Crispy Vegetable Sticks

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Crispy vegetable sticks make a fantastic, crunchy appetizer, snack, or party side dish. The key to getting them super crispy—whether baking or air-frying—is a quick dip in a seasoned batter, a light coating of panko breadcrumbs, and baking at a high temperature.

Here is an easy, foolproof recipe that works with a variety of vegetables:

Best Vegetables to Use

  • Zucchini or Yellow Squash: Cut into 1/2-inch thick sticks (remove soft seedy centers if large).
  • Carrots: Cut into 3-inch long, 1/2-inch thick sticks.
  • Bell Peppers: Cut into 1/2-inch wide strips.
  • Eggplant or Green Beans: Cut into matchsticks or left whole.

Ingredients

The Crunchy Coating:
  • 3 to 4 cups mixed vegetable sticks
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for extra crunch)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (or 1/2 cup milk/plant milk for an egg-free option)
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs create the crispies crust)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds great flavor)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven/Air Fryer:
    • Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, or fit a wire rack inside the sheet pan and spray it with cooking oil (a wire rack helps heat circulate all around the sticks so they don’t get soggy on the bottom).
    • Air Fryer: Preheat to 390°F (200°C).
  2. Set Up the Breading Station:
    • Bowl 1: Flour mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper.
    • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
    • Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper thoroughly combined.
  3. Bread the Vegetables:
    • Working in small batches, toss the vegetable sticks in the flour, shaking off any excess.
    • Dip them into the beaten egg mixture until fully coated.
    • Press the sticks firmly into the panko-seasoning mixture so the breadcrumbs adhere to all sides.
  4. Bake or Air Fry:
    • In the Oven: Arrange the breaded sticks in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet or wire rack, making sure they aren’t touching. Spray the tops generously with cooking spray (this helps the breadcrumbs turn golden and extra crispy). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender-crisp.
    • In the Air Fryer: Place the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if needed). Spray lightly with cooking oil. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crunchy.
  5. Serve: Serve hot immediately while they are at peak crispness, alongside marinara sauce, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or a tangy yogurt dip!

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