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Crispy Gooey Zucchini Fries Recipe Easy Homemade with Smoked Paprika

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These crispy zucchini fries are coated with a cheesy, smoky paprika breadcrumb crust, baked to golden perfection with a gooey mozzarella center. Perfect for a quick, flavorful snack or side dish that’s both comforting and healthier than traditional fries.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchinis, washed and cut into fries (about 1/2-inch thick)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk recommended)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray or olive oil for baking or air frying
  • Optional: Parmesan cheese (sprinkled on top before baking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set a wire rack on top if available.
  2. Wash and dry 2 medium zucchinis. Cut off the ends, then slice into sticks about 1/2-inch thick and 3-4 inches long, keeping them uniform.
  3. Set up dredging stations: place 1/2 cup flour in one bowl, beat 2 eggs in a second bowl, and combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a third bowl.
  4. Mix 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese gently into the breadcrumb mixture.
  5. Coat each zucchini stick first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb-cheese mixture until well coated.
  6. Arrange coated fries on the wire rack so they aren’t touching. If no wire rack, place directly on lined baking sheet and plan to flip halfway through baking.
  7. Lightly spray fries with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside with melted cheese inside. Check by gently poking for gooey cheese pull.
  9. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness, watching closely to avoid burning.
  10. Serve immediately for best crispy and gooey texture.

Notes

Pat zucchini dry before breading to avoid sogginess. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure crispiness. Use panko breadcrumbs for a light, crunchy crust. Reheat leftovers in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Optional broil step adds extra crunch but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini fries, crispy zucchini, smoked paprika, cheesy zucchini fries, healthy snack, baked zucchini fries, gluten-free zucchini fries, vegetarian snack

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/crispy-gooey-zucchini-fries-recipe-easy-homemade-with-smoked-paprika/