Crispy Fried Zucchini is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. Coated with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, these fried zucchini slices are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a side dish.
Ingredients for Crispy Fried Zucchini
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions for Crispy Fried Zucchini
1. Prepare the Zucchini
- Wash the zucchinis and slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
- In one shallow bowl, place the 1 cup all-purpose flour.
- In a second shallow bowl, beat the 2 large eggs.
- In a third shallow bowl, mix the 1 cup breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
3. Bread the Zucchini Slices
- Dredge each zucchini slice in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured zucchini slices into the beaten eggs, coating them fully.
- Finally, press the zucchini slices into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on both sides. Set aside on a plate.
4. Fry the Zucchini
- Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking (around 350°F (175°C)).
- Fry the zucchini slices in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried zucchini to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Serve
- Serve the crispy fried zucchini hot, with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Prevent Soggy Zucchini: Make sure to pat the zucchini slices dry before breading them to remove excess moisture. This helps ensure a crispy result.
- Bread Crumbs: You can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture, or stick with regular breadcrumbs for a more traditional coating.
- Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. Too hot, and the zucchini will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Variations for Crispy Fried Zucchini
1. Baked Zucchini Rounds
- For a healthier version, bake the breaded zucchini slices on a greased baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Zucchini Sticks
- Instead of slicing the zucchini into rounds, cut them into sticks for a fun variation. Follow the same breading and frying process for crispy zucchini sticks.
3. Spicy Fried Zucchini
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
These zucchini slices are best served fresh and crispy, but you can prepare and bread the zucchini ahead of time. Store the breaded slices in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before frying.
2. Can I freeze fried zucchini?
It’s best not to freeze fried zucchini, as the texture may become soggy when reheated. However, you can freeze the breaded zucchini slices before frying. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.
3. What dipping sauces go well with fried zucchini?
Popular dipping sauces include ranch dressing, marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a simple yogurt-based dip with herbs.
A Tasty and Crunchy Snack
Crispy Fried Zucchini is a delicious way to enjoy zucchini in a crunchy, flavorful coating. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these fried zucchini rounds are sure to be a crowd favorite. Customize them with your preferred spices and dipping sauces for a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
