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+ servings
Air fried zucchini plated with dipping sauce.
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5 from 5 votes

Fried Zucchini

My lip-smackin' fried zucchini recipe delivers golden-brown, crispy perfection while keeping the insides tender. Make in the air fryer or deep-fry!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 232kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Zucchini 2 large or 3 medium
  • 1 ½ teaspoon plus extra Kosher salt divided
  • ½ cup All-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon Baking soda
  • 2 large Eggs
  • ¼ cup Buttermilk
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • Nonstick cooking spray*
  • Vegetable oil*

Instructions

  • Cut zucchini in half cross-wise, 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.

For Air-frying

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

For Deep-frying

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

Notes

Note: Either variation is delicious when served with your favorite marinara sauce.
Flavor variations:
  • 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 1398mg | Potassium: 433mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 428IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 3mg