Crispy Zucchini Fries Ranch (Printer-friendly)
Golden zucchini sticks baked crisp, paired with a creamy, herb-rich ranch dip for a tasty snack.
# What You'll Need:
→ Zucchini Fries
01 - 2 medium zucchinis
02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
→ Ranch Dip
10 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
11 - 1/2 cup sour cream
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
13 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
14 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
15 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
16 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
17 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
18 - Salt and pepper to taste
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
02 - Cut zucchinis into 1/2-inch thick sticks resembling classic fries.
03 - Combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.
04 - Place all-purpose flour in a separate bowl; beat eggs in a third bowl until smooth.
05 - Dredge each zucchini stick in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture.
06 - Place coated zucchini fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
07 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fries are golden brown and crisp.
08 - In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Chill until serving.
09 - Serve zucchini fries hot accompanied by chilled ranch dip.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They're baked, not fried, so you get crispy-on-the-outside texture without the guilt.
- The homemade ranch tastes fresher and more vibrant than anything bottled, and you can actually taste the herbs.
- Prep is straightforward enough that even a weeknight works, but they look impressive enough for guests.
02 -
- Moisture is your enemy: pat the zucchini dry and don't skip the flour layer, or you'll end up with soggy disappointment.
- Flipping halfway matters because the bottom needs direct heat to crisp up; that one flip is the difference between golden and pale.
03 -
- Spray the fries lightly with cooking spray before baking if you want maximum crunch and a restaurant-quality finish.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the dip for a lighter version, but reduce it to 1/3 cup so the dip doesn't get too thin.