These Oven Roasted Zucchini Sticks are a quick and healthy side dish or snack that you can prepare in no time. With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn fresh zucchini into a flavorful treat that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you choose to bake them in the oven or cook them in an air fryer, these zucchini sticks are sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. paprika
- ¼ tsp. salt (or to taste)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Wash the zucchini and trim off the ends, leaving the peels on.
- Cut the zucchini in half, then cut each half lengthwise, and finally cut them into ½-inch sticks. Depending on the size, you should have 12-16 pieces.
- Arrange the zucchini sticks on a baking tray.
- Prepare the Spiced Oil:
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil.
- With a kitchen brush, brush the zucchini pieces with the spiced oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cooking Instructions:
- For Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 425℉ (220°C).
- Bake the zucchini sticks for about 25-30 minutes. For an extra crispy finish, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
- For Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Air fry the zucchini sticks for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- For Oven:
- Serve:
- Serve the zucchini sticks warm as a side dish or snack.
Additional Tips:
- Cut the zucchini uniformly: This ensures that all the zucchini sticks cook evenly, avoiding overcooked or undercooked pieces.
- Pre-mix the spices: Mixing the spices with the oil before brushing them on the zucchini ensures even distribution of flavor.
- Broil for extra char: If using the oven, don’t skip the broiling step at the end. It adds a beautiful char and enhances the flavor.
How to Store:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover Oven Roasted Zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge once they have cooled. They should be eaten within 2-3 days.
- Freeze: You can also freeze them in a ziplock bag for up to 10 months. To reheat, allow the zucchini to thaw and then bake them in the oven until warmed through.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 86kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 248mg
- Potassium: 273mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 235IU
- Vitamin C: 19mg
- Calcium: 17mg
- Iron: 1mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use different spices?
- Yes, feel free to customize the seasoning by adding or substituting spices like onion powder, cumin, or chili powder to suit your taste preferences.
- Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
- Absolutely! Yellow squash works just as well and will give a slightly different flavor and color to your dish.
- How do I make sure the zucchini sticks are crispy?
- To achieve crispier zucchini sticks, ensure they are cut evenly and not too thick. Also, broiling them at the end of baking helps to crisp them up.
- Can I use this recipe for other vegetables?
- Yes, this recipe works well with other vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or even bell peppers. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the vegetable.
- How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming soggy?
- To avoid soggy zucchini, make sure to cut them into uniform pieces and don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket. The broiling step also helps to crisp them up.
- Can I prepare the zucchini sticks in advance?
- You can cut and season the zucchini sticks in advance, but it’s best to bake or air fry them just before serving to ensure they stay crisp.
- Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free or vegan?
- The recipe is already dairy-free and vegan. Just ensure that any additional toppings or dips you serve with the zucchini sticks are also vegan.
- What can I serve with these zucchini sticks?
- These zucchini sticks pair well with a variety of dips such as ranch, marinara sauce, or a garlic aioli. They also make a great side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches.
- Can I make these zucchini sticks gluten-free?
- The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid cross-contamination and use gluten-free ingredients.
- How do I reheat the zucchini sticks?
- To reheat, place the zucchini sticks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave as it may make them soggy.
Enjoy making and eating these delicious and easy Oven Roasted Zucchini Sticks!