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This fried zucchini recipe is easy to make with a parmesan crumb mixture-perfect as a snack, side, or appetizer.

fried zucchini on a plate

Ingredient Tips

  • Zucchini: Use small to medium-sized zucchini for the best texture and flavor. If using large garden zucchini, it can be cut in half and the seeds can be scraped out if needed.
  • Flour and Egg: Helps the bread crumbs stick to the zucchini slices.
  • Seasoned Breadcrumbs: If your crumbs aren’t seasoned check the recipe notes for seasonings to add. Panko breadcrumbs or regular crumbs can be seasoned.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory flavor and salt to the coating.

Need more zucchini inspiration? We love stuffed zucchini boats and zucchini parmesan. Or try these delicious zucchini brownies and zucchini bread for dessert!

How to Fry Zucchini

There are several different ways to fry zucchini. You can fry them in a pan with oil, in an air fryer, or bake them in the oven.

  • In a Pan: Heat 1-inch of oil in a frying pan or skillet. Add the zucchini in small batches and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
  • In an Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Add the zucchini slices, in a single layer, and cook for 8 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Oven-Fried: To bake in the oven, place the coins in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes in an oven preheated to 400°F.

Dips for Fried Zucchini

More Zucchini Sides and Snacks

Did your family love this Crispy Fried Zucchini recipe? Leave us a rating and a comment below.

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fried zucchini on a plate
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Fried Zucchini

Crispy Fried Zucchini is sliced into medallions, coated in a parmesan breadcrumb mixture, and fried until golden and crispy.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8
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Ingredients  

  • 2 medium zucchini about 1 ½ lbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese.
  • 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
  • canola oil for frying

Instructions 

  • Trim the ends off the zucchini and slice into ½-inch disks.
  • In a small bowl, beat the eggs with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. On a shallow plate, combine parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and ½ teaspoon salt and black pepper.
  • Add ½-inch of oil to a medium sized skillet. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350°F using a thermometer.
  • Dredge the zucchini in flour and shake off any excess. Dip in the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to adhere. Repeat with the remaining slices.
  • Add zucchini to the hot oil in small batches cooking for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
  • Drain on paper towels. Season with additional salt if desired.

Notes

Alternative Cooking Methods:
  • Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place in a single layer, cooking for 8 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
  • Oven-Fried: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray with cooking spray. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Ensure you are using seasoned bread crumbs. If your breadcrumbs are plain, season them by adding 1 teaspoon each garlic powder & dried parsley flakes and ½ teaspoon each onion powder, dried oregano & dried basil.
4.95 from 150 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 209 | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 516mg | Potassium: 233mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 269IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Crispy Fried Zucchini on a plate
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Crispy Fried Zucchini on a cooling rack and plated with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. Made this tonight for my wife and myself and it was amazing. I swapped out the seasoned bread crumbs for a packet of Kinder’s garlic and woodsmoke (something like that) bread crumbs and served it up with some ranch.5 stars

  2. Just made these today. Wonderful. Used flavored croutons from Sam’s club. Family really enjoyed. Will try them baked and air fried also. Very easy and super tasty. Thank you for this wonderful recipe. We even did some onion rings yummy too.5 stars

  3. I have tried fried zucchini with a different recipe in the past and wasted the whole thing. Sad sad. This recipe was so delicious Thank you5 stars

  4. Wow, these fried zucchini medallions were SO delicious. I used plain panko crumbs and seasoned per your instructions. Served with homemade ranch dressing these were a hit with the whole family, even my little picky eater ate some. Thanks for this recipe – it’s a keeper for our abundance of summer zucchini!5 stars

  5. This recipe is easy to prepare and the flavor is excellent. If you use an air fryer, spray the zucchini with oil to help with the crisping and appearance.5 stars

  6. I make these all the time. I air roast at 400 for 20 minutes in my Ninja. I put them in egg.. then Italian bread crumbs with parmesan cheese and garlic pepper. they are my favorite, dip in ketchup ad ranch. yum5 stars

    1. I don’t have an exact temperature, for this recipe we heat the oil over medium-high heat for a few minutes while prepping the zucchini. Then we add the zucchini, a few a time, cooking until golden brown on each side. I have never tried deep-frying this recipe so I can’t say for sure how they will turn out but I would love to hear how it goes if you do try!