Courgette Fries with Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
Crunchy, golden courgette fries are a delicious twist on a classic snack. Lightly battered and fried to perfection, they make a perfect appetizer or side dish that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 2 courgettes, cut into 1cm batons
- Oil, for deep frying
- 15g parmesan, grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Tip the plain flour into a bowl. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of water and mix to form a thick batter. Season the batter generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then mix in the courgette batons until they are well coated.
- Step 2: Pour oil into a pan until it is about 4cm deep, making sure the pan is no more than two thirds full. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 180°C, or test by dropping a small amount of batter in—it should sizzle and turn brown within 30 seconds.
- Step 3: Gently lower half the battered courgettes into the hot oil. Fry, turning once after 1 minute with a slotted spoon, for a total of 5–6 minutes until golden and crispy. If the fries stick together, carefully separate them using tongs.
- Step 4: Remove the fries from the oil and drain them on a plate lined with kitchen paper. Repeat the frying process with the remaining battered courgettes.
- Step 5: Once all fries are cooked, scatter the grated parmesan over them and serve immediately while hot and crisp.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the batter before mixing in the courgettes.
- Try serving the fries with a side of tangy marinara sauce or garlic mayonnaise for dipping.
- If you prefer baking, you can brush the battered courgettes with oil and bake at 200°C for 15–20 minutes until golden, turning halfway through.
Storage
Courgette fries are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness. If you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to help restore some crunch, avoiding sogginess from the microwave.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for the batter?
Yes, you can substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different but the fries will still be delicious.
What oil is best for deep frying these fries?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, sunflower, or peanut oil, to achieve crispy fries without burning.
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Courgette Fries with Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
These crispy courgette fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fries. Lightly battered and deep-fried to golden perfection, then sprinkled with Parmesan cheese for a savory finishing touch, they make a perfect snack or side dish.
Ingredients
For the Batter and Fries
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 2 courgettes, cut into 1cm batons
- 2 tbsp water
- Oil, for deep frying (about 4cm deep)
For Garnish
- 15g Parmesan, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: Tip the plain flour into a bowl, then drizzle in 2 tablespoons of water. Mix well until a thick batter forms. Season the batter generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then mix in the courgette batons until they are fully coated.
- Heat the oil: Pour oil into a deep pan until it reaches about 4cm depth, ensuring the pan is no more than two thirds full to prevent overflow. Set the pan over medium heat and heat the oil until it reaches 180°C or test by dropping a little batter into the oil—it should sizzle and brown within 30 seconds.
- Fry the courgette fries: Carefully lower half of the battered courgettes into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry them, turning after 1 minute, for a total of 5-6 minutes until they turn golden and crisp. Use tongs to gently separate any fries that stick together during frying.
- Drain the fries: Remove the fries from the oil with the slotted spoon and place them onto a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining battered courgettes.
- Finish and serve: Once all fries are fried and drained, scatter the grated Parmesan over the top while still warm. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Maintaining the oil temperature is key to crispy fries; too low and they’ll be greasy, too high and they’ll burn.
- If you want a lighter version, you can bake the fries, but they won’t be as crispy.
- Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Make sure to dry the courgettes well after cutting to avoid thinning the batter.
- Serve the fries immediately for maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: courgette fries, zucchini fries, deep fried courgettes, crispy vegetable fries, Parmesan fries, snack, side dish
