Fried Zucchini is a simple, crispy side dish that’s golden on the outside and tender on the inside. Coated in a flavorful Parmesan breadcrumb crust and fried until crisp, it’s a delicious appetizer or snack that’s sure to disappear fast.
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Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Fried Zucchini
- Flavor: Each bite is crispy and savory with a hint of Parmesan, while the zucchini inside has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Technique: Coating the zucchini in flour, then egg, and finally seasoned breadcrumbs creates a crispy crust that sticks beautifully while frying.
- Serving Suggestions: I love serving these crispy fried zucchini as an appetizer before pasta night, especially with an easy homemade lasagna. They’re also delicious with marinara, ranch, or tzatziki for dipping.
Total Time: 30 Minutes Servings: 8 Cooking Method: Pan-Fried
Ingredient Notes
- Zucchini: Choose medium zucchini for the best texture. Larger zucchini tend to be watery with more developed seeds, which can make the coating less crisp.
- Eggs: The beaten eggs help the breadcrumb coating adhere to the zucchini. Whisk them well so each slice is evenly coated before adding the breadcrumbs.
- All-Purpose Flour: A light coating of flour creates a dry surface that helps the egg adhere. Shake off any excess so the breading stays light and crispy instead of becoming gummy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a rich, salty, nutty flavor to the breadcrumb coating. Finely grated Parmesan blends more evenly with the breadcrumbs than shredded cheese for better coverage.
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Seasoned breadcrumbs are the easiest way to add plenty of flavor. If you only have plain breadcrumbs, mix in garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, oregano, and basil for a simple homemade substitute. Use part panko for a lighter, crunchier texture.
How to Make Fried Zucchini
- Slice the zucchini into even rounds. Prepare the breading mixture in bowls.
- Coat each slice in flour, dip it into egg, then press it into the crumb mixture.
- Fry in small batches (full recipe below).
- Drain on paper towels, season while warm, and serve right away.
Saving Fried Zucchini
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat leftovers in an air fryer at 350°F or in the oven at 375°F until hot and crisp. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it softens the coating.
Do not freeze, as the zucchini gets mushy when defrosted.
This recipe works great in the air fryer! Just preheat the air fryer to 375°F, then place the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. No need to flip halfway through.
Yes! This recipe works well in the oven. Start by preheating the oven to 400°F. Then place the zucchini 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.
More Crispy Veggie Favorites
Did you enjoy the following Fried Zucchini Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini about 1½ lbs
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 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 of salt and pepper. In a second shallow bowl or plate, add the flour. On a third shallow plate, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, 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 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels. Season with additional salt if desired.
Notes
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place in a single layer and cook for 8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- 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.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
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These were great even though I made some mistakes. The kids wanted me to use the deep fryer. The zucchini I used, however, was one that had “gotten away” in the garden and was huge so the slices were also very large (some over 4″ diameter). Although they looked pretty after coming out of the fryer, they weren’t cooked all the way through. I should have oven-baked these ones. The smaller pieces were delicious! I’ll probably stick the larger ones in the oven to cook them all the way through.
Hi….
I enjoy using your r3ecipes but where there are alternate cooking methods, they do not print when you print the recipe. I discovered that by accident as I just assumed that since it was mentioned in the test of the recipe and listed there, that it would print. The latest one was the fried zucchini in which you give methods for baking or air frying but the only instructions that print are the ones for frying in oil on the stovetop.
Thank you so much for your feedback Alix. This is a great suggestion.
I was disappointed that the other methods weren’t included on the printable recipe as well.
Why is my bread crumbs falling off. Any tips?
Hmmm, maybe the zucchini chips arent being soaked enough in the egg mixture before being coated with the bread crumbs?
@Christina – go back to the food network. Holly was so polite to your obnoxious comment. ok this recipe was not your cup of tea. Perhaps a cooking class or a valium would help you.
I have made fried zucchini many times, and this recipe turned out better than any I have made before. Thanks for the recipe! Only thing I changed was using peanut oil instead.
I made this last night and it turned out great. Even the kids liked it.
Those look wonderful
looked at the zucchini recipes became interested
Enjoy the zucchini recipes Murray!
So amazing!
My hubby made this for the family and said it was super easy, so he will make it any time we want! It is so delish!! SWP Employee
So glad you loved it!
Delicious and super easy. Adding to my favorite recipes. Texture and flavor was perfect. I couldn’t stop eating them
These were absolutely disgusting. How could you go wrong?? Well I’ve cooked fried zucchini many times and usually do the food network giadas recipe. This recipe had more stars and stupid me thought I’d give it a try. I was wrong!!!!!! I think doing the flour then the egg and then the parm mixed in with the bread crumbs makes it weird tasting and just not light and fresh. My son was so disappointed because he usually loves my fried zucchini. What a waste of money.
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy this. Flour/egg is a common binder that helps the crumbs adhere to the zucchini (as zucchini has a lot of water content).
These were so bland and gross. I should have looked at the reviews before I made it.. my fault. But they were awful. No flavor whatsoever. Threw them in the trash….
How disappointing Catina. Did you use seasoned breadcrumbs in this recipe?
Dude, those complaining about this being bland…its their own fault for not seasoning to taste. ALL RECIPES SAY “SEASON TO TASTE”. But I guess common sense isn’t with some people.
I love fried zucchini!! Anyone have a recommendation for a dipping sauce:)
Tanya, try them with buttermilk ranch dip, a spicy chipotle mayo, or Easy Tzatziki Dip!
sour cream and horse radish makes a tasty dipping sauce.
A bit harsh perhaps? Wow. Try kindness. Not everything suits everyone. How much could zucchini, egg, and breadcrumbs cost?
Wow.
this recipe was absolutely delicious. we tweaked it a little – used panko to which we added onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika. we also used twice as much oil, fried for 3 minutes then flipped and fried for 30 seconds more. they were perfect gourmet.
Yum
These look yummy and like a great way to use up the extra Zucchini in the garden. I was wondering can I pre dredged them in the batter and lay them on a cookie sheet to fry an hour or so later? I’m doing a huge fish and chips night so trying to be prepared as much as possible. Also contemplating baking them instead of frying them, but I’ve never deep-fried before and kids are so excited about it.
Yes, if you dredge them they will be fine to be refrigerated for a couple of hours. A fish & chips night sounds delicious!! Enjoy the recipe.
These were delicious! If we made too many do you know of a good way to keep them? Can they be frozen?
Thank you Tara! I wouldn’t recommend freezing them. I’d refrigerate and then reheat in a frying pan or in the oven.
Will try this air fryer recipe. It sounds delicious and simple.
Fried Zucchini in a Air Fryer looks great. I’ll have to zip up to Safeway!!! :)
Made these last night. So very good. Was wondering if these can also be baked and at what temperature. Thank you for this great recipe. Great with all types of dipping sauces.
Hi Linda, so happy you enjoyed them. You can definitely bake them! You will want to bake them for 18 to 20 minutes in an oven preheated to 400°F degrees.
These recipes look delicious!
Thanks Ginger!