Description
A simple recipe for making oven-baked zucchini truly crispy using a Parmesan coating, avoiding a soggy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium zucchini
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Wash and trim the ends of the zucchini. Slice the zucchini into sticks about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place the zucchini sticks in a colander. Sprinkle them lightly with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispiness.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- In a second shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
- Dip each dried zucchini stick first into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
- Next, dredge the zucchini thoroughly in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
- Arrange the coated zucchini in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Do not overcrowd the pans.
- Spray the tops of the zucchini sticks generously with cooking spray.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the zucchini is tender-crisp.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the dry coating mixture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded for better flavor and adherence.
- If you have a wire rack that fits inside your baking sheet, place the zucchini on the rack for better air circulation underneath, which helps prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 75