If you’re like me who’s always eyeing the appetizers at restaurants but never order them because they’re usually deep fried, then this oven fried zucchini recipe is for you! Crispy, slightly salty and just plain delicious, these zucchini rounds are the perfect low carb side dish or appetizer. And since they’re baked, not fried, they’re actually pretty healthy too!
Coated with Panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, these zucchini rounds are baked in the oven until golden brown and crispy. Serve them as a side dish or appetizer with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Nutrition: Calories 114kcal, Carbohydrates 11g, Protein 8g, Fat 5g, Saturated Fat 2g, Cholesterol: 99mg, Sodium 497mg, Potassium 503mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 6g, Vitamin A 650IU, Vitamin C 22mg, Calcium 120mg, Iron 2mg
This recipe is courtesy of jerseygirlcooks.com
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There are several reasons why zucchini gets soggy when you roast it. Here are some solutions for you:
If you don’t preheat your oven, the slow climbing heat will cause the zucchini’s moisture to wick out and the vegetables will cook in their own juices, leading to soggy results. Always preheat your oven before roasting vegetables.
Crowding vegetables too closely prevents hot air from circulating around them, leading to steamed vegetables instead of roasted ones. Make sure to give your vegetables enough space on the pan so they can roast evenly.
Divide your zucchini coins into two separate sheet pans if necessary.
Zucchini has a high water content, so it can quickly go from perfectly roasted to overcooked and soggy. To prevent this, keep a close eye on your zucchini while it’s roasting. Remove the zucchini from the oven as soon as it’s tender and starting to brown.
Alternatively, make oven fried zucchini sticks. As they have a larger surface area, they will cook faster and are less likely to overcook.
While a sheet pan is essential for roasting vegetables, using a baking rack on top of the pan will help to further circulate hot air around the zucchini and prevent it from getting soggy.
Arrange your zucchini coins on the baking rack, making sure they’re not touching each other, and roast as usual. These tips should help you achieve perfectly roasted zucchini every time!
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the fried zucchini on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat fried zucchini in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it or it will become soggy.
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No, you do not need to peel zucchini before roasting. The skin of the zucchini is edible and contains nutrients that are good for you. Just make sure to wash the zucchini well before cooking.
No, you do not need to salt zucchini before roasting. The vegetables will release some of their moisture as they roast, and the salt will help to draw out even more water, leading to soggy results. If you want to add flavor to your roasted zucchini, try sprinkling on some herbs or spices or even salt, but after it comes out of the oven.
Zucchini should be roasted at a high temperature, between 400 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to create a crispy exterior while keeping the zucchini tender on the inside.
Zucchini fries are a healthier alternative to French fries as they contain less fat and calories. They are also a good source of fiber and vitamins. However, fried zucchini still contains some fat and calories, so it should be eaten in moderation. Baked zucchini fries would be an even better choice.
Below are some specific health benefits of zucchini that make them a healthier choice than French fries:
According to the USDA, 100 grams of cooked zucchini contains the following nutrients (13):
Antioxidants are compounds that may help protect your cells from damage. They scavenge harmful toxins known as free radicals, which can damage cells and might contribute to chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s (1).
Zucchini is an excellent source of antioxidants (17).
In fact, it contains several different kinds, including carotenoids like zeaxanthin and lutein (17). These two nutrients are important for eye health and have been linked to a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older adults (12).
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Zucchini is low in calories but high in water and fiber, both of which are beneficial for weight loss.
Water and fiber are two of the most filling nutrients and can help you eat fewer calories overall. In one study, people who drank 500 ml water (two 8-oz glasses) before each meal and were on a reduced calorie diet lost more weight than those who were on the reduced calorie diet but did not drink the water before meals (18).
A review from 2001 found that increasing fiber intake by 14 grams per day may reduce calorie intake by 10%. This could lead to a weight loss of about 4 pounds (1.9 kg) over a period of just under four months (5).
Zucchini may be beneficial for people with diabetes. This is because it has a low glycemic index (GI), which is a measure of how quickly blood sugar levels rise after eating a food (14).
A food with a high GI raises blood sugar levels more than a food with a low or medium GI. This is important for people with diabetes because knowing how a food may affect their blood sugar can help them control their blood sugar levels (14).
Zucchini may help to improve heart health. This is because it’s high in potassium, a nutrient that helps to regulate blood pressure (15).
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. In fact, it’s estimated that having high blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease significantly (9).
Zucchini may help promote healthy digestion. This is because it’s a good source of fiber, which is important for regular bowel movements.
Fiber adds bulk to stool and helps food move through the digestive system more quickly. This can help to prevent constipation and other digestive issues like hemorrhoids and diverticulosis (6).
Zucchini also has soluble fiber, which plays a role in promoting a healthy gut microbiome. This type of fiber is fermented by friendly gut bacteria and produces short-chain fatty acids that are beneficial for gut health (12).
Zucchini may help to support brain health. This is because it contains choline, a nutrient that’s important for cognitive function (16).
Choline is involved in the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps with learning and memory. It’s also necessary for the structure and function of cell membranes (16).
Research shows that choline deficiency can lead to reduced cognitive performance and memory loss. Ensuring adequate choline intake may help to prevent these effects (16).
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Zucchini is generally safe to eat and has few side effects. However, some people may experience gas or bloating after eating foods that contain soluble fiber, like zucchini.
Soluble fiber can ferment in the gut and produce gas (7). If you’re sensitive to this effect, it may be best to avoid foods that are high in soluble fiber, or increase your intake slowly as your digestive system adjusts.
Zucchini is also a member of the cucurbitaceae family. This family also includes cucumbers, squash, and watermelons. These fruits are all high in a compound called cucurbitacin E.
Cucurbitacin E is thought to have a bitter taste and may cause stomach pain or discomfort for some people (4). If you’re sensitive to cucurbitacin E, it’s best to avoid eating zucchini and other cucurbitaceae fruits.
Oven fried zucchini is a delicious and easy to make low carb side dish. Zucchini is coated in a bread crumb mixture and then baked until golden brown and crispy. Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
To prevent soggy results, be sure to preheat your oven, use a baking rack, and don’t overcook the zucchini. You can also reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave.
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