Crispy zucchini chops are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. Here’s a simple recipe to make them in the oven:
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Prepare Zucchini:
- Wash and dry the zucchinis.
- Cut the zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds or lengthwise strips, depending on your preference.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- In one shallow bowl, place the flour.
- In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Bread the Zucchini:
- Dredge each zucchini piece in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured zucchini into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
- Coat the zucchini with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
- Bake the Zucchini:
- Arrange the breaded zucchini pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tops of the zucchini with cooking spray or olive oil spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is golden brown and crispy. Flip the zucchini halfway through the cooking time to ensure even baking.
- Serve:
- Remove the crispy zucchini chops from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure the zucchini pieces crisp up properly.
- If you prefer, you can also use an air fryer to make these zucchini chops. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Enjoy your crispy zucchini chops as a tasty appetizer or snack!
