Zucchini Fries

I love, love, love fried zucchini. When I was a kid, I used to order fried zucchini for dinner when we went out to restaurants, I wish I could still do this as an adult without the inches it would add to my waist line...Now I have a recipe that will allow me to eat a pretty hefty portion of "fried" zucchini and not feel guilty about doing so. The reason being-this "fried" zucchini is actually baked, but the panko breadcrumbs give the zucchini such a crunchy exterior you would never know they weren't fried!

Zucchini Fries alongside a delicious Turkey Burger, see recipe below

1 lb. zucchini squash; approx. 4-5 zucchini

1 cup all-purpose flour

3 large eggs, beaten

1 tbs. water, for egg wash

1 cup panko breadcrubs

2 tbs. Italian seasoning

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Cut each zucchini in half horizontally, then slice each half into fourths. Next set up your breading station. In a large zip-top bag, place the flour, salt and pepper. Next, in a shallow dish, beat the three eggs and water until combined. In another shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

Place a wire baking/cooling rack on top of a baking sheet lined with tin foil. Then, place all the zucchini slices in the zip-top bag, close the bag and shake until all the zucchini is coated with the flour mixture. Take each zucchini slice-dip into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture and place each breaded zucchini slice onto the wire rack. Continue until all the zucchini slices are coated. 

Bake the zucchini for approximately 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crunchy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!