Quick and Easy Vegetable Fries Recipes
Homemade vegetable fries are a healthier, versatile alternative to traditional fries, offering endless possibilities for flavor, texture, and dips. By using fresh vegetables and simple seasonings, you can create a crispy, satisfying snack or side dish that’s easy to customize and better than anything store-bought.
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Homemade vegetable fries are an easy, affordable, and customizable snack or side dish that lets you control ingredients, seasonings, and cooking methods for better flavor and texture without the added oils, preservatives, and sodium often found in store-bought options.
Hot, crispy, salty fries… there’s nothing quite like them. But let’s be honest, the greasy after-feeling isn’t always worth it. If you love fries but want something lighter, veggie fries are a fantastic option.
They’re baked, not fried, and just as satisfying. With options like sweet potatoes, green beans, and carrots, these recipes turn everyday vegetables into crispy bites of goodness.
14 Light and Easy Vegetable Fries Recipes
Find delicious recipes for everything from zucchini to eggplant to my favorite butternut squash fries!
Carrot Fries
The best crispy Baked Carrot Fries are a healthy alternative to traditional fries made with thinly sliced carrots! They are easy, kids love them, and they are a great way to sneak in extra veggies.
Celeriac Fries (Crispy Celery Root Fries)
These Celeriac Fries are baked in the oven until crispy and delicious are a low carb french fry alternative most people don't think of but you are missing out! Celery root or celeriac is a delicious root vegetable with a subtle flavor perfect for fries.
Baked Skinny Fries
Baked Skinny Fries are a delicious low-calorie alternative to traditional french fries. Made with a sneaky combination of potatoes and turnips, you won’t even be able to tell the difference! Say hello to your new favorite healthy rendition of a classic side dish.
Crispy Turnip Fries
Turnip fries that taste just as good as your favorite crispy french fries but with fewer carbs and baked in the oven for a healthy, low carb side dish.
Baked Eggplant Fries
Learn to make these crispy baked eggplant fries as a healthy alternative to traditional french fries with a crispy coating of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Butternut Squash Fries
Crispy Butternut Squash Fries are a healthy, vegetable fry that everyone will love. They are easy to make, a great low carb alternative to sweet potato fries, and come out perfectly baked every time.
Baked Parsnip Fries
The best parsnip fries that come out crispy, sweet, and delicious! Serve them as a side dish for a healthy alternative to traditional fries.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Learn to make crispy, delicious Baked Sweet Potato Fries that taste just as good as any restaurant. Serve them with your favorite burgers, tenders, and more.
Spicy Green Bean Fries
These crispy Green Bean Fries are baked in the oven with crispy breadcrumbs and spices to make a homemade green bean fry that tastes just as good as the deep fried restaurant version.
Oven Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries
These baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries are the absolute best alternative to traditional french fries. They are super crispy, covered in a delicious Parmesan breading, and ready in less than 25 minutes.
Baked Onion Rings
Baked Onion Rings are a delicious, healthier version of everyone’s favorite appetizer. Made simply with onions, all-purpose flour, and egg whites, these homemade onion rings are baked to perfection in just 20 minutes.
Baked Parmesan Onion Straws
Baked Onion Straws are a delicious, healthier alternative to everyone’s favorite side dish. Made with fresh onions, parmesan cheese, and an array of delicious spices, these healthy onion straws come together in less than 30 minutes.
Baked Garlic Parmesan Zucchini and Summer Squash Fries
Baked Zucchini and Summer Squash Fries with garlic, parmesan, and a perfectly crispy coating couldn't be more delicious. They will make everyone want to eat their veggies.
Crispy Baked Potato Wedges
Potato wedges baked until crispy and golden brown are the perfect side dish and healthy alternative to fries.
Top Tips for Making Veggie Fries
These tips will help make your veggie fries perfect ever time!
- Cut Evenly: Slice your veggies into evenly sized sticks (about ¼ inch thick) to ensure consistent cooking. Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife for precision.
