Bastoncini di zucchine (al forno, in friggitrice ad aria o in padella)

Ingredienti

• 3 medium zucchini (2 pounds/900g)
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons (75g) flour
• zest grated from 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup (70g) grated parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups (110g) Panko breadcrumbs
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• oil cooking spray
• olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)

Preparazione

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

2. 2

   Prepare your breading station - prepare 3 bowls/plates:

3. 3

   1-large and shallow bowl/plate. Add flour, lemon zest, basil, and garlic powder, season lightly with salt and pepper and stir to combine.

4. 4

   2-large rimmed bowl - add eggs to this bowl and beat them with a fork. Season just lightly with salt.

5. 5

   3-large and shallow bowl/plate. Add breadcrumbs and parmesan to this bowl and stir to combine.

6. 6

   Cut the zucchini into fries: Cut the zucchini in half or into 3 parts crosswise (depending on how long the zucchini is). Cut each part into 3 parts lengthwise and then each slice into 2 or 3 fries. You should end up with thick, at least about 1-inch (2.5 cm) fries. They shouldn't be too thin.

7. 7

   Bread the zucchini fries: season the zucchini with salt and pepper on all sides. Working with a couple of fries at a time, first dredge them in flour, then dip them in beaten eggs, then coat them in the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture. Press the coating into the zucchini. Transfer the breaded zucchini to a tray and repeat with the remaining ingredients.

8. 8

   Bake: grease a baking sheet generously with olive oil. Place zucchini fries apart on the baking sheet. Spray with oil baking spray. Bake in batches for about 23 minutes or until golden brown. Baking time may vary depending on the oven so keep an eye on them after 15 minutes. If they're browning too slowly, you can finish them under the broiler.

9. 9

   Enjoy!