Crunchy Oven-Fried Zucchini Sticks

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment.

Trim the ends from the zucchini and halve them lengthwise.

Cut each half crosswise into 3 to 4-inch lengths, then each piece lengthwise again into 1/2-inch wide strips.

Combine the flour, salt, garlic powder and black pepper in a large zip-top plastic bag.

Add about half of the zucchini strips and shake the bag to coat them with the flour.

Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining zucchini.

Whisk the eggs and milk together in a shallow dish.

Combine the panko crumbs and shredded cheese on a large sheet of wax paper and set it next to the egg mixture.

Using tongs, dip the zucchini strips, one at a time into the egg mixture, being sure to coat them on all sides.

Next, coat them with the panko-cheese mixture.

For an easy method of doing this, rather than turning the zucchini with the tongs, place a strip in the center of the pile of crumbs, then lift the edge of the wax paper to "bury" the zucchini in more crumbs. You'll lose very little of the egg mixture this way and the coating will adhere better.

Transfer the zucchini to the parchment lined baking sheets and spray the tops lightly with nonstick spray (or use an oil mister if you have one).

Bake until the coating is crisp and lightly browned and the zucchini is tender but not mushy, 18 to 22 minutes.

Be sure to rotate the sheets in the oven once or twice to ensure even cooking.

Dust the zucchini with a little extra salt and pepper as soon as they come out of the oven.

Serve immediately, either plain or with warm marinara sauce for dipping.