Growing up on Long Island, our family took a once-a-year trip into New York City for dinner and a Broadway show. Forever ingrained in our memory (along with every song from Hairspray) is the enormous plate of zucchini fries from Carmine’s. Carmine’s is an iconic family-style restaurant known for its “wow-factor-sized portions” of Southern Italian food. It’s been 15 years and we’re still thinking about the massive plate of fried zucchini. Wow, indeed!
We decided to recreate the dish’s classic Italian flavors with a healthier, less-mess twist by baking instead of deep-frying the zucchini. Our version uses thicker slices of zucchini that hold up in the oven and provide layers of texture. They’re coated in a thin batter and dipped in a mix of panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasonings, and Parmesan cheese for an irresistible cheesy, herby crispiness.
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Baked Instead of Fried
One of the benefits of baking is that it’s easier and less messy than frying—no oil splatter and no standing over a bubbling pot! Baking also allows the flavors in the coating to shine through while the thick zucchini slices provide a depth in texture. Once you get them in the oven, this recipe is hands-off.
The baked zucchini fries get very crispy thanks to the panko breadcrumbs. They have a drier and flakier consistency than regular breadcrumbs do, making them easy to crisp up in the oven.
Zucchini Fries Tips and Tricks
- Use parchment paper to line the pan. We tested this recipe with and without it and found that using parchment yielded crispier fries that were easier to flip.
- Keep visible space on the pan in between the zucchini fries. If they’re too cramped they will steam and won’t get as crispy.
- When flipping, wiggle the fries first to loosen them on the tray and avoid pulling any coating off.
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Recipe Variations
Feel free to play around with the seasoning—add more crushed red pepper for extra spice or double up on the lemon zest for more zing.
To make this recipe vegan, you can use an alternative milk like soy (we’ve found it’s the best consistency match) and vegan Parmesan cheese.
How to Serve
You can serve baked zucchini fries like Carmine’s with a squeeze of lemon and some warm marinara for dipping. It’s also delicious with an herby yogurt dip made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a chopped fresh herb like parsley or dill. Serve as an app or on the side with pasta and extra sauce.