Fried Zucchini Recipe
Crispy fried zucchini is a simple yet flavorful side dish with a golden, crunchy exterior and tender interior. Ideal for using up fresh garden zucchini, this recipe uses a classic three-step breading process with seasoned flour, egg wash, and panko-parmesan coating. The result is a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side that can be deep-fried, air-fried, or baked for a lighter version.
Ingredients
- 2–3 medium zucchini
- ¾ tsp kosher salt for drawing out moisture
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2–3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Optional 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs or 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley, basil, or dill
- Optional Pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
- Neutral oil for frying vegetable, canola, or peanut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini:
- Wash and dry zucchini. Trim ends, slice into ¼-inch coins or ½-inch sticks. Place in a colander, toss with ¾ tsp kosher salt. Let sit for 30–60 minutes. Pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season with pepper.
- Set up coating stations:
- Dish 1: Mix flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dish 2: Beat eggs with 1 tbsp water.
- Dish 3: Mix panko breadcrumbs with parmesan and optional herbs/spices.
- Bread the zucchini:
- Dredge zucchini in flour, dip in egg wash, and coat in breadcrumb mixture. Press breadcrumbs onto zucchini. Rest coated pieces on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
- Fry the zucchini:
- Heat ¼–½ inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry zucchini in batches, 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels or wire rack.
- Serve:
- Sprinkle with flaky salt. Serve hot with dipping sauces like marinara, garlic aioli, or yogurt herb dip.
Notes
- For gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornmeal.
- For keto: Substitute almond flour or crushed pork rinds for breading.
- Air Fryer Version: Air fry at 375°F for 5–6 minutes per side.
- Baked Version: Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes per side.
- For extra crunch: Try double-dipping (flour → egg → breadcrumbs → repeat egg & breadcrumbs).
- Zucchini fries and pancakes are great alternatives using similar prep.