Fried zucchini — or as some call them, zucchini crisps, chips, or bites — are the kind of snack that disappears faster than you expect. Perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside with tender zucchini inside, these little bites are simply irresistible. Add a creamy garlic aioli for dipping, and you’ve got the ultimate summer appetizer.
When zucchini season hits and the garden is overflowing, this recipe is a must-try. Alongside favorites like Zucchini Fritters and Zucchini Casserole, these fried zucchini crisps are a family favorite — especially with kids!
🥒 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & golden – Panko breadcrumbs create that perfect crunch.
- Simple ingredients – You probably already have everything in your kitchen.
- Quick to make – Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Crowd-pleaser – Great for parties, potlucks, or a family snack night.
- Customizable – Works with zucchini, yellow squash, or even eggplant.
🧄 The Perfect Garlic Aioli Dip
Don’t skip the sauce — it’s what takes these zucchini bites from good to amazing!
You only need mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. It’s creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy — the perfect match for those crispy bites.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Fried Zucchini:
- 1 ½ lbs zucchini (about 2 medium/large), sliced into ½-inch rounds
- ½ cup all-purpose flour, seasoned with 1 tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Extra light olive oil (or another high-heat oil for frying)
For the Garlic Aioli:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, grated or pressed
- ½ Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
🍳 How to Make Fried Zucchini
- Set up your breading stations
- Bowl 1: Flour, salt, and pepper
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs
- Coat the zucchini
- Dredge each slice in flour, dip into egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Repeat until all slices are breaded.
- Fry until golden
- Heat ¼ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F).
- Fry zucchini in batches for about 3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
- Transfer to a wire rack set over paper towels and lightly salt while hot.
- Make the garlic aioli
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and stir until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Serve the crispy zucchini warm with garlic aioli or your favorite dipping sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- Sprinkle the crisps with a little kosher salt right after frying for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — it keeps the coating light and crunchy.
- Prefer baking? Spray the breaded slices with cooking spray and bake at 425°F for 18–20 minutes until golden.
- Air fryer fans can cook them at 370°F for 10–13 minutes, no flipping required!
🍅 Serving Ideas
Serve with marinara, ranch, avocado ranch, or classic fry sauce. These also pair perfectly with grilled chicken, burgers, or pasta dishes.
🧊 Storage
Fried zucchini are best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days and reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore the crunch.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Zucchini Crisps are the perfect way to celebrate summer’s bounty — simple, delicious, and incredibly snackable. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, they’ll disappear in minutes (so you might want to make a double batch!).