Zucchini sticks are the underrated heroes of the vegetable world—crispy, golden, and oh-so-addictive. Picture this: a lazy Sunday afternoon, the sun’s rays lazily streaming through the kitchen window, and the aroma of freshly fried zucchini filling the air. These sticks might just be the crunchy escape you’ve been craving.
Steps
- Wash the zucchini under cold or lukewarm water, then trim off both ends. Slice each zucchini lengthwise into halves, then again into quarters to form spears. For smaller zucchinis, simply cut them in half.
- Heat oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. Use a thermometer to verify the temperature, or test with a wooden spoon handle or a small piece of bread for readiness.
- Prepare three separate plates: one with flour, salt, and pepper mixed together; a second with egg and water whisked together; and a third with breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese mixed.
- Dredge each zucchini stick in the flour mixture, followed by the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs to adhere.
- Fry 5-6 zucchini sticks at a time in the hot oil for about 3 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Continue frying all zucchini sticks, monitoring oil temperature to ensure it remains steady. Serve the fried zucchini warm with a side of heated marinara sauce for dipping.
- For a baked option, arrange breaded zucchini sticks on a nonstick-sprayed baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 22-25 minutes until golden brown.
- For an air fryer method, place the coated zucchini sticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes, flip, then fry for an additional 5 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini, cut into 3-inch long by 1/2-inch wide sticks
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup marinara sauce, heated for dipping (optional)
FAQ
- Can I prepare zucchini sticks without deep frying them?
- Yes, zucchini sticks can also be baked or air-fried as alternatives to deep frying. For baking, lay the breaded sticks on a greased baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 22-25 minutes until golden brown. For air frying, cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- How can I ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying?
- To check the oil’s temperature, you can use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to ensure it reaches 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dipping a wooden spoon handle into it; steady bubbles indicate readiness. Alternatively, a 1-inch square of bread should brown in 60 seconds, or a popcorn kernel will pop when the oil is hot enough.
- How do I cut zucchini into sticks for this recipe?
- To make zucchini sticks, wash the zucchini and remove the ends. Cut it lengthwise in half, then cut each half again to get four spears per zucchini. If the zucchini is smaller, cut each half into two for a total of four sticks per zucchini.
- Is it necessary to use marinara sauce for dipping?
- While marinara sauce is a popular choice for dipping zucchini sticks, you can also enjoy them with other dips such as homemade aioli or your favorite dipping sauce.
- What should I do with the oil after frying?
- Instead of discarding used oil, you can clean and reuse it. Look for methods on cleaning used cooking oil to prevent waste.
Tips
- Ensure your oil reaches the right temperature of 350°F for optimal frying. Use a thermometer for accuracy or try the wooden spoon or bread methods to test if the oil is ready.
- When cutting zucchini into spears, wash them thoroughly and remove the ends before slicing. For uniform cooking, aim for consistent spear sizes.
- If you prefer a healthier alternative to frying, bake your zucchini sticks at 425°F for 22-25 minutes, or use an air fryer for a crisp texture with reduced oil.
- After frying, place your zucchini sticks on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil, which helps keep them crispy.
Equipment
- Candy Thermometer or Deep-Fry Thermometer – To accurately measure the oil temperature.
- Slotted Spoon – For safely removing the zucchini sticks from the hot oil.
- Air Fryer – If opting for the air fryer method instead of traditional frying.
- Non-stick Spray or Oil Mister – Useful for both baking and air frying methods to prevent sticking.
