Easy Baked Zucchini Fries Recipe | Easy Side Dish Idea

Summer is just around the corner and you know what that means- it’s zucchini season!

Unlike many other popular squash varieties, zucchini is in season during the summer. Zucchini is such a great food to enjoy on a hot summer day- zucchini are packed full of moisture {and great flavor!} so winding down after a hot day with one of your favorite zucchini recipes is really good for you!

This delicious recipe for Baked Zucchini Fries is the perfect side dish, appetizer, or snack for whatever summer brings your way! If it’s your first time making zucchini fries, don’t worry- this post will tell you everything you need to know about one of my favorite summer zucchini recipes!

Read on to find out why baked is better than fried {and how you can air fry to have the best of both worlds}, what you should dip your zucchini fries in, and more.

What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with Baked Zucchini Fries?

Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries are SO good on their own, so you don’t really have to have a dipping sauce. That said, there are so many great options that can enhance the flavor- and since zucchini is super versatile, you can really go with whatever suits your mood or your taste preferences the best! Here are some suggestions:

Marinara Sauce: This is probably the more common and most obvious pairing and for good reason- it’s SO good with the Italian seasoned zucchini sticks. You can make your own or just open a jar of your favorite store-bought pasta sauce.

Ranch dressing: What doesn’t taste amazing with ranch? A cool and creamy ranch is the perfect complement to the crisp and warm zucchini fries.

Aioli: A garlic aioli made with mayo, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil would be a delicious and smooth dip to combine with baked zucchini fries.

Sriracha Mayo: If you’re looking to add a little spice, whip up some Sriracha mayo! Just combine a few drops of Sriracha sauce with your favorite mayo- or just dip your zucchini sticks right in the Sriracha if that’s more your speed!

Honey Mustard: Honey mustard pairs well with the subtleness of the zucchini sticks and is a great option for anyone looking to add more flavor.

Tzatziki: Tzatziki is a great pairing for crispy, warm Zucchini Fries! Made with Greek yogurt, tzatziki has cucumber, dill and garlic and is cool and refreshing.

Can You Make Zucchini Fries in the Air Fryer?

Yes! I typically choose to bake mine so they’re low maintenance while I’m preparing the rest of dinner, but frying them in the air fryer is another great way to get crispy zucchini fries without all the oil that comes with traditional frying methods. Whether you bake them or air fry them, you’re making a healthy alternative to a traditional fried zucchini fries recipe.

Air fryer zucchini fries are similar to the fried version, but they’re less greasy and contain less fat and calories. Here’s how to air fry them:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F
2. Follow the steps listed below for cutting and coating your zucchini fries
3. Arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they each have plenty of room
4. Spray the fries lightly with cooking spray
5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown
6. Serve with your preferred dipping sauce {see suggestions above!}

How Do You Prevent Zucchini Fries from Getting Soggy?

Zucchini fries definitely run the risk of coming out soggy because zucchini have so much moisture in them. There are a few steps that you can take to prevent this from happening though!

1. Pat the zucchini dry with a paper towel before you coat it. Getting as much moisture out as possible beforehand means there’s less to come out later.
2. Use panko crumbs {as suggested} in this recipe. Panko breadcrumbs are bigger and lighter, which prevents them from soaking up as much moisture as traditional breadcrumbs.
3. Spread out your zucchini fries when baking or air frying. No matter how you’re making them, giving them enough space for proper air circulation helps to prevent them from getting soggy.
4. Serve them immediately. If possible, make these just before you’re ready to enjoy. The longer they sit around waiting, the more opportunity they have to get soggy.

Can you Freeze Zucchini Fries?

Yes! If you’re making a big batch and won’t be enjoying them all right away, you can definitely freeze the leftovers for later. That said, you’ll have better luck freezing them before you cook them- so if you know ahead of time how many you’re going to freeze, put those to the side before baking them.

Here’s how to store zucchini fries in the freezer:

1. Prepare the zucchini fries as directed below, but stop before baking them,
2. Arrange the breaded zucchini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper- and make sure none of them are touching.
3. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the fries for 1-2 hours, until firm.
4. Once firm, transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
5. Label the container or bag with the date and contents and freeze for up to 3 months!
6. When ready to cook frozen zucchini fries, cook as directed in the recipe below, but allow a few extra minutes to ensure they are cooked all the way through.
7. Note: They might not come out as crispy as they would if they were fresh prepared, but they’ll still be delicious!

Can I Store Baked Zucchini Fries for Later?

Baked zucchini fries {or zucchini fries made in the air fryer} are best served fresh- that’s when they are at their crispiest. You can however store them if needed for 2-3 days in an airtight container or plastic bag in the fridge. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 350 degrees F for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

What Supplies Do You Need to Make Baked Zucchini Fries?

To make Baked Zucchini Fries, you’ll need:

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• Rimmed baking sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Whisk
• Three shallow bowls or plates
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Optional: Dip bowls for serving

Step by Step Guide

Ready to cook? Grab the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post and come back here to get started!

Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper; get out your ingredients

Whisk together the egg and milk in one shallow bowl

In another shallow bowl or plate, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, black pepper and Italian seasoning {Tip: You can make these Parmesan Zucchini Fries by adding 2 TBSP Shredded Parmesan or 1 TBSP Grated Parmesan to this mixture!}

In a third shallow small bowl, combine all purpose flour, salt and pepper

Cut the medium zucchini into thin strips- first, remove the ends, then cut zucchini in half and cut each half into thirds. Then cut each of those thirds into strips.

Dip each of the zucchini spears in the egg wash mixture, then the flour and breadcrumb mixture, then back in the egg mixture, then finally into the bread crumb mixture.

Transfer the coated zucchini strips to the prepared baking sheet. Spray all of the pieces liberally with nonstick cooking spray or a thin coat of olive oil. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce- see above for options!

Hungry for More?

Want more delicious snack recipes? Try these:

• Air Fryer Avocado Fries
• Pepperoni Pasta Salad
• Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Chicken Egg Roll Bites
• Taco Crescent Rolls