- Dry Thoroughly: Pat the vegetable slices dry with a paper towel before seasoning. For watery veggies like zucchini or eggplant, sprinkle them with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then blot dry.
- Toss with Oil and Seasoning: Coat the vegetables lightly with oil to help the seasoning stick and promote crispiness. Use just enough oil to coat, as too much can make the fries soggy.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the fries in a single layer on your baking sheet or air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces. Overcrowding prevents airflow and leads to steaming instead of crisping.
- Flip or Shake Halfway: Turn the fries or shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.
For perfectly crispy vegetable fries, slice your veggies into even sticks about ¼ inch thick - thinner ones crisp faster, while thicker ones stay tender. Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for consistent cuts, and stabilize round veggies like sweet potatoes by slicing off a small piece to create a flat surface.
Pat the slices dry with a paper towel, and for watery veggies like zucchini or eggplant, sprinkle them with salt, let them sit for 10 minutes, then blot off excess moisture. Spread the fries out on your baking sheet or air fryer basket, leaving space for air to circulate.
Crowded fries won’t crisp, so cook in batches if needed.
For extra crunch, add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. Toss the sticks with oil before adding spices to help the seasoning stick evenly, and try cutting at an angle for longer, thinner fries that crisp beautifully.
- Oven method: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray. Slice your vegetables into sticks, toss them with oil, and season with your favorite spices. Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’re ready when crispy and golden.
- Air fryer method: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Slice your vegetables into sticks, toss with oil, and season as desired. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Meals To Serve With Veggie Fries
These fries make the perfect side dish. Here are some meal ideas:
- Serve with burgers like this Ground Chicken Burger, these Ranch Burgers or this Barbecue Cheddar Turkey Burger.
- Sandwiches like this Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese, Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches or Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches.
- Or pair with recipes like this Turkey Melt, these Hummus Vegetable Wraps or Grilled Cheeseburger Wrap.
Best Seasonings for Veggie Fries
- Italian seasoning: A simple herb mix perfect for vegetables like carrots or squash.
- Cajun seasoning: Adds smoky heat with paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder.
- Ranch seasoning: Creamy and tangy with buttermilk, dill, and chives.
- Taco seasoning: Perfect for fries with a Tex-Mex flavor.
- Seasoned salt: A blend of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Best Dips for Veggie Fries
The perfect dip can take your veggie fries to the next level, adding bold flavors and textures that complement their crispy goodness. Whether you prefer something creamy, spicy, or tangy, these delicious dip ideas are sure to satisfy:
- Yogurt blue cheese: Creamy with a tangy bite.
- Guacamole: Perfect for sweet potato or carrot fries.
- Habanero salsa: Spicy and smoky, ideal with Tex-Mex flavors.
- Thousand Island: Sweet, tangy, and always a crowd favorite.
- Hummus: Garlicky and nutty, pairs well with denser fries.
- Avocado Ranch Dip: A perfect way to add protein to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are vegetable fries?
Vegetable fries are crispy, flavorful snacks or side dishes made by slicing and baking or air frying fresh vegetables. They’re a healthier alternative to traditional fries and can be customized with various seasonings and dips.
What vegetables work best for fries?
Firm vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini, green beans, parsnips, squash, turnips, celery root, and eggplant work well for fries. These vegetables crisp up beautifully when baked or air fried.
Do I need to peel the vegetables before making fries?
It depends on the vegetable. For sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, the skin can add texture and crispiness if thoroughly cleaned. For tougher vegetables like turnips or rutabagas, peeling may improve the flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to get vegetable fries crispy?
To achieve crispy fries:
- Slice vegetables evenly (about ¼ inch thick).
- Pat them dry before seasoning.
- Avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet or air fryer basket.
- Toss with a small amount of oil to help seasoning stick and promote crispness.
- Add 5-10 minutes of extra cooking time for a crunchier texture.
What are the best dips for vegetable fries?
Some delicious dip options include:
- Yogurt blue cheese dressing
- Guacamole
- Habanero salsa
- Thousand Island dressing
- Hummus
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