Fried Zucchini Recipe

If you have a summer garden, chances are you have some zucchini on hand. If not, zucchini is available year-round at your local grocery store, making this a convenient and delicious recipe anytime. This crispy fried zucchini is one of our favorite ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable. You can even prepare them ahead of time, then reheat in the air fryer or oven—they’ll stay perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them with marinara sauce, honey mustard, or Southern comeback sauce for dipping.

This recipe is always a crowd-pleaser with family and friends. For family night, pair it with other favorites like Lemon Pepper Wings, Baked Shrimp Toast, and French Onion Dip.

Ingredients

• Zucchini: Look for medium-sized, firm, and unblemished zucchini
• Flour: All-purpose
• Eggs: Large
• Breadcrumbs: A mix of Italian and panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
• Oil: Vegetable or canola oil for frying
• Sauce: Marinara, honey mustard, or homemade ranch dressing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Zucchini: Cut zucchini into sticks or rounds, about ½ inch thick.
2. Set Up Dredging Station: Arrange three bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture (Italian and panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper).
3. Dredge the Zucchini: Coat each piece of zucchini in flour, dip in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat until all zucchini pieces are coated.
4. Fry the Zucchini: In a Dutch oven or heavy skillet, heat ½ inch of oil over medium heat. Fry zucchini in batches, cooking each side for a few minutes or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried zucchini to paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Serve: Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips

• Thickness for Best Results: Keep zucchini pieces about ⅓–½ inch thick for even cooking and optimal crispiness.
• Homemade Breadcrumbs: Use croutons for a deliciously flavorful breadcrumb with fewer preservatives. Grind in a food processor until fine.
• Avoid Breading Mess: Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet ingredients to keep hands clean.
• Lighter Air Fryer Option: For a lower-fat version, prepare as directed, spray with cooking spray, and air fry at 400°F for 5–7 minutes or until crispy.
• Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan adds unbeatable flavor and enhances the crisp coating.

Air Fryer Instructions

• Bread zucchini as above, spray lightly with cooking spray, then preheat air fryer to 400°F.
• Arrange in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes or until crispy. Check frequently, as cooking times vary.

Oven-Baked Instructions

• Bread zucchini as directed, spray with cooking spray, and preheat oven to 400°F.
• Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

This easy breaded zucchini recipe, with its crispy coating seasoned with Parmesan, garlic, and oregano, is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy!