Oven Baked Zucchini Sticks

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Oven baked zucchini sticks are a great choice if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks. This simple recipe is full of flavor and super easy to make. They are just as crunchy as deep-fried versions but without all the added fat and calories.

A stack of oven baked zucchini sticks on a tray with dipping sauce.

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These sticks are an easy, tasty way to make a nutritious substitution. They are an excellent source of Vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals, and they can be cooked in just minutes. With minimal preparation and ingredients, this oven-baked recipe is great for weeknight dinners or snack time. Zucchini sticks provide a flavorful and healthy option that everyone will love!


MORE ZUCCHINI RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Garlic Parmesan Zucchini | Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters | Garlic Butter Sautéed Zucchini


These are delicious and healthy snacks or side dishes. Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, making it an excellent option for those who want to maintain a healthy diet. They are easy to make and include simple ingredients you most likely already have. Oven zucchini fries are also a great option if you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

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  • 30-Minute Meal: This recipe is super easy to whip up in no time! The prep takes 10 minutes and cooking only takes less than 15 minutes.
  • Easy Ingredients: The ingredients used in this recipe are simple and probably already sitting in your pantry. If your family loves zucchini then you have to try this recipe.
  • Makes Great Leftovers: Oven-fried zucchini sticks can be just as good leftovers as they are fresh out of the oven. Pop your leftover zucchini sticks in an air fryer and they will come out nice and crispy.
A wooden tray with the zucchini sticks and a bowl of dipping sauce in the middle.

Ingredient Notes

  • Zucchini: When slicing your zucchini, the cuts should be as uniform as possible. This will help all the pieces cook evenly in the oven.
  • Panko: Mixing panko in with your breadcrumbs will help add that extra crisp and crunch to your baked zucchini sticks.
  • Cheese: Adding your cheese mixture to this recipe you want to make sure you are using shredded cheese or very small crumbles. This will ensure the fries are evenly covered with cheese.
Zucchini with breading, eggs, flour and seasoning.

Variations and Substitutions for the Baked Parmesan Zucchini

One of the best things about baked breaded zucchini is that you can change up the flavors in so many different ways.

  • Different Cheeses– If you aren’t a fan of parmesan cheese you can add any cheese you’d prefer. Blue cheese crumbles would work great and make for a stronger cheese taste. If you want to tone down the cheese flavor, try mozzarella cheese or any grated cheese.
  • Different Spices – Switching up some of the spices in the breadcrumb mixture can completely change the flavor of the zucchini fries. Italian Seasoning or add heat with more paprika, cayenne, or red pepper flakes to your panko bread crumbs.
  • Cooking variations – These zucchini sticks will also cook great in an air fryer. For a smoky flavor, these would be great cooked on the grill, although they will not be as crispy as they would if cooked in the oven or air fryer.

How to Make Crispy Oven-Baked Zucchini Sticks

These are the basic steps for making these fries. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.

Mixing the seasoning and flour together in a bowl.

STEP 1: PREPARE SPICE BLEND AND BATTER

First, preheat your oven. In one dish you will combine the flour and seasonings. Then in another dish, you will beat the eggs. In a third dish, you will combine the breadcrumbs and cheese. Cut off the ends of the zucchini and then cut the zucchini in half, then into sticks.

Beating the eggs and preparing the panko for the fries.

STEP 2: COATING FRIES AND BAKING

First, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Coat the zucchini in each different mixture. Place them evenly, in a single layer on the baking sheet. Before baking, spray the fries with cooking spray place them in the oven, and bake. Turn and place in the back of the oven until the appetizer or snack is ready.

Coating your zucchini sticks and placing them in the air fryer.

Prep and Storage Tips to Make Zucchini Recipe

HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE

You want to store your zucchini sticks in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. Zucchini sticks will stay good for 2-3 days.

HOW TO FREEZE THIS RECIPE

To freeze zucchini fries you want to lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. This will ensure your zucchini will stay in fry shape. After freezing on a baking sheet, transfer to an airtight ziplock and store in the freezer for 2-3 months.

HOW TO REHEAT THIS RECIPE

The best way to reheat this recipe would be in the oven or air fryer. Place in the preheated oven When reheating always remember to give your zucchini sticks a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. They are healthy and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Crispy Zucchini Appetizer

WHY IS MY FRIED ZUCCHINI SOGGY?

Zucchini holds a lot of water within it. The best way to resolve this is to lay out your sliced zucchini on a layer of paper towels. Doing this will help draw out the extra moisture.

WHY IS MY BREADING NOT STICKING TO MY ZUCCHINI?

Before you bread your zucchini you want to make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel. If your zucchini is too wet the bread crumb will not stick.

SHOULD I PEEL MY ZUCCHINI BEFORE COOKING?

Nope! There is no need to peel the skin off your zucchini. The skin of the zucchini is the biggest source of nutrition.

Dipping an oven baked zucchini fry in sauce.

Expert Tips for Making This Best Zucchini Fries Recipe

Are you looking for a way to take your meals to the next level with an easy and tasty side dish? Oven-baked zucchini strips are a great option for adding a flavorful vegetable to any meal. With these tips, you’ll be able to make delicious sides with minimal effort.

  • Recipe Can be Doubled: This is a great recipe for a meal prep side. To make more of this recipe use 4 zucchini’s instead of 2 and double the seasonings and breadcrumbs.
  • All-purpose seasoning: If you don’t have all-purpose seasoning in your pantry, don’t panic! All-purpose seasoning is super easy to make and only contains 4 ingredients. Salt and pepper are great too.
  • Dipping sauce: Dip the zucchini spears in Fry sauce or try marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
  • Air Dryer Instructions and tips: If you want, place the zucchini in the air fryer basket to crisp them up, pop them in the air fryer after baking, and air fry for another 3-5 minutes until golden brown.

What to Serve with Oven Baked Zucchini Sticks Recipe

A stack of oven baked zucchini sticks on a tray with dipping sauce.
5 from 1 vote

Oven Baked Zucchini Sticks

Yield: 4 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks, oven-baked zucchini sticks make a great choice. This simple recipe is full of flavor and super easy to make. Oven-baked zucchini sticks are just as crunchy as deep-fried versions but without all the added fat and calories.
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon All purpose seasoning, divided
  • ½ teaspoon Paprika
  • 2 Eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup Panko
  • ½ cup Breadcrumbs
  • cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Zucchini, sliced to 1” strips
  • Cooking spray
  • Ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • In a shallow dish whisk together the flour, all purpose seasoning, and paprika.
  • Beat the 2 eggs in a separate shallow dish.
  • In the third shallow dish add the panko, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and then whisk together.
  • Dredge the zucchini fries into the flour mixture first, then the egg, and lastly in the panko mixture.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place zucchini in a single layer. Spray them with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Expert Tips

  • Recipe Can be Doubled: This is a great recipe for a meal prep side. To make more of this recipe use 4 zucchini’s instead of 2 and double the seasonings and breadcrumbs. 
  • All purpose seasoning: If you don’t have all purpose seasoning in your pantry, don’t panic! All purpose seasoningis super easy to make and only contains 4 ingredients. 
  • Dipping sauce: This recipe calls for ranch as a dipping sauce but you can use whatever your prefer! Fry sauce is a great option for dipping. 
  • Cooking method tip: If you want your zucchini sticks to have an extra crisp to them, pop them in the air fryer after baking for another 3-5 minutes.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 327mg | Potassium: 373mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 524IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 188mg | Iron: 3mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

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