These vegan breaded zucchini sticks are crispy, golden, and delicious. An easy dairy-free appetizer everyone loves.
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, cut into sticks
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko (use gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil or spray oil
Optional Dips
- Marinara sauce
- Vegan ranch or garlic aioli
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ First, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
2️⃣ Next, mix breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
3️⃣ Then, pour plant-based milk into another bowl.
4️⃣ After that, dip each zucchini stick into the milk, then coat evenly in the breadcrumb mixture.
5️⃣ Meanwhile, place the breaded zucchini sticks on a lined baking sheet or air fryer basket.
6️⃣ Then, lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil.
7️⃣ Afterward, bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.
8️⃣ Finally, remove from heat and serve warm with your favorite dip.
💡 Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, double-coat the zucchini sticks.
- Alternatively, add Italian seasoning or dried herbs.
- For spicy sticks, add chili powder or cayenne.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Additionally, use almond flour for a low-carb option.
🌟 Benefits of Vegan Breaded Zucchini Sticks
First, zucchini is low in calories and high in hydration.
Additionally, baking or air frying reduces excess oil.
Moreover, nutritional yeast adds B vitamins and savory flavor.
Furthermore, this recipe is dairy-free and cholesterol-free.
In addition, it’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly.
Finally, it’s a healthier alternative to fried appetizers.
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
To make this recipe kid-friendly, reduce the spices and skip black pepper. Use plain breadcrumbs and serve with ketchup or mild marinara sauce. Cut zucchini into shorter sticks for easy handling.
