Baked Zucchini Sticks are crispy crunch favorites that even kids love to snack on!

Looking for a healthy way to eat those crispy, fast-food favorites? Switch out the carb-heavy French fries for these super crunchy, tender baked zucchini sticks! Breaded and oven-baked, this recipe can also be a paleo or keto winner. Plus it’s a great way to get kids to eat their veggies. Since these are baked not fried, it makes them that much healthier than the deep fried variety, but without sacrificing any of the flavor or crunch. 

close up of Baked Zucchini Sticks on a plate

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Best Baked Zucchini Sticks

  • Get that deep-fried exterior with fewer calories, in a savory Italian and parmesan cheese coating, zucchini sticks are the fun dippable snack that even the kids will love!
  • Oven-baked or air-fried, zucchini sticks are a guilt-free snack or party app that everyone will reach for again and again!
  • Try some super delish dips, sauces, like Creamy Dill Dressing or Everything Bagel Dip. Or mix up a platter of other tasty goodies like these Air Fryer Green Beans, Italian Meatballs, and some Jalapeno Poppers.

process of adding ingredients to bowls to make breading for Baked Zucchini Sticks

Ingredients and Variations

ZUCCHINI: Put those end-of-summer zukes to good use! No need to peel them! Just cut them in equal sizes so they cook at the same rate. This same breading recipe and method can also be used for other veggies like sweet potatoes, broccoli or cauliflower florets, or even mushrooms!

BREADING: Panko breadcrumbs always deliver the best crust coating for everything from veggies, to meats, and fish! Get that deep-fried style coating without the excess oil! Use a store-bought Italian-style seasoning mix or DIY this Italian Dressing Mix. Try this Jamaican Jerk Seasoning, for a super flavorful version. For a truly keto and gluten-free breading use almond in place of regular flour in the coating and crushed pork rinds for the Panko. The result is the same but super low-carb!

coated Baked Zucchini Sticks on a baking sheet before cooking

How to Make Baked Zucchini Sticks 

The breading process has just two easy steps that take minutes:

  1. Coat zucchini pieces in a zippered bag with the flour.
  2. Dip into the egg mixture, and then press into the prepared breadcrumbs.
  3. Cook per recipe below.

In the Oven: Place prepared pieces in a grease baking sheet and bake until they are crispy on both sides, turning them over halfway through.

In an Air Fryer: Spray pieces with pan release and place the prepared pieces in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook 10 minutes until the zucchini sticks are golden brown. Shake the basket or the pieces over until they’re fully cooked.

Baked Zucchini Sticks on a baking sheet

Tips & Tricks

  • For easy clean-up, shake zucchini sticks in a zippered bag with the flour in it.
  • Avoid crowding the baking sheet or the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate all around the food.

How to Store

Keep leftover zucchini sticks in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them under the broiler or in the air fryer before serving.

Baked Zucchini Sticks with a bite taken out of one

More Great Vegetable Side Dishes

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Baked Zucchini Sticks

These zucchini sticks are coated in Panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Author Candace

Ingredients  

  • 1-2 large zucchini cut into ½-¾” sticks (about 1 pound)
  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 egg beaten (may need an additional egg)
  • 1 Tablespoon milk optional
  • olive oil or cooking spray, to spray zucchini before baking

Breading Mixture:

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking tray with parchment
  • Add flour to a small bowl, and in a separate small bowl, add beaten egg, mixing in milk if using.
  • In a third bowl, combine breading mixture ingredients.
  • Toss zucchini in the flour and shake excess.
  • Dip in egg until coated. Dredge in breading mixture, lightly pressing mixture onto zucchini, until well coated.
  • Arrange on baking tray in a single layer, leaving space between each zucchini stick. Spray lightly with olive oil.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness after 20 minutes. Flip and spray again after 15 minutes for most even browning.

Notes

Serve with a dip such as Everything Bagel Dip or Dill Veggie Dip.
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Nutrition Information

Calories: 129 | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 353mg | Potassium: 143mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 176IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American

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About the author

I am a wife, mother of two, and professional accountant. I love fantastic food, and it is so often the center of our lives, from everyday dinner, to family gatherings, and special evenings at fabulous restaurants. I have always loved cooking and baking, with my mom and grandma, and now, with my daughter and son. I love trying new recipes while enjoying my favorites too. I’m so happy to share them with you.
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