Description

The Ultimate Fried Zucchini Recipe is a delicious, crispy, and flavorful dish that’s easy to make at home. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, this recipe combines fresh zucchini with a crispy, golden breading that delivers a satisfying crunch in every bite. The zucchini slices are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in egg, and rolled in a blend of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then fried until perfectly crisp and tender on the inside.

Ingredients

Scale

2 medium zucchinis, cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds or strips
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added flavor)
Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2-3 cups)
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Ranch or marinara sauce for dipping (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the Zucchini:

Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and cut off the ends.
Slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds or sticks, depending on your preference. For a “fries” style, cut into strips, or you can make rounds for more bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare the Breading Stations:

Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Egg Wash: In a second shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese (optional for added flavor).

3. Coat the Zucchini:

Take each zucchini slice or stick and dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it is well-coated.
Then, dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
Finally, coat the zucchini in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.

4. Fry the Zucchini:

Heat about 2-3 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of zucchini into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, it’s ready for frying.
Fry the zucchini in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each piece for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the zucchini and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. Serve:

Arrange the fried zucchini on a serving platter.
Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Offer ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or any dipping sauce of your choice.

Notes

Zucchini Moisture:
- Zucchini tends to release moisture as it cooks, which can prevent the breading from sticking. To avoid this, pat the zucchini slices dry with a paper towel before breading to remove excess moisture.
Breading Variations:
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs work best for a super crispy texture, but you can also use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adding grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs gives a wonderful savory flavor and additional crunch. You can also experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey center.
Spice Adjustments:
- Heat: If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for an extra kick.
- Herbs: Add dried herbs like Italian seasoning, oregano, or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for a more Mediterranean flavor.
Frying Tips:
- Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent. If the oil is too hot, the breading may burn before the zucchini cooks through. If it’s too cool, the zucchini may become greasy instead of crispy.
- Use a deep frying thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F (175°C) for best results.
Air Fryer Option:
- For a healthier, lower-oil option, you can air fry the zucchini. Lightly coat the breaded zucchini in cooking spray and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
Make Ahead:
- You can bread the zucchini slices ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 1 hour before frying. This helps the breading adhere better and results in a crispier texture.
Storage:
- Leftover fried zucchini can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To re-crisp, heat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or reheat them in an air fryer.
Serving Suggestions:
- Fried zucchini pairs perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces, including ranch dressing, marinara, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
- Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or snack with lemon wedges for an extra fresh touch.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 5 grams
Sodium: 500 mg
Fat: 12 grams
Saturated Fat: 3 grams
Carbohydrates: 30 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Protein: 7 grams
Cholesterol: 50 mg

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