Have you ever considered sneaking some veggies into your kid's or your own favorite snack? The next time you're craving fries, why not try these healthier, utterly delicious zucchini fries from NFL star Ryan Nece's "Baking with Blondie" line? These golden, crispy treats are a game-changer, packed with nutrients and wayyyy less guilt than their potato cousins.
Ryan Nece, former NFL linebacker turned passionate baker, shares his best zucchini fries recipe on Baking with Blondie. His love for baking started during the offseason, inspiring him to create foolproof recipes for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a busy parent looking to add more greens to your family's diet or a veggie enthusiast craving a crunch-tastic snack, these zucchini fries are a must-try!
The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Zucchini Fries
Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about the secrets behind Ryan's super crispy zucchini fries. It's all about the right technique: coating the zucchini slices in a three-step process and using the perfect oil for frying.
First, you'll submerge the zucchini in a buttermilk mixture that helps the coating adhere. Next, you'll dip them into a blend of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. Lastly, you'll coat them again with seasoned panko crumbs for the ultimate crispiness. The key here is using panko, which is less dense than regular breadcrumbs, ensuring a light, crunchy exterior.
The Best Oil for Frying
Ryan swears by using canola oil for deep-frying these zucchini fries. It has a neutral flavor that won't compete with the dish's taste, and it has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying. Plus, it's a bit healthier than other vegetable oils due to its low saturated fat content.
If you don't have canola oil, you can use peanut or vegetable oil, but be aware that these may impart some flavor and have lower smoke points, requiring more careful monitoring during frying.
How to Fry Perfectly Golden Zucchini Fries
Frying zucchini fries at the right temperature is crucial to ensure a crispy exterior and a perfectly tender center. Ryan recommends frying them at 375°F (190°C). To prevent the oil from breaking down and absorbing too much heat, you'll need to fry the zucchini batches in manageable sizes, depending on the capacity of your pot or deep fryer.
organise the fried zucchini fries on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Be patient; the first batch may take a bit longer to cook, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be frying like a pro in no time!
Baking with Blondie's Zucchini Fries: The Full Recipe
Now that you know the secrets behind Ryan Nece's crispy zucchini fries, it's time to give this awesome recipe a try. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create this healthier, drool-worthy snack at home. Don't forget to serve them with your favorite dipping sauces - Blondie recommends honey mustard, marinara, or ranch!
Grab your zucchini, a large bowl, a shallow dish, and a plate. Gather your ingredients: buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, panko, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and canola oil. Let's dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
For the zucchini fries:
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups panko
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
For frying:
- 2 cups canola oil
Instructions
- Cut the zucchini into 1/3-inch thick sticks and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first, combine the buttermilk. In the second, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. In the third, place the panko.
- Working in batches, dip the zucchini sticks first into the buttermilk, then into the flour mixture, ensuring they're fully coated. Lastly, drop them into the panko and press gently to adhere. Place the breaded zucchini on a plate.
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 inches of canola oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with paper towels for draining the fries.
- Once the oil is hot, fry the zucchini in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy.
- Transfer the fried zucchini fries to the prepared baking sheet and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with goodness - these Baking with Blondie zucchini fries are the perfect way to add more veggies to your diet without sacrificing taste. So, grab your spatula and get frying! The next time you have a hankering for fries, you know exactly what to do. Happy baking!