If there’s one side dish I find myself craving on repeat lately, it’s these crispy, golden Parmesan Zucchini Fries. Light, flavorful, and bursting with cheesy-herb goodness, they’re the ultimate healthy comfort snack — and I’m not even sorry for being totally addicted.

I’ve always been a fan of classic fries, but ever since I discovered this low-carb twist made from zucchini, there’s just no going back. These fries are everything: crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with flavor from a perfect blend of Parmesan, garlic, and paprika.

These aren’t just tasty — they’re surprisingly good for you. Zucchini is packed with nutrients and low in calories, making these fries a smart snack choice. According to Healthline’s breakdown of zucchini benefits, it’s a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, while also supporting digestion and heart health.

Even better, these fries don’t require deep-frying to achieve their signature crisp. With a simple oven method (or air fryer, if you prefer), you can get that perfect crunch without all the grease. For tips on making your veggies ultra-crispy, I followed this oven-roasting technique from Bon Appétit, which made all the difference.

Why You’ll Get Hooked Too

These fries check all the boxes:

Crispy and cheesy
Guilt-free indulgence
Easy to make with basic ingredients
Kid-friendly and perfect for sharing
Great with a variety of dips

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make a batch:

2 pounds zucchini, sliced into thin fry-like strips
2 eggs, lightly beaten
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried mixed herbs (Italian seasoning works great)
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray (or a bit of olive oil for brushing)

Optional: marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce — Delish has some great dip ideas.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and lightly spray with cooking spray.
Slice your zucchini into ½-inch-thick fry shapes. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture — this step is key for crispiness!
In a shallow bowl, whisk your eggs.
In another bowl, combine the Parmesan, garlic powder, herbs, paprika, and black pepper.
Dip each zucchini strip in the egg wash, then roll it in the Parmesan mixture until coated.
Lay each fry in a single layer on the baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd!
Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and crispy.

Pro Tips for Perfect Crispiness

Want ultra-crunchy results? Keep these in mind:

Dry your zucchini well before coating — moisture is the enemy of crisp.
Space fries out on the pan to allow airflow.
Use convection bake if available.
For extra crunch, try finishing under the broiler for the last 2 minutes.
Want a breaded effect? Add almond flour or panko (if not gluten-free) to the Parmesan mix.

Healthy, Satisfying & Totally Addictive

Let’s be real: these fries are as addictive as they are nutritious.

Zucchini is naturally low in calories and carbs
High in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium
Great for keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets
No deep-frying means fewer calories and less mess

Tasty Variations to Try

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your diet or preferences:

Air fryer version: Cook at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Keto-friendly: Skip any breadcrumb additions and stick with just Parmesan and herbs.
Vegan option: Use flax eggs and substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
Spicy kick: Add cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.

Best Dips for Serving

Pair these fries with:

Marinara or pizza sauce
Garlic aioli or ranch
Sriracha mayo for heat
Tzatziki for a fresh Mediterranean touch

What to Serve With Parmesan Zucchini Fries

These make a fabulous side dish or snack. Pair them with:

Grilled chicken or turkey burgers
Veggie bowls or wraps
Game day snack spreads
Pasta or rice-based mains (as a crunchy contrast)

How to Store & Reheat

These fries are best fresh, but you can make them ahead:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until crispy again (avoid the microwave!)

FAQs

Are zucchini fries healthy?
Yes! They’re lower in calories and carbs than traditional fries, especially when baked.

How do I make zucchini fries crispy?
Dry the zucchini before coating, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, and consider using the broiler briefly at the end.

Can I make them without eggs?
Yes. Substitute a flax egg or dip in plant-based milk mixed with cornstarch.

How do you keep them from getting soggy?
Dry the zucchini slices well and bake them spaced apart. Avoid covering during storage.

What’s the best dipping sauce?
That’s up to you! Try marinara, aioli, ranch, or even sriracha mayo.

Why You’ll Be Obsessed Too

There’s just something so satisfying about biting into a warm, cheesy, crunchy zucchini fry. It feels indulgent, but without the guilt. The texture, the flavor, the smell — it’s pure comfort food. These fries are the kind of snack you’ll make once and end up adding to your weekly rotation.