Baked Zucchini Fries - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

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These crispy zucchini fries elevate zucchini into a flavorful, irresistible snack.

Ready in about 40 minutes, they are also surprisingly easy to make! You can serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or a side dish.

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These zucchini fries are so good. They are crispy and flavorful and go well with several dips, although they are also excellent on their own.

They are one of my favorite ways to prepare zucchini. Other good zucchini recipes include zucchini lasagna, zucchini chips, and zucchini noodles. Grilled zucchini and roasted zucchini are excellent, too.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Zucchini Fries Instructions
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • More Zucchini Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card

Ingredients

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You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make these zucchini fries. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

  • Olive oil spray: Used to coat the zucchini strips before baking them.
  • Egg whites: They enable the almond flour to adhere to the fries. They also help to crisp them up.
  • Almond flour: I don't use breadcrumbs in the coating, opting for almond flour instead. However, if you wish, you can substitute breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free) for the almond flour, keeping in mind that the nutritional info will change.
  • To season: I use kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  • Zucchinis: For the best results, use firm zucchinis. The less water they contain, the better the fries will be.

Variations

  • Sometimes, I add ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese to the almond flour mixture.
  • You can add more spices. I like to add ½ teaspoon of onion powder and dried thyme.
  • A coarse almond meal is an acceptable substitution for almond flour in this recipe. It works just as well.

Zucchini Fries Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:

Slice zucchinis into ¼-inch-thick strips.

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Whisk egg whites until frothy and season almond flour with spices.

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Dip the zucchini strips in egg whites, then dredge them in the seasoned almond flour.

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Arrange the fries on a rimmed, parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray them with olive oil.

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Bake the fries in a hot (425°F) oven for 10-15 minutes per side, until golden.

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Serve with a dipping sauce.

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Expert Tips

  • As long as you pick firm zucchini, there's no need to salt it before baking. Salting helps draw water out, and it does have its place (for example, when making zucchini chips). But in this recipe, the high-heat baking takes care of that, so there's no need to pre-salt the zucchini.
  • To prevent a sticky mess, it's best to use one hand to pick each zucchini strip up from the egg whites and the other hand to dredge it in the almond flour.

Recipe FAQs

Are zucchini fries as good as real fries?

They're different from French fries, but they are very good. The high-heat baking removes excess water and any bitterness from the zucchini. The well-seasoned almond flour coating adds a delightful crunch. And the olive oil and spices add flavor.

Not everyone in my family shares my love of zucchini. But even my toughest food critic, the young Picky Eater, loves these tasty fries.

Can you pan-fry these fries instead of baking them?

I don't recommend that. The almond flour coating doesn't always survive the process of frying and turning the zucchini strips in the pan. Baking is a gentler, hands-off method that works better in this recipe.

Should I peel the zucchini?

That's unnecessary. The peel is dark green and pretty, and it's thin enough that it won't interfere with eating the fries. And if there's any bitterness in it, the spices and high-heat baking take care of that.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve these zucchini fries with unsweetened ketchup for dipping or with the dip shown in the photos, made from ¼ cup of sour cream and one tablespoon of hot sauce.

You can also serve them with sour cream dip, yogurt dip, cream cheese dip, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing.

I sometimes serve them bistro-style, in a paper cone, as shown in the photo below:

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When I serve these fries as a side dish, I like to serve them with a main dish that I can cook in the same425°F oven. So, I often serve them with one of the following:

  • Paprika salmon
  • Baked chicken legs
  • Baked cod
  • Baked salmon
  • Blackened salmon
  • Keto chicken parmesan
  • Parmesan-crusted chicken
  • Roasted rack of lamb
  • Keto chicken cordon bleu

Storing Leftovers

Zucchini fries are best enjoyed fresh. But if you must, you can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 4 days.

Place them on paper towels to absorb any extra moisture. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about ten minutes or until heated through.

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More Zucchini Recipes

  • Zucchini Fritters
  • Baked Zucchini Chips
  • Grilled Zucchini
  • Zucchini Pizza Bites

Recipe Card

Baked Zucchini Fries - Healthy Recipes Blog (16)

4.98 from 171 votes

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Baked Zucchini Fries

These crispy zucchini fries elevate zucchini into a flavorful snack. They are surprisingly easy to make!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: 3 servings

Calories: 235kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • Olive oil spray
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ½ teaspoon of any other salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 large zucchinis unpeeled (1 pound)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with heatproof parchment paper and spray the paper with olive oil.

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  • In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy.

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  • In another bowl, mix the almond flour, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika,and cayenne. Divide the mixture between two shallow bowls - this will help prevent the almond flour coating from becoming soggy.

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  • Trim the zucchini ends and cut them into ¼-inch-thick fries. Pat them dry using paper towels.

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  • Place the zucchini fries in the bowl with the beaten egg whites to coat. Dredge each zucchini strip in the seasoned almond flour, gently pressing to help it adhere. To prevent a sticky mess, it's best to use one hand to pick each zucchini strip up from the egg whites and the other hand to dredge it in the almond flour.

    Baked Zucchini Fries - Healthy Recipes Blog (21)

  • Place the coated zucchini strips on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer. Lightly spray the zucchini strips with olive oil.

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  • Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

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  • Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully flip the fries (I use two spoons) and spray them again with oil.

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  • Return the pan to the oven. Bake the fries until browned and crispy, for 10-15 more minutes.

