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Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries with Lemon Herb Aioli Recipe

These Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries with Lemon Herb Aioli are the perfect healthy snack or appetizer! Golden, cheesy, and packed with flavor, they're baked to crispy perfection and served with a tangy lemon herb aioli for dipping. A delicious way to enjoy zucchini with minimal guilt.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchinis, cut into 3-inch sticks
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, for aioli
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, for aioli

Instructions

  • Prep the Zucchini: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the zucchinis into 3-inch sticks, about 1/2-inch thick. Pat them very dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  • Set Up Breading Stations: In a shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  • Coat the Zucchini: Working in batches, dredge each zucchini stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the stick in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated zucchini sticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow air circulation.
  • Bake the Fries: Lightly spray or drizzle the zucchini fries with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Make the Lemon Herb Aioli: While the fries are baking, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, dill, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir until well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve: Transfer the crispy zucchini fries to a serving platter. Serve immediately with the lemon herb aioli for dipping.

Notes

Pro Tips: For extra crispiness, pat the zucchini sticks very dry before coating. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Keep an eye on the fries while baking to prevent over-browning. For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. The aioli can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.Variations: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating for a spicy kick. Swap the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. Try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the breading for extra depth.