Fried Zucchini

My lip-smackin’ fried zucchini recipe delivers golden-brown, crispy perfection while keeping the insides tender and bursting with flavor. Turn your fresh garden zucchini into crispy fried zucchini, then pair it with your favorite dipping sauce, perfect for adults and kiddos alike! Whether you opt for air fried or deep-fried, I’ve got simple steps that guarantee crispy zucchini bites.

Recipe by Lindsay Autry

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

The zucchini, cut into batons and seasoned with a touch of salt, becomes the perfect canvas for a light batter and breadcrumbs. Whether you’re in the mood for a flavorful side dish, a unique appetizer, or a savory snack, these fried zucchini sticks are sure to hit the spot.

In this recipe, I’ll share two methods for frying your zucchini: air-frying for a lighter touch and deep-frying for that indulgent crunch. I love how air-frying gives me the crispy texture I crave without the extra oil. But I must admit, nothing quite compares to the golden-brown perfection of deep-fried zucchini. So, grab your zucchini, and let’s get frying! Trust me, once you try this fried zucchini recipe, you’ll find it hard to resist making it again and again.

Why you’ll love this fried zucchini recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for this fried zucchini recipe.

• Versatility: Fried zucchini can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it as an appetizer at parties, as a delightful side dish alongside your favorite main course, or even as a snack during movie nights. Its versatility makes it a go-to dish for any occasion.
• Garden Bounty: If you have a surplus of zucchini from your garden, this recipe is a fantastic way to put them to good use. Transform those abundant zucchinis into an easy appetizer that will impress your family and friends.
• Family-Friendly: Fried zucchini is a hit with both kids and adults alike. The mild flavor of zucchini combined with the crispy coating is a winning combination. It’s a great way to introduce vegetables to picky eaters.
• Crave-Worthy Crunch: There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a piece of fried zucchini and experiencing that delightful crunch. The crispy exterior pairs perfectly with the tender zucchini.
• Nostalgic Comfort: Fried zucchini has a way of invoking feelings of nostalgia and comfort. It’s a dish that reminds us of home-cooked meals, family gatherings, and the warmth of Southern hospitality. One bite can transport you to simpler times and create a sense of culinary connection to your roots.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe calls for readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. From zucchini to breadcrumbs, flour, and eggs, the simplicity of the ingredients ensures that you can whip up this dish whenever the craving strikes.
• Adaptable Flavors: While the recipe itself delivers fantastic flavor, it also allows room for personalization. Add a touch of your favorite spices or herbs to the seasoned bread crumbs, or experiment with different dipping sauces to elevate the taste even further. The recipe’s adaptability lets you make it uniquely your own.

Ingredients to make crispy fried zucchini

• Zucchini – Fresh, cleaned, and sliced zucchini. There isn’t much prep involved with the zucchini itself making it super easy to bring from your garden right into cooking. Washing first of course!
• Kosher salt – Simple on the spices here. To appeal to most, I find it easier to hold off on any spicy components, and instead serve crispy fried zucchini with a dipping sauce that has more heat.
• All-purpose flour & Baking soda– Sifted dry ingredients will allow the zucchini to receive an even layer and avoid any clumps.
• Eggs – This is the glue that holds it all together.
• Buttermilk – Buttermilk provides a delicious tang and helps to tenderize the sliced zucchini.
• Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or panko bread crumbs – If using regular panko, make sure to season with Italian seasoning. This is also a great way to introduce any other delicious herbs and spices you want to include.

How to make fried zucchini – 2 Ways

Cut zucchini in half crosswise, then cut into 3 ½ x ½ inch batons. Season with 1 teaspoon salt. Let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry.

Set up a dredging station, with three bowls—mix flour and baking soda in the first bowl; eggs, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and buttermilk in the second bowl; and the breadcrumbs in the third.

In three to four batches, place zucchini in each bowl, shaking off excess.

How To Make Fried Zucchini In The Air Fryer

1. Spray zucchini with cooking spray and place in air fryer.
2. Cook on 380F for 7 minutes.
3. Remove from air fryer and season with salt.
4. Repeat with remaining zucchini (2-3 batches, depending on the size of your air fryer).
5. Serve hot immediately.

How to Deep fry zucchini

1. Heat 4 cups vegetable oil to 375F in a heavy-bottomed 2-quart pot.
2. Gently lower zucchini into hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes, until deep golden brown
3. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt.
4. Wait until the temperature returns to 375F. Repeat with the remaining zucchini.
5. Serve hot immediately.

Tips for making the best fried Zucchini

1. Keep the zucchini slices evenly sized for consistent frying: Cutting the zucchini into uniform slices ensures that they cook evenly and at the same rate. This helps to achieve a consistent golden-brown color and texture throughout the batch.
2. Ensure the oil temperature stays steady for optimal frying: Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior without greasiness. If the oil is too hot, the zucchini may burn quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside. If it’s too cool, the zucchini may turn out greasy and lack crispness.
3. Place fried zucchini on a wire rack: After frying, it’s important to place the fried zucchini on a wire rack or paper towels on a plate. This allows any excess oil to drain off and helps to preserve the crispy texture. Avoid stacking the fried zucchini directly on top of each other, as it can cause them to become soggy.
4. Avoid overcrowding: It’s tempting to cook as many zucchini slices as possible in one go, but overcrowding the frying pan or air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and soggy results. Give the zucchini slices some space to breathe, allowing hot air or oil to circulate around them. Cook the zucchini in batches if necessary, ensuring that each slice has ample room to fry up beautifully.

Popular substitutions & additions

• Swap the Italian breadcrumbs for panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
• Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb coating for a cheesy twist.
• Spice things up by incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika into the flour mixture.
• For zesty ranch, add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper and one-1 ounce packet of ranch seasoning to the breadcrumbs.
• For cheesy Italian, add 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs.

What to serve with your fried zucchini

You can savor fried zucchini as a bomb standalone snack to hit those savory cravings or pair it with any of the following dishes.

• Dips & Sauces: Serve with warm marinara, creamy remoulade sauce, or a spread of pimento cheese.
• Grilled favorites: Perfect with a nice piece of grilled ribeye steak, grilled chicken kabobs, or these juicy BBQ baby back ribs.
• Salads: Enjoy these crunchy bites with a fresh cobb salad with jerk shrimp, creamy southern potato salad, or this unique creole shrimp egg salad.
• Wraps & Sandwiches: Pair with this delicious pizza grilled cheese, flavorful Jamaican beef patties, or a classic fresh tomato sandwich.

How to Store & Reheat Fried Zucchini:

Storing: After you’ve enjoyed your fried zucchini, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like to place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture and keep the fried zucchini from getting soggy.

Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your fried zucchini again, the best way to reheat them is in the oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 375°F. Place the zucchini on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re crispy and heated through. Avoid using a microwave for reheating as it can make the zucchini soggy.

How long will Fried Zucchini last in the fridge?

Fried zucchini will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container with a paper towel at the bottom.

Can I Freeze fried Zucchini?

Yep you sure can boos. To do so, let the zucchini cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can reheat the frozen zucchini in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy and heated through. There’s no need to thaw them first.

.

Frequently asked questions

More perfectly fried recipes

Here are some of my favorite crispy fried recipes!

• Crispy Fried Oyster Mushrooms
• Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe
• Southern Fried Chicken Biscuits
• Fried Okra Recipe
• Fried Chicken Gizzards Recipe