Auntie’s Crispy Zucchini Fries with Homemade Marinara

Auntie’s Crispy Zucchini Fries with Homemade Marinara
The snack that’ll have your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for more!

If you’ve got a couple of zucchinis sitting on your counter just waiting to be turned into something fabulous, then grab that apron—Auntie’s got you! These crispy zucchini fries are the kind of snack that make you feel good and fancy at the same time. Golden, crunchy, cheesy goodness with a side of love (aka homemade marinara)—this one’s perfect for movie night, game day, or just because you deserve something delicious.

Now listen, zucchini isn’t just for stir-fry. This humble little veggie is hydrating, full of vitamins, and when dressed up with herbs and Parmesan? Girl. It turns into something special. And since we’re skipping the gluten and using almond flour, this one’s light on the gut but big on flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Fries

Let me paint you a picture.  Imagine biting into a fry that’s crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, with a kiss of garlic, a hint of smoked paprika, and that salty Parmesan finish. It’s a whole moment.

Wanna switch it up? Add cayenne for heat, or dip ‘em in ranch, pesto, or tzatziki. These fries are your canvas.

Let’s Get in the Kitchen

You’ll need:

• ½ cup almond flour (or coconut flour, if that’s your vibe)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Sea salt & black pepper, to taste

• 2 large eggs

• 2 Tbsp water

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan

• 2 small zucchini, halved and cut into ¼-inch slices

For Auntie’s Marinara Sauce:

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but Auntie says yes!)

• 2 Tbsp tomato paste

• 1 (8 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced thin

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt & pepper to taste

Let’s Cook

1. Preheat that oven to 400°F. Place a metal rack on a baking sheet so the fries get crispy on all sides.

2. In one bowl, mix your almond flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.

3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with water until light and fluffy.

4. In a third bowl, pour in the Parmesan cheese.

5. Dredge each zucchini slice: first in the flour, then the egg, then roll it in Parmesan. Place on the rack.

6. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crisp.

While those fries are baking, let’s make that marinara:

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan, add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let that aroma fill your kitchen.

2. Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Let it simmer and bubble for 10–15 minutes.

3. Finish with fresh basil and parsley, plus a little salt and pepper.

Serve It Up

Take those golden beauties out of the oven, set them on a platter, and serve them piping hot with a bowl of that rich marinara. Whether you’re feeding the family or just treating yourself, these zucchini fries are a win.

Tried Auntie’s recipe?
Drop a comment below! I’d love to know how yours turned out—and what you dipped them in. Snap a pic and tag @CookingWithPriscilla so I can see your crispy creations!