Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This ensures the zucchini fries cook evenly without sticking to the pan.
Wash and dry the zucchini thoroughly. Trim off the ends, then slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips, resembling French fries. You can peel the zucchini if desired, although leaving the skin on adds color and texture.
In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture adds flavor and a crispy coating to the zucchini fries.
In a separate bowl, whisk an egg until beaten. Dip each zucchini strip into the beaten egg, ensuring it's evenly coated. Then, dredge the zucchini in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
Place the coated zucchini fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they're not overcrowded. This allows the heat to circulate around each fry, ensuring they crisp up evenly.
Bake the zucchini fries in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.
While the zucchini fries bake, prepare a dipping sauce of your choice. Common options include marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a yogurt-based dip flavored with herbs and spices.
Once the zucchini fries are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them hot alongside your preferred dipping sauce, and enjoy as a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fries!