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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Complete The Meal
Main Dishes
Flat Iron Steak Recipe
2 hrs 35 mins
Chicken Alfredo
40 mins
Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
40 mins
Chicken Scallopini
35 mins
Desserts
Pistachio Dessert
2 hrs 18 mins
Jello Cheesecake
6 hrs 30 mins
Italian Cookies
1 hr 20 mins
Homemade Brownie Recipe
45 mins
More Zucchini Recipes
Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
16 mins
Baked Zucchini Fries
30 mins
Baked Zucchini Chips
40 mins
Cheesy Zucchini Tots
25 mins
More Collections
Fried Zucchini
Restaurant-style fried zucchini is a family favorite! It's simply addicting, especially dipped in ranch or marinara.
Equipment
Ingredients
- vegetable oil, for frying
- 2-3 cups milk
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs, plain or Italian
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced at an angle (about ¼ inch thick)
Instructions
- Fill a frying pan with ¼-½ inch oil and heat over medium heat to 350-375 degrees F.
- While oil is heating, place milk in a mdeium bowl, flour in a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag and breadcrumbs in a seperate gallon-sized resealable plastic bag.
- Working in batches, add zucchini slices to milk, then trasnfer to the bag of flour. Shake around to coat all sides, then return slices to the milk, making sure to coat all sides with milk. Transfer slices to the breadcrumbs bag and shake around to coat.
- Fry zucchini in batches in the hot oil for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown, and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Repeat the process until all the slices are breaded and fried. Serve warm with dip.
Video
Notes
STORE. 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.
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
Why is my Fried Zucchini Mushy?
- 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.
How to Store Fried Zucchini Recipe?
- 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.
Can I 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.
This was yummy and we will definitely be making it again! Thanks for the great recipe!
They are a family favorite! I’m glad you like them as well.
We have a deep fryer, so it made this recipe a breeze after prep! Delicious and crispy, thank you!
Yes, a deep fryer does make this recipe even easier since you don’t have to fry in batches when using a pan. I’m happy to hear they turned out well!
The recipe looks outstanding but the air fryer add-on seem to be missing a fat for browning wouldn’t it be advisable to spray it with the little bit of spray oil so I can brown?
Definitely! Here is our favorite air-fryer version, too…https://lilluna.com/air-fryer-zucchini/
We tried this recipe tonight and are very happy. The fried zucchini was so good! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
How thick should the zucchini slices be? Thx
You can make them as thick as you like, but we usually do about 1/4 inch.
Are there instructions for making the zucchini in an air fryer?
Yes she added instructions to the air fryer but they won’t be brown unless you add some sort of a oil spray to the item for its actually cooked otherwise it’ll just cook and be the same color as it was when you put it in there no browning without oil or like Pam cooking spray for example
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.
What kind of dipping sauce is that?
It is our Homemade Ranch! And it’s so yummy! https://lilluna.com/ranch-dressing/
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!
So glad you enjoyed the zucchini! And the air fryer option is great too. Thanks for sharing what you did!
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.
WHERE IS YOUR DIP RECIPE FOR THESE ZUCCHINI CHIPS/STICKS?
It is our homemade ranch recipe… so delicious! https://lilluna.com/ranch-dressing/
Zucchini bread recipe please
Hope you enjoy! https://lilluna.com/zucchini-bread/
I really like the visual video.
Thank you! Glad it helped!
love all your stuff
That looks delicious! I am not however going to use Vegetable, Canola or peanut oil. These are BAD for you. A much healthier option is Non GMO Avocado oil. It has a neutral taste and super high smoke point.
You do you, boo.
Avocado oil is a great option too!
I already live zucinni and to make this easy i easy recipe was my all time favorite. Make it all the time as a snack no dip just eat it like that!! Thanks bunches💕
Oh I’m so glad you enjoy the zucchini recipe! It is a great snack option!
I made this for my family and they loved it! Easy to make and delicious.
Can you substitute the milk with butter milk
Yes, buttermilk works great as well!!
I haven’t ever tried doing that, but you could give it at try! You’ll have to let us know how it tastes.
We made these in our Air Fryer and they turned out crispy and yummy. Then we dipped then in ranch 🤤
My family makes these a couple of times a month. They take a bit of time, but so worth it!
OMG, this takes fried zucchini to a whole new level! Have eaten fried squash pretty much all my life, and this is the best. Another time will try using finely ground cornmeal in with the flour, or maybe even masa, for an extra level of flavor, and will try adding the parmesan sometime, as well, depending on what I’m making with it.
