fries, right? YES! They totally can.
I treated the zucchini like anything else I'd bread and fry. First, I created a breading station of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Then I dipped the zucchini in the flour then the egg and finally the breadcrumb mixture before dropping into a pan that was just covered with oil. 2-3 minutes on each side and the fries were done!
You might be skeptical. Heck, I was a bit skeptical. I've got to tell you though, I loved the flavor of these! I devoured the entire plate of them and skipped the sandwich. Halfway through the plate of zucchini fries, I started to dip them in some ranch dressing. Holy, Yum! Zucchini Fries and ranch dressing are a match made in heaven!!!
Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- ½ C flour all purpose
- 1 C breadcrumbs seasoned
- ¼ C parmesan cheese grated
- ½ C Olive Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Cut zucchini into fry shapes (thick sticks). Set aside.
- Set up a breading station by placing eggs in a shallow bowl, flour in another and in the last bowl, combine breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Season the flour, liberally with salt and pepper.
- Dip each zucchini fry in flour then egg and then finally coat in the breadcrumbs. Set aside.
- Heat oil over medium/high heat, in a large skillet. When oil sizzles when a breadcrumb is placed in, it's hot enough. Place a few breaded zucchini in hot oil and cook 2-3 minutes each, per side, turning being sure to crisp up all sides.
- Carefully remove fries out of oil and place on a paper towel lined plate. Season with a little more salt.
- Repeat process with the remaining zucchini sticks.
- Serve warm.
Patty Haxton Anderson says
Zucchini fries are so good and I love your recipe! Every once in a while you have to, have to switch out regular fries for these. Although I've only made them once, you've reminded me of what I should have done with our garden zucchini!
foodyschmoody says
Absolutely and I figure even though they're pan fried, they've got to be a bit healthier than the potato version.... maybe. I also used the same recipe using green beans and they were awesome too!
Christine says
I love zucchini fries too! I'm planning on making some this week! Great minds!
Brenda@Sugar-Free Mom says
I love zucchini fries just as much as any regular potato fry!! These look awesome!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
I had zucchini fries at a restaurant recently and vowed to try them at home. Thanks for the reminder!
Karyn @ Pint Sized Baker says
I love Zucchini Fries, but when I bake them they get soggy. I'm going to try pan frying them instead. Yum!!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
These sound awesome! We have a ton of zucchini growing in our garden, can't wait to try these!
colleen kennedy says
Not a bad lunch! If only people had thought about making zucchini this way (and in cakes) when I was a kid...I WOULD have eaten it much sooner, lol! Currently making up for lost time!
foodyschmoody says
Great point! The zucchini I remember as a kid were just soggy slices lol!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
I'd love a plate that was piled high with these babies! They look amazing!
Nancy Fox says
I love making these. Your recipe looks fantastic, Christine!
Stephanie says
I need to make these before all my zucchini is gone. yum!!
Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says
This is an awesome way to eat zucchini - and probably pretty addictive, too!
Linda Shapiro says
Christine, I used to make these all the time for my girls (who hated veggies!) But these, they loved! Your recipe looks fantastic and for sure I will pass it along to both of them...the older one now has two picky veggie eaters of her own!
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos says
I love zucchini fries and need to make a batch of these ASAP!
Kim Beaulieu says
I need to pick up some zucchini asap. These look amazing.
Joanne/WineLady Cooks says
Oh Christine, you have jolted my memory. We just love fried, I haven't made them in a while though but now I think it's time, we have lots of zucchini.
Angela says
Oh I need to make these!!!! My kids love zucchini and will surely gobble these up!!!
Debbie @ EasyFamilyMeals says
I love this as a way to cheat some veggies onto my kids plate! I love zucchini, but my kids never seem to go for it. Thanks!
foodyschmoody says
Yes! I'm not sure anyone can resist zucchini done this way!