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Fried Zucchini is wildly addicting and our favorite way to eat zucchini lately. Served as a side or appetizer, these will quickly disappear, just as fast as you can fry them up! Dredged in egg and a simple garlic and flour mixture, these are fried to crispy golden perfection. Then add a little grated parmesan cheese sprinkled on top! Perfection!
Why You’ll Love This Fried Zucchini Recipe
Fried zucchini (aka zucchini chips) is a delicious way to enjoy one of summer’s favorite vegetables. Pair with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, remoulade sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce. This simple recipe is sure to become a family favorite, as a tasty snack or side dish in no time. Using fresh zucchini, this fried zucchini recipe will deliver the best results every time.
Ingredients Needed for Fried Zucchini
Making crispy fried zucchini is super simple and only requires a handful of ingredients! Here’s everything you need:
- Zucchini: Fresh zucchini sliced into 1/4 inch rounds.
- Flour: All-purpose flour for dredging.
- Eggs: Beaten in a shallow bowl.
- Coarse Salt and Garlic Powder: Ror flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, to sprinkle on top. Opt for a good quality parm.
- Oil: Canola or avocado oil for frying.
Variations
- Italian Seasoning: Mixed into the flour for added flavor.
- Italian bread crumbs or Panko Breadcrumbs and Parmesan: Combine for a different, cheesy crust instead of using just flour.
- Baked Zucchini Fries: Bake instead of frying for a healthier option.
- Air Fryer Zucchini: Spray with avocado oil spray and 400°F for 8-10 minutes, turning over halfway.
- Dipping Sauce: While Fried Zucchini tastes great as is, dipping them in ranch or marinara sauce takes these to the next level! Give it a try!
How to Make Fried Zucchini
Crispy, golden brown fried zucchini is the perfect summer treat! These savory zucchini slices, coated in a garlic powder and flour mixture, then fried to perfection, make for an irresistible appetizer or side dish. With a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top, this easy recipe will have you reaching for seconds. For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card down below.
1. Slice Zucchini + Remove Moisture
Slice zucchini into 1/4 inch rounds, pat dry really well with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Combine Ingredients + Beat Eggs Separately
In a small bowl, mix flour, salt and garlic powder. In a separate small bowl, beat eggs.
3. Heat Oil
Heat enough oil to cover the bottom of shallow frying pan.
4. Dredge Zucchini
While oil is heating up, dredge zucchini rounds in flour mixture, then egg, then flour mixture again.
5. Fry Zucchini
Once you have hot oil, fry zucchini pieces in small batches, in a single layer on medium-high heat. Fry for 2-4 minutes per side until browned. Once browned, remove from pan onto a paper towel lined platter. Repeat until all zucchini rounds are fried.
6. Add Parmesan Cheese + Serve
Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve!
Pro Tip: Your oil is ready for frying when the temperature reads between 350-375° F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test it by placing a corner of the zucchini in the oil. If is sizzles lightly, it’s ready. If nothing happens, it’s too cold. If it sizzles violently, it’s too hot. You need to find a happy medium between those two for frying.
Storing + Reheating Directions For Fried Zucchini
Fried Zucchini chips are best when eaten right away. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.
To Reheat: The best way to reheat them is in the oven or air fryer. You can broil them on low for a couple minutes…keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning! You can also place them in a 375° F oven for 5 minutes or until heated through.
What to Serve with Fried Zucchini
Serving fried zucchini as a side or appetizer is an easy addition to a meal. I like to serve it with a protein such as fish, chicken or steak. Here are a couple ideas to get you started.
- Baked Salmon
- Grilled Flank Steak
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Baked Chicken Legs
- Parmesan Baked Cod
- Smoked Pork Butt
FAQ About Fried Zucchini
Zucchini holds a lot of moisture. This is why zucchini is so great in baked goods! But even in baked goods, you need to soak up most of the moisture, or you’ll have a soggy end result. The easiest way to do this is to lay a few paper towels over the top of your sliced zucchini and press down gently to absorb the extra water. Another method is to salt the zucchini before dredging in egg and the flour mixture, but I haven’t found that to be necessary.
You want to use a neutral oil like canola or avocado oil for frying.
Absolutely, air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, turning over halfway.
Yes, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container.
Love Zucchini? Give These Other Delicious Recipes a Try!
- Soft Zucchini Bread (super easy!)
- Lemon Zucchini Cookies
- Zucchini Brownies
- Sausage and Peppers Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting
- Zucchini Fritters
- Zucchini Enchiladas
There ya go! Super simple recipe and an easy way to get some veggies into your meal.
If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
Fried Zucchini Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- coarse salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese good quality
- avocado oil or Canola, for frying (any neutral oil will work here)
Instructions
- Slice zucchini into 1/4 inch rounds, pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix flour, salt and garlic powder. Beat eggs.
- Heat enough oil to cover the bottom of shallow pan
- Dredge zucchini rounds in flour, then egg, then flour again.
- Fry zucchini in batches on medium heat for 2-4 minutes per side until browned.
- Remove zucchini from pan onto a paper towel lined platter.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
