Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries – Crispy, Cheesy, and Guilt-Free

A Crunchy Summer Memory from Nonna’s Garden

Every summer, my Nonna’s garden would practically overflow with zucchini. Big ones, little ones, striped ones—you name it. And while zucchini bread and stir-fries were always on the menu, she had a sneaky way of turning humble squash into something totally crave-worthy: baked zucchini sticks, crusted in cheese and herbs, served piping hot with a side of joy.

This modern take—Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries—is my tribute to her genius. Still simple, still delicious, but updated with bold seasoning and an oven-baked twist. Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries are light, low-carb, and completely gluten-free, making them the perfect snack for health-conscious foodies who don’t want to sacrifice flavor.

If you’ve got a few zucchinis and a craving for something crispy and cheesy, these Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries are about to become your new summer favorite.

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What Are Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries?

Think of these as the sophisticated cousin of potato fries. They’re zucchini sticks or wedges coated in a parmesan herb seasoning, then baked—not fried—to golden perfection. No breadcrumbs here, which makes them a gluten-free, low-carb zucchini delight.

With flavor-packed ingredients like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan, this is more than just a healthy zucchini recipe—it’s a snack-time superstar and the ultimate healthy finger food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s got everything your inner snack-lover dreams of:

• No deep frying – it’s a no-fry zucchini miracle!
• Cheesy, herby goodness in every bite.
• Perfect for keto snacks, paleo-friendly fries, and clean eating recipes.
• The ultimate summer snack for BBQs and poolside hangouts.
• Kid-approved and meal prep vegetable friendly!

Ingredients Breakdown

You don’t need a grocery haul for this—just a few pantry staples and a couple of zucchinis:

• Zucchini – about 1.5 lbs or 3 medium, cut into sticks or wedges
• Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup
• Garlic powder – ½ tsp
• Smoked paprika – ½ tsp
• Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
• Sea salt & black pepper – to taste
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp (or use non-stick spray)
• Fresh parsley – 3 tbsp, chopped, for garnish

Optional: Almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a crispier, keto zucchini snack.

How to Make Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Here’s your step-by-step game plan:

1. Prep the Zucchini:
   Wash and cut your zucchini into uniform sticks. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this helps prevent sogginess.
2. Season the Coating:
   In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. If going keto, sub half the Parmesan with crushed pork rinds or almond flour crust for extra crisp.
3. Coat the Fries:
   Lightly drizzle or spray the zucchini with olive oil. Toss each stick in the cheesy spice blend, pressing gently to coat.
4. Bake:
   Place the fries on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
5. Garnish & Serve:
   Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm. Dip in marinara or your favorite keto sauce!

👉 Craving more zucchini snacks? Try our savory zucchini garlic bites for another flavor-packed treat.

Tips for Perfect Zucchini Fries

Crispy zucchini fries aren’t magic—they’re science. Here’s how to nail it:

• Dry the zucchini well to reduce wateriness.
• Use a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow airflow underneath.
• Don’t crowd the pan—space equals crisp!
• Want extra crunch? Try our air fryer version of zucchini fries.

Variations & Customizations

Your zucchini fries, your rules:

• Swap out Parmesan for vegan cheese to keep it dairy-free.
• Add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle for a spicy edge.
• Out of zucchini? Make baked eggplant fries or go wild with cauliflower fries.
• Looking for hearty zucchini meals? Check out our hearty zucchini pizza casserole and crispy zucchini fritters.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Meal prepping or planning for a party? Here’s the deal:

• Store cooled fries in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
• Reheat using a toaster oven or air fryer with a light spray of oil.
• Not ideal for freezing—they get soggy fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s Get Cooking!

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