Crispy Zucchini Fingers Recipes

ZUCCHINI FRIES

Steps:

• Make the fries: Position racks in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Coat a large, rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray.
• Spread the sliced zucchini onto paper towels or a damp kitchen towel. Lightly pat dry. Let rest on the towels while you prepare the coating.
• In wide, shallow dish (a pie dish works well) combine the Panko, flour, Parmesan, salt, onion powder, and pepper. In a separate bowl that is large enough to coat the zucchini, briskly whisk the egg whites until lightly foamy.
• Working five or six zucchini fries at a time, place the zucchini in the bowl with the egg whites, tossing to coat them evenly. Shake off any excess egg white, then add them to the bowl with the Panko. Coat them with the Panko, pressing it on lightly so that it adheres. Arrange the zucchini on the baking sheet. Line up the sticks so that they are near each other and all fit, but make sure they do not touch. Repeat with remaining zucchini.
• Lightly but thoroughly coat the exposed sides of the zucchini with the cooking spray. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and lightly coat with baking spray once more. Return to the oven, rotating the pan 180 degrees, then continue baking for 10 additional minutes, until the crumbles are crisp and golden and the insides are tender.
• While the zucchini bakes, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients: the Greek yogurt, basil, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, and paper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. Serve the fries immediately, with the sauce for dipping.

FRIED ZUCCHINI WITH CRISPY LEMONS AND CRISPY HERBS

Steps:

• Combine the panko, plain breadcrumbs, Parmesan and cayenne in a medium bowl. Whisk together the eggs with 1 tablespoon cold water in another medium bowl. Arrange the zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet, flesh-side up, and sprinkle with salt. Submerge the zucchini wedges in the egg mixture. Remove the pieces one by one, shaking off the excess egg, then roll in the breadcrumbs, pressing well so they are coated on all sides and the breadcrumbs adhere. Arrange in a single layer on the same baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 12 hours.
• Fry the lemon and herbs: Pour the oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot with a fitted lid and attach a deep-fry thermometer. Heat to 325 degrees F.
• Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Drop the thin lemon rounds into the oil and fry until lightly browned and crisped, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and spread on one half of the lined baking sheet to cool.
• Raise the oil to 350 degrees F. Herbs tend to splatter when they hit hot oil, so have the fitted lid for the pot ready in one hand. Dry any excess moisture from the herbs, then drop the parsley and the basil in the oil with your other hand and immediately cover and fry until they turn darker green, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove with the slotted spoon and spread on the other half of the baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt. Repeat the same process with the oregano.
• Bring the oil back to 350 degrees F. Test the oil by dropping in one piece of zucchini. It should rise to the surface fairly quickly, begin to bubble and fry gradually. Line two baking sheets with kitchen towels. Drop half the zucchini into the oil and gently, slowly "swirl" the oil with the slotted spoon as they fry so they cook evenly. Cook until light to medium brown, 2 to 3 minutes, then remove them slowly with the slotted spoon and lay them out on a kitchen towel to cool. Sprinkle with salt. Repeat with the remaining zucchini.
• Layer the zucchini with the herbs and lemon slices on a large serving plate, and serve with the lemon wedges.

ZUCCHINI PARMESAN CRISPS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
• Slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds. In a medium bowl, toss the zucchini with the oil. In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan, bread crumbs, salt, and a few turns of pepper. Dip each round into the Parmesan mixture, coating it evenly on both sides, pressing the coating on to stick, and place in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake the zucchini rounds until browned and crisp, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove with spatula. Serve immediately.

BAKED ZUCCHINI FRIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
• Stir bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese together in a shallow bowl. Whisk eggs in a separate shallow bowl.
• Working in batches, dip zucchini strips into egg mixture, shake to remove any excess, and roll strips in bread crumb mixture to coat. Transfer coated zucchini strips to the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake zucchini fries in the preheated oven, turning once, until golden and crisp, 20 to 24 minutes.

CRISPY ZUCCHINI FINGERS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350*.
• Trim zucchini and cut in half crosswise, then cut each half into 8 fingers.
• In a bowl, combine bread crumbs and cheese. Place flour and eggs in separate bowls.
• Dip zucchini in flour, then in egg and finally into bread crumbs, pressing to coat.
• Place at least 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet and bake until crisp and golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

BREADED ZUCCHINI FINGERS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Prepare baking sheet with heavy spray of non-stick cooking spray.
• Place eggs or egg substitute in shallow bowl; set aside.
• Mix together dry ingredients in another shallow bowl; set aside.
• Cut zucchini into fingers 3/8"x3".
• Dip zucchini into egg substitute, then roll in bread crumbs, coating thoroughly.
• Place on baking sheet.
• Lightly spray tops of zucchini with non-stick spray.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 8 minutes; turn with spatula, then bake 7-8 minutes more, or until crispy and golden.
• Serve with marinara dipping sauce, if you desire.