Fried zucchini happens to be our family’s favorite appetizer/side dish in the whole world! It’s a recipe we have at least once a month, for Sunday dinner, and it’s always gone in minutes!

You can serve this in different ways, depending on how you cut the zucchini (discs or sticks). However you make it, it’s always delicious.

Why we Love it:

  • Simply addicting. It’s the easiest and most delicious appetizer that works with favs like Spaghetti, Steak, Parmesan Pork Chops and more.
  • Holiday perfection. This recipe is a great side for special meals like Valentine’s Day, Christmas and more.
  • Easy to change up. It’s either to change the shape to make a disc, stick or spear or change the spices and Panko for different flavors.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini – use zucchini that are small to medium in size, about 6-8 inches long. 
  • 2-3 cups milk – any type of milk will work
  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs – I like the crispy texture that Panko yields, but regular bread crumbs also work. We also like using the Italian versions with oregano and basil.
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour – the flour helps hold the breadcrumbs to the zucchini
  • vegetable oil – or another high smoking point oil like canola oil or peanut oil.

Add Flavor

For a taste twist, add parmesan cheese, chili flakes, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs before frying.

How to Make Fried Zucchini

  1. PREP. Heat oil to medium heat.
    • Slice 2 medium zucchini into several circles. Dip 10-15 slices of zucchini into a bowl of 2-3 cups of milk to coat.
  2. COAT. Add dipped slices to a bowl filled with 3 cups flour and coat.
    • Put slices back into the milk and make sure they get all wet again.
    • Add slices to a bowl filled with 2 cups Panko crumbs and coat.
  3. FRY. Fry in a single layer until golden brown, turning to ensure equal browning on both sides. Repeat the process until all the slices are breaded and fried. Dipping sauce: Homemade Ranch Dressing and Homemade Marinara Sauce are favorites!

For a different take, try our Air Fryer Zucchini or Baked Zucchini Fries!

Check the Oil Temperature

  • Add 1½-2 inches of oil to the pan, and heat it to 350°F.
  • If you don’t have a thermometer: Test the oil is ready by inserting the end of a wooden spoon into the oil. It should immediately bubble around the handle.
    • If it doesn’t bubble the oil is too cold.
    • If it bubbles and splatters vigorously, the oil may be too hot.
  • When you think you have the right temperature, fry 1-2 test pieces and adjust. 
Fried zucchini slices on white plate with ranch.

Complete The Meal

Main Dishes

Desserts

More Zucchini Recipes

More Collections

5 from 228 votes

Fried Zucchini

By: Lil’ Luna
Restaurant-style fried zucchini is a family favorite! It's simply addicting, especially dipped in ranch or marinara.
Servings: 6
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 2-3 cups milk
  • 2 cups Panko Bread Crumbs, Plain or Italian
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • vegetable oil

Instructions 

  • Heat oil to medium heat.
  • Slice zucchini into several circles. Add 10-15 slices of zucchini into a bowl of milk to coat.
  • Add dipped slices to a bowl filled with flour and coat.
  • Put slices back into the milk and make sure they get all wet again.
  • Add slices to a bowl filled with Panko crumbs and coat.
  • Fry in a single layer until golden brown, turning to ensure equal browning on both sides. Repeat the process until all the slices are breaded and fried.

Video

Notes

STORE. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 6-8 weeks.
PREP AHEAD OF TIME. As with most fried foods, this zucchini is best when served immediately. You can prep the zucchini the day before and place the coated rounds on a plate. Cover it with plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them.

Nutrition

Calories: 367kcal, Carbohydrates: 68g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 188mg, Potassium: 384mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 262IU, Vitamin C: 12mg, Calcium: 148mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

  • When the cooking oil is not hot enough the zucchini can absorb the extra oil and cause it to soften. Be sure that the oil reaches about 350°F. Slicing the zucchini too thinly can also cause it to become mushy.
  • Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 6-8 weeks.
    • To reheat. Broil them in the oven on low for 2-4 minutes, or place them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, until they are heated through. 
  • As with most fried foods, this zucchini is best when served immediately. You can prep the zucchini the day before and place the coated rounds on a plate. Cover it with plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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5 from 228 votes (165 ratings without comment)

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174 Comments

  1. Jennifer stanton says:

    Are there instructions for making the zucchini in an air fryer?

  2. Hungry Heather says:

    Too much milk – it overpowers the zucchini flavor. Maybe some folks are into that but I’m going to do a simple dip in water and coating next time I fry up zucchini.

  3. Kat Hen says:

    What kind of dipping sauce is that?

  4. Mackenzie Welker says:

    5 stars
    I love good fried zucchini! This recipe worked great and we even went with the air fryer suggestion to keep things on the healthy side. I had made a small batch to have everyone test, they loved it and wanted more so I kept cooking 😊👍🏼 (also it worked well with both green zucchini and yellow squash.) Thanks!

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      So glad you enjoyed the zucchini! And the air fryer option is great too. Thanks for sharing what you did!

      1. Kathi says:

        5 stars
        Hi – What temperature and how long in the Air Fryer – that’s the way I want to cook these. Not a fan of frying in oil. This recipe sounds great and I can’t wait to try it in the air fryer. Thanks.

  5. BOB says:

    WHERE IS YOUR DIP RECIPE FOR THESE ZUCCHINI CHIPS/STICKS?