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 mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 232kcal
- 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*
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.
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.
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