Fried Zucchini are flavorful, savory, and delicious. Soft and tender zucchini fries are coated in a golden crispy breadcrumb exterior in every mouthwatering bite. This recipe is one of my favorite ways to use up that summer zucchini from the garden or farmer's market.
This fried squash makes the best summer appetizer, game day snack, or summer cookout bite. Fried zucchini is so easy to make using just a handful of ingredients in under 30 minutes. Plus, you can get the whole family involved in coating the zucchini while you get busy at the stove frying them in batches. The kids will love dunking this summer veggie in flour, egg and breadcrumbs. So much fun!
Why You'll Love this Fried Zucchini
- Quick and easy appetizer. You can make 4 servings of fried zucchini in just 25 minutes — and maybe even less if you have some helpers in the kitchen. Just slice up the zucchini into fries or rounds, coat them in flour, eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs, then fry them to golden perfection. It's a great last minute appy to make this summer.
- Crunchy outside creamy inside. These delicious zucchini bites are soft and tender inside, while crisp and golden outside giving a satisfying crunch to every bite. Truly the best combination of textures!
- They are freezer-friendly. You can make this fried zucchini months ahead and store in the freezer for another day. Plus, you can reheat them directly from frozen. Meal prepping freezer-friendly meals to have on hand on busy days is so convenient!
Ingredient Notes
To make this delicious Fried Zucchini, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- zucchini - choose a zucchini that doesn’t have any soft spots. It should be firm when squeezed, dark green on the outside, and 6-8 inches long for the best results.
- breadcrumbs - use store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own by crushing up some toast or dried bread. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Parmesan cheese - you can also substitute with asiago cheese.
- seasoning - we season the breadcrumb mixture with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. You can play around with different seasoning blends to change up the flavor.
- flour - or substitute with cornstarch.
- eggs
- vegetable oil - for frying the zucchini.
Dipping Sauce
You can serve fried zucchini plain or pair them with some dipping sauce. Some of our favorite dips are:
- Marinara Sauce
- Ranch Dip
- Caramelized Onion Dip
- Pizza Dip
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
You will also need measuring cups and spoons, shallow bowls, and a skillet or frying pan.
How to Make the Best Fried Zucchini
- Prep zucchini. Cut off the ends of the zucchini. Slice the zucchini into approximately ½-inch wide x 3-inch long pieces, or slice into rounds.
- Make breadcrumb mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and transfer onto a shallow plate.
- Coat the zucchini. Place the flour into another shallow plate, and the beaten eggs into another clean shallow plate. Dip each zucchini stick into the flour to evenly coat it on all sides. Then, dip into the egg to evenly coat, and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. (The flour will stick to the zucchini, the egg sticks to the flour, and the breadcrumbs sticks to the egg). Shake off any excess breadcrumbs. Arrange the breaded zucchini on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Fry. Add oil to a large skillet or frying pan until it is at least ½-inch deep. Heat over medium-high heat the hot oil is sizzling. Fry the zucchini sticks in batches until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer the fried zucchini onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve. Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce, if desired.
Recipe Variations
- Make it spicy. Add some heat to the fried zucchini by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. Serve with a side of ranch, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for balance.
- Change the seasoning. You can give this fried zucchini a completely different flavor by playing around with the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture. For example, season with cumin and paprika for a Mexican twist, or curry powder and turmeric for an Indian flavor.
- Make them Mediterranean. For a Mediterranean flair, season the breadcrumbs with za'atar instead, and serve with Tahini Sauce or Tzatziki Sauce.
- Use any squash. You can easily use this recipe with other types squash such as yellow squash.
How to Serve
Serve Fried Zucchini on their own as an appetizer or snack with a side of marinara sauce or ranch for dipping. You can also serve them as a side dish at dinner. Some of our favorite meals to pair this with are:
- Black Bean Burgers
- Creamy Salmon Pasta
- Southwest Quiona Salad
- Chicken Meatballs
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Caprese Sandwich
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Slice evenly. To ensure that the zucchini fries evenly, it's important to cut them into similar sizes. Try to cut them into even pieces that are roughly the same thickness, about ½-inch wide x 3-inch long, or rounds that are ½ inch thick.
- Serve immediately. Fried zucchini is best served immediately, while they are still hot and crispy. Serve them as a snack or side dish with your favorite dipping sauce. We love it with our easy homemade marinara sauce.
- Bake them. You can easily make these zucchini fries in the oven. Arrange the coated zucchini sticks on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a 400F preheated oven until golden brown and crispy, about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve even texture on all sides.
- Air fry them. Spray the coated zucchini bites with cooking spray and transfer to the air fryer in an even layer (you may have to cook in batches depending n the the size of your air fryer). Air fry at 400˚F for 10-12 minutes until crisp and golden.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Line an airtight container with paper towels. Once the fried zucchini cools to room temperature, place them in the lined container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat
You can reheat fried zucchini bites in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 400F and arrange the zucchini in a single layer. Heat for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Place the fried zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet in a single layer and place in the freezer for 1-2 hours until hard. Then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. and store for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 400F preheated oven for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy.
More Zucchini Recipes
- Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara
- Zucchini Lasagna
- Zucchini Fritters
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
- Zucchini Bites
- Zucchini Bread
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Recipe
Fried Zucchini
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fried Zucchini are flavorful, savory, and delicious. Soft and tender zucchini fries are coated in a golden crispy breadcrumb exterior in every mouthwatering bite. This recipe is one of my favorite ways to use up that summer zucchini from the garden or farmer's market.
Ingredients
- 1 pound zucchini, about 3-4 medium zucchini
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- ¼ cup marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
- Cut off the ends of the zucchini. Slice the zucchini into approximately ½-inch wide x 3-inch long pieces, or slice into rounds.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and transfer onto a shallow plate.
- Place the flour into another shallow plate, and the beaten eggs into another clean shallow plate.
- Dip each zucchini stick into the flour to evenly coat it on all sides. Then, dip into the egg to evenly coat, and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. (The flour will stick to the zucchini, the egg sticks to the flour, and the breadcrumbs sticks to the egg). Shake off any excess breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the breaded zucchini on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Add oil to a large skillet or frying pan until it is at least ½-inch deep. Heat over medium-high heat the hot oil is sizzling.
- Fry the zucchini sticks in batches until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer the fried zucchini onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce, if desired.
Notes
How to store: Line an airtight container with paper towels. Once the fried zucchini cools to room temperature, place them in the lined container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to reheat: You can reheat fried zucchini bites in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 400F and arrange the zucchini in a single layer. Heat for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
How to freeze: Place the fried zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet in a single layer and place in the freezer for 1-2 hours until hard. Then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. and store for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 400F preheated oven for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fry
- Cuisine: American
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