SQUASH FRIES

### Instructions

#### Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to **425°F (220°C)**. This high temperature ensures the fries will crisp up perfectly, mimicking the texture of traditional deep-fried fries without all the oil.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Squash
Wash and dry your squash thoroughly. Cut off the ends and slice them into **long, thin strips**—the size of traditional fries. The thinner the strips, the crispier the fries will be. Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness.

If you’re using zucchini, feel free to leave the skin on, as it provides extra texture and nutrients. For yellow squash, removing the skin is optional depending on your preference.

#### Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
To give your squash fries their crispy coating, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:

1. **Bowl 1**: Add the flour, along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. **Bowl 2**: Beat the egg until smooth.
3. **Bowl 3**: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

#### Step 4: Coat the Squash Fries
Dredge each squash strip in the following order:

1. First, dip it into the flour mixture to coat lightly. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Next, dip it into the beaten egg to coat evenly.
3. Finally, coat the strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.

Repeat this process for each strip, placing the coated squash fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

#### Step 5: Bake the Squash Fries
Once all the squash fries are coated, drizzle them lightly with olive oil or spray them with a cooking spray. This step will help them crisp up in the oven.

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about **20-25 minutes**, flipping the fries halfway through. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your fries. The fries should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while tender on the inside.

#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the squash fries are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as **ketchup**, **ranch dressing**, **garlic aioli**, or a tangy **yogurt dip**.

### Tips for Perfect Squash Fries

– **Choose the right squash**: Both zucchini and yellow squash work well for this recipe. Zucchini is more common for fries because it has a firmer texture, but yellow squash offers a slightly sweeter flavor.

– **Slice evenly**: Make sure all your squash fries are about the same size for even cooking. The thinner the strips, the crispier they’ll get.

– **Add seasoning to taste**: Feel free to get creative with your seasoning! Add cayenne pepper for some heat, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for fragrance, or even a dash of lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor.

– **Air-fryer option**: If you have an air fryer, this is a great alternative to oven baking. Preheat the air fryer to **400°F** and cook the squash fries in a single layer for about **15 minutes**, shaking the basket halfway through.

– **Make it gluten-free**: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, use **gluten-free breadcrumbs** or substitute the breadcrumbs with ground almonds or crushed rice crackers.

### Why Squash Fries Are a Must-Try

Squash fries are not only a healthy alternative to regular fries but also a versatile snack that can be tailored to fit a variety of diets. They’re easy to make, crispy, and incredibly flavorful, with the ability to adapt to various seasoning preferences.

The sweetness of squash combined with a savory, crispy crust makes these fries a crowd-pleasing dish for family dinners, parties, or as a nutritious side for any meal. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak more vegetables into your diet, especially if you have picky eaters at home.

Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, reduce your carb intake, or simply want to try something new, squash fries are a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional potato fries. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find that they might just become your new favorite snack!

### Conclusion

Squash fries are a simple, nutritious, and tasty twist on a classic favorite. With a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy crispy, flavorful fries that are not only good for you but also deliciously satisfying. Perfect for a healthy snack, a side dish, or a fun way to get kids excited about eating vegetables, squash fries are a must-try in your kitchen!