Baked Zucchini Fries Marinara (Print View)

Golden zucchini sticks baked to crisp with a flavorful marinara dip, perfect for a healthy snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Zucchini Fries

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→ For the Marinara Sauce

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# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray or olive oil.
02 - Wash zucchinis thoroughly and trim ends. Cut into sticks approximately 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches long to resemble fry shapes.
03 - Whisk eggs in a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
04 - Working in batches, dip each zucchini stick into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides thoroughly. Transfer to prepared baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding.
05 - Bake for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time, until fries are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
06 - While fries bake, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
07 - Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
08 - Remove fries from oven and let cool for 2 minutes. Transfer to serving platter alongside warm marinara sauce for dipping. Best served immediately while crispy.

# Expert Suggestions:

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  • You get that satisfying fry experience without the heaviness and guilt of deep fried food
  • The homemade marinara comes together in minutes and tastes infinitely better than jarred sauce
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  • Patting the zucchini dry before coating prevents soggy fries and makes that crunch really sing
  • Dont overcrowd the baking sheet or the fries will steam instead of crisp up properly
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  • Cut your zucchini sticks uniformly so they all finish cooking at the same time
  • Use tongs to flip the fries halfway through baking to keep your coating intact