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  • Serve immediately, with a dipping sauce if desired.

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Video

Notes

  • Some of the almond flour (about ¼ cup) will remain in the bowl, but you need all of it to dredge the fries properly. The nutrition info reflects that.
  • I don't use breadcrumbs in the coating, opting for almond flour. However, if you wish, you can substitute breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free) for the almond flour, keeping in mind that the nutritional info will change.
  • As long as you pick firm zucchini, there's no need to salt it before baking. Salting helps draw water out, and it does have its place. But in this recipe, the high-heat baking takes care of that, so there's no need to pre-salt the zucchini.
  • Zucchini fries are best enjoyed fresh. But if you must, you can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. Place them on paper towels to absorb any extra moisture. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about ten minutes or until heated through.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 0.3recipe | Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 414mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g

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Disclaimers

Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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About the Author

Baked Zucchini Fries - Healthy Recipes Blog (37) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Ronald Mask

    Baked Zucchini Fries - Healthy Recipes Blog (38)
    Very glad to find low sugar and low carb recipes. Thanks a million. Ronnie Mask

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      You're very welcome, Ronnie!

      Reply

Baked Zucchini Fries - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

Are zucchini fries healthier than French fries? ›

These Zucchini Fries are a great way to use up those extra vegetables. Plus, they're delicious, easy to make and a much healthier alternative to those greasy french fries.

Why are my zucchini fries soggy? ›

It's likely that you did not get all of the moisture out of the squash, or that you cut the sticks too thickly.

What are zucchini fries made of? ›

Slice your zucchini into thin matchsticks and set aside. In a small bowl, add your eggs and whisk them until combined. In a separate bowl, add your breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Dip your zucchini in the egg mixture, followed by the spice and crumb mixture, and place on the lined sheet.

Can you eat too much zucchini? ›

Raw zucchini can also cause gas and bloating, especially if you overdo it. Zucchini is rich in fiber that your gut doesn't digest. When your body doesn't fully break the fiber down, gas can build up and cause bloating and make you pass wind. Eating raw vegetables can cause gas if you have irritable bowel syndrome.

Are baked fries healthier than fried? ›

During frying, French fries soak up excess oil, making them greasy. The baking method used in this recipe allows you to control the amount of oil and use far, far less. Less Fat and Calories. Because of the decreased amount of oil, baked French fries calories and fat are lower than their fried counterparts.

Why do you soak zucchini in salt water? ›

Vegetables with high water content tend to become mushy and bland if they aren't rid of excess moisture before cooking. To do that, you need two things: salt and time. Salting these watery vegetables draws out extra water and flavor molecules.

How to cook zucchini without making it soggy? ›

Slice and salt zucchini in advance of cooking to draw out some of the vegetable's excess moisture (while also seasoning it more thoroughly). To do this, cut up a pound of zucchini and toss it with ½ teaspoon of table salt. Let it drain in a colander for about 30 minutes before patting it dry and cooking it.

How do you cut a large zucchini for fries? ›

Arrange the zucchini nicely and slice them into strips just like fries, about 3-inch lengths. Make sure you are consistent with the length so the fries will bake and cook evenly.

Can dogs eat zucchini? ›

Dogs can eat both raw and cooked zucchini, but cooked zucchini will be easier for them to digest (and is less likely to cause an upset stomach or diarrhea). Cooking zucchini also helps to break down any harmful bacteria that might be present.

Is zucchini a healthy? ›

Zucchini is a versatile squash rich in vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. It may offer several health benefits, ranging from improved digestion to a lower risk of heart disease. Zucchini may aid your bones, thyroid, and prostate. If you're curious, try adding this soft, mild fruit to your diet today.

What is the difference between zucchini and Italian zucchini? ›

The Italian zucchini is smaller, a bit rounder with a chubbier appearance, and has a lighter green color that is randomly speckled with a cream color and is milder and sweeter in flavor. See the Italian zucchini pictured above.

Why is my fried zucchini bitter? ›

What causes this bitterness? All cucurbits produce chemicals called cucurbitacins, which cause the vegetables to taste bitter and served as a defense against plant-eating wildlife.

What is a healthier alternative to French fries? ›

Healthy French Fries (Or at Least Healthier)
  • Avocado “Fries”
  • Crispy Tofu Fries with Miso Peanut Dipping Sauce.
  • Oven-Baked Eggplant Fries.
  • Sweet Potato Wedges with Rosemary.
  • Salt and Pepper Sweet Potato Fries.
  • Fennel-Spiced Potato Wedges.
  • Oven-Baked Curly Fries with Seasoned Salt.
Jan 19, 2022

What is a healthier option than French fries? ›

Carrot Fries

Carrot fries are a great substitute and offer a healthy dose of vitamin A. To make some, chop a few large carrot sticks into smaller pieces that resemble regular French fries. After rinsing and patting them dry, toss your carrot sticks with some salt, black pepper, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese.

What are the healthiest fries? ›

Sweet potato fries are slightly higher in calories and carbs but also more nutrient dense than French fries. The greatest nutrient difference is that French fries have no vitamin A, while sweet potato fries are high in this nutrient. Vitamin A is important for your vision and immune system ( 2 ).

What is healthier than French fries? ›

Sweet potato fries have fewer total lipid fats than French fries and contain virtually no saturated fats. If you need to closely monitor your cholesterol levels, sweet potato fries can be a healthier choice than French fries. These fries are also an excellent source of vitamin A.

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