Lose Weight with These Oven-Baked Zucchini Fries
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy way to satisfy your cravings for fries? Look no further than oven-baked zucchini fries! These crispy and flavorful fries are a great alternative to traditional potato fries, and they are packed with nutrients. Plus, they are a fantastic option if you’re trying to lose weight. In this article, we will show you how to make these guilt-free zucchini fries that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
– 2 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1/2 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– Cooking spray
Steps
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s get cooking:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the zucchinis into long, thin strips, resembling the shape of fries.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Dip each zucchini strip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
5. Coat the zucchini strip with the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it is evenly coated.
6. Place the coated zucchini strips onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other.
7. Lightly spray the zucchini fries with cooking spray. This will help them become crispy in the oven.
8. Bake the zucchini fries for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through.
9. Once cooked, remove the zucchini fries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
If you want to add some extra flavor to your zucchini fries, here are a few variations to try:
– Spicy zucchini fries: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick.
– Cheesy zucchini fries: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top of the zucchini fries during the last few minutes of baking.
– Herbed zucchini fries: Mix in some dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme into the breadcrumb mixture for a fragrant twist.
Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your zucchini fries turn out perfectly:
1. Make sure to slice the zucchini into uniform strips to ensure even cooking.
2. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave enough space between the zucchini fries to allow air circulation and ensure they become crispy.
3. For an extra crispy texture, you can place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and arrange the zucchini fries on the rack.
4. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more or less garlic powder, paprika, or any other spices you like.
Conclusion
Oven-baked zucchini fries are a fantastic and healthy alternative to traditional fries. They are low in calories, packed with vitamins and minerals, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or simply looking for a guilt-free snack, these zucchini fries are the perfect choice. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the crispy goodness without any guilt!
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of whole wheat breadcrumbs?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use regular breadcrumbs if you don’t have whole wheat breadcrumbs on hand. However, whole wheat breadcrumbs add an extra nutritional boost to the zucchini fries.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Of course! While parmesan cheese adds a nice flavor to the zucchini fries, you can experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even feta cheese can work well.
Q: How do I store any leftover zucchini fries?
A: If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until they are warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze the zucchini fries?
A: Yes, you can freeze the zucchini fries. After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through.
Lose Weight with These Oven-Baked Zucchini Fries
Enjoy these crispy and flavorful oven-baked zucchini fries as a healthy alternative to traditional potato fries. Packed with nutrients and low in calories, these guilt-free fries are perfect for anyone looking to satisfy their cravings while watching their weight.
Ingredients
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2 medium-sized zucchinis
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1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 large eggs, beaten
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Cooking spray
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Cut the zucchinis into long, thin strips, resembling the shape of fries.
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In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
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Dip each zucchini strip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
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Coat the zucchini strip with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
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Place the coated zucchini strips onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
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Lightly spray the zucchini fries with cooking spray for crispiness.
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Bake the zucchini fries for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through.
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Once cooked, remove the zucchini fries from the oven and let them cool before serving.
