📝 About This Recipe
Transform humble garden zucchini into a sophisticated, crunchy snack that rivals any traditional potato fry without the carb heavy-lifting. These fries are coated in a savory blend of nutty Parmesan cheese and aromatic Italian herbs, then baked until they achieve a perfect golden-brown crispness. They offer a delightful contrast between the tender, juicy interior and the salty, umami-rich crust, making them an irresistible keto-friendly appetizer or side dish.
🥗 Ingredients
The Zucchini
- 3 medium Zucchini (firm, ends trimmed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (for sweating the moisture out)
Keto Breading Mix
- 1/2 cup Almond Flour (super-fine blanched)
- 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated, not shredded)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (for color and depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
The Binding Agent
- 2 large Eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon Heavy Cream (to enrich the egg wash)
Zesty Lemon Aioli (Dipping Sauce)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (avocado oil mayo preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced into a paste)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire cooling rack over the pan for maximum airflow and crispiness.
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2
Slice the zucchini into 'fries' by cutting them in half crosswise, then slicing each half into 1/2-inch thick planks, and finally into sticks. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking.
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3
Place the zucchini sticks in a colander and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat them very dry with paper towels.
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4
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
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5
In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
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6
Working in small batches, dip the zucchini sticks into the egg wash, ensuring they are fully coated, then let the excess drip off.
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7
Dredge the egg-coated zucchini in the Parmesan-almond flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well to all sides.
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8
Arrange the coated fries on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack in a single layer, making sure they do not touch each other. Crowding will cause them to steam rather than crisp.
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9
Lightly spray the tops of the fries with an avocado oil or olive oil spray to help them brown and achieve a 'fried' texture.
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10
Bake for 12 minutes, then carefully flip each fry using tongs. Bake for another 8-10 minutes until they are deeply golden and crisp to the touch.
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11
While the fries bake, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, and parsley in a small bowl to create the Lemon Aioli.
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12
Remove the fries from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes on the pan; this helps the crust set firmly.
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13
Serve immediately while hot and crispy, with the Lemon Aioli on the side for dipping.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use 'finely grated' Parmesan (the texture of sand) rather than shredded; it creates a much more uniform and crispy crust. Always pat the zucchini completely dry after salting; any surface moisture will result in a soggy coating. If using an Air Fryer, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Don't skip the wire rack if baking in the oven; elevating the fries allows hot air to circulate underneath, preventing a mushy bottom. For a nut-free version, replace the almond flour with crushed pork rinds for even more crunch.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling mineral water with lime. Serve alongside a grilled ribeye steak or lemon-herb roasted chicken. Use as a crunchy topping for a large Caesar salad instead of traditional croutons. Dip into a warm marinara sauce for an Italian-inspired appetizer experience. Serve as a low-carb alternative to potato fries with a juicy bunless burger.