I bet both of those additions would be tasty! So glad you tired the fried zucchini. It’s so yummy!
Love this recipe. My whole family loved it!! Used buttermilk. They were yummy!
I’m so happy to have found you, Lil Luna! Your recipes are ALWAYS approved and appreciated in our home!! Thank you!!!!
Oh you’re welcome! That makes us SO happy to hear. So glad to have you here!
This is by far our most favorite appetizer!! We make a few times a month, because it goes with so many things & it’s so good!! Perfectly crisp!
I think this is the best zucchini ever! Making it at home is as good as eating it at a restaurant. Love it!
I like it all
Yay! So happy to hear that!
Can these be frozen after they’re fried?
You could, but they are ideally eaten right after they are fried. If reheating, we recommend doing so in the oven. You can broil them 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.
Looove fried zucchini! I don’t know why I’ve never done this my tossing them in a zip lock before… like shake n bake haha. We’ve fried, we baked, now time to try the air fryer suggestion… brilliant!
Have you tried the recipe with almond flour or coconut flour instead of AP flour? I am trying to stick to the lower carb way of cooking or the Keto diet. Thank you.
I haven’t tried with either of those flours. You’ll have to let us know how it turns out if you do!! We’d love to hear!
The recipe was so easy to follow. The fried zucchini came out delicious! So excited to try many more recipes to share with the family!
Wow!! Excellent recipe so easy and delicious! Thank you so much!! 😃
You’re welcome!! I’m so glad you loved it!
Very yummy. I used yellow squash fresh from a farm. Cooked in Canola oil. Added Italian seasoning after reading other posts.
Sounds delicious!!
Boy, you weren’t kidding. Now my favorite tecipe for zucchini. Of course, the chef has to “sample” while they cook. I over sampled a d had to make more.
Haha! Sounds like what I do too. Chef’s gotta make sure it’s good for everyone else to eat. 😉 So glad you enjoyed the recipe!!
Are 2-3 cups of milk correct? Seems excessive. Also, can I use seasoned cornmeal instead of Panko or breadcrumbs that I normally don’t keep around? I fry green tomatoes that way
You are welcome to switch things up however you would like. The recipe is accurate and we included what we used and loved, but you can certainly substitute and modify things to what you enjoy. The recipe will just turn out slightly different. 🙂
Tasted great family loved it.
I’m so glad your family loved it! Thanks for sharing!
I loved these & overall they were delicious. I made the mistake of having the oil too hot, which is a common mistake of mine. I gave a 5 star review since it was my cooking error. I will definitely make them again & I’ll pay more attention next time.
Just made these this weekend for my family and they were a huge hit. Such a good texture and so yummy.
This was great! I was happy to not need eggs as I was making a small amount. This worked perfectly!
Happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing that!
I dont even like zuchinni, but i cooked some for my family tonight f dinner. Theyloved them! Said they were restaurant quality. Thanksforthe recipe.
Yay!! I am glad they think so 🙂 Please, tell them thank you!
I made these tonight and my family devoured them in minutes. So good. Thanks for the delicious recipe.
You are so welcome! I am so happy your family liked them, that much!
made these today and they were delicious. Not to heavy and very filling. I will definitely be making these again.
Yay!! We make them all the time! Glad you liked them! Thank you!
Just made this for my family for dinner. The recipe is easy to follow and i used the air fryer for a healthier option. It was a hit! Found my new favorite way to use up mY ZUCCHINI from my garden.
Love it in an air-fryer! Thank you for sharing that!
This is so delicious I love this ?
Glad you do! Thank you!
I did not see any salt, peper or any seasOning Being added anYwhere in the procEss of this recipe. Is there none used?
There isn’t, but you could definitely add some, if you like 😉
Zucchini is not a vegitable…it is a fruit because it is seed bearing. Just a little information for whoever did this recipe. Thank you and God bless
Just love this recipe,so very tasty,& easy to make
SO glad you think so 🙂 Thank you for letting me know!
Looks so good will try this today.
thank you
It is our favorite! I hope you like them!!
I’ve always used egg wash method. Thought I would try this and it was great! I don’t think I’ll go back to egg. VERY LIGHT AND VERY CRISPY.
Yay!! Love to hear that! Thank you for letting me know 🙂
Very good! Easy recipe! Family and neighbor’s loved them!!
Oh, I love to hear that. Thank you for sharing the recipe & letting me know!
We Made this both in the air fryer aNd REGULAR frying pan. I swear it was better than our FAVORITE restaurant’s fried zucchini!
Woohoo!! Love to hear that! Thank you so much for letting me know 🙂
Looks great. Will try !
Thank you!! It is our favorite! Hope you like it!
I love fried zucchini. Not all RESTAURANTS make it well . I cant wEight to try it. Yours looks fantastic. Going out to buy zucchini now!!!
Thank you!! They taste fantastic too! We have them with everything! Hope you like them!
Fantastic! I googled Crispy Fried zucchini and this RECIPE is the best ever! I can w to see what else is on this site!
I can’t wait for you to try other recipes! I am glad you liked these! They are my favorite!
My 15 year old son, who says he despises zucchini, went back for seconds. I used heavy whipping cream, SEASONED the flour and put PARMASAN cheese in the breadcrumbs. We used a Sriracha mayo for dipping. SO DELICIOUS!!
Love that!! That dip sounds amazing! Thank you for sharing!
By far the best coating!!
Glad you think so 🙂 Thank you for letting me know!
Can You bajed them intead of fry in oil
You sure could! I have a recipe for baked zucchini sticks…https://lilluna.com/baked-crusted-zucchini-sticks/
Delicious..
Glad you like them!! I could eat it everyday!
Tried this for linch. Did not
Hve bread crumBs sO i Used
Cracker crumbs instead. They
Were ExcelleNt. Thanks for the
Recipe.
Sorry. Typo in my previous post
Meant to say lunch not linch.
Great option! I am so glad you liked it! Thank you for letting me know!
Have you ever prepped the zucchini the night before and cooked them the next day? If so, did you do anything different from the recipe?
I have not, I am sorry.
Your recipes look so tasty iam useing some for the fourth of july iam having family over for dinner ill let you know how it turned out.have a safe fourth of july.i had 3girls and then two boys they all live around me iam in arizona its been the one hundreds here iam an old lady so i stay in as much as i can. Thankyou have a safe holiday
Thank you so much! I hope you like the ones you try! I hope you have a safe holiday as well!
this is the second time I’ve used this recipe. I just follow it as written. however, i measure the flour, milk, and panko crumbs as i go to not waste so much. this time i fried mushrooms as well. i serve the veggies with ranch dressing and homemade blue cheese dressing. delicious!
ps: i really like your website and have book marked it to explore more of it. thanks!
Awe, thank you so much for saying that!! Sounds yum!
Yummy recipe!! Addicting?
Very addicting!! Thank you so much!!
These are SO GOOD! Making some AGAIN SOON!
So delicious with marinara sauce!
I absolutely love zucchini. I saute them and roast them and grill them but I never thought of frying them! Sounds so good! Can’t wait to try it!
Me too!! Love it all ways! Hope you like it fried 🙂
I just made the fried zucchini recipe with my 10 year old daughter. They were so easy to make and so delicious! I highly recommend this. We added some parmsesan cheese after frying and loved it!
Yay!! Aren’t they so good?! We have them with everything! Thank you so much!
I have made your fried zucchini many times & they are so nummy! Thanks for the recipe!
Aren’t they the best? I am glad you like them! I am glad to share 🙂 Thank you!
I made these tonight using your method but used a box of Shake & Bake Parmesan & Herb. Awesome! My hubs thought they were great, too, and he’s not crazy about zucchini!
Yay!! I am so glad you like them!! We have them with everything 🙂 Thank you!
I enjoy getting easy recipes-thamks
You are so welcome!! Thank you so much for stopping by!
How much oil? It doesn’t say to shallow fry or deep fry??
I like to add maybe 1/4 inch thick, maybe a little more. I never measure..oops…I just pour until I think there is enough 🙂 Hope that helps!! These are the best!
I like how you are making some wise choices as to not frying vegetables .Look forward to seeing your other recipes, they all look delicious My husband would like it if I started cooking again.m With this I just might have to do that.
Thank you! I hope you’ll find some yummy ones to try with him 🙂
Hi there!
Have you tried to convert this recipe to an air fryer? Just got one and the zucchini in the fridge is just waiting to be dressed in your recipe
Thanks for the help
I haven’t. I need one!
THESE ARE SO YUMMY I COULDN’T WAIT TO EAT THEM SO I ATE THEM STRAIGHT OUT OF THE FRYER AND NOW MY INTESTINES ARE BURNING BUT NOT AS BAD AS THAT TIME I ATE ALL THE GHOST PEPPERS OK. FIVE STARS. DELISH AF
LOL!! I’m glad you liked them!! They are gone pretty fast!!
Thanks for sharing! Saved my butt on a quick impulsive idea for a dinner side!
You’re welcome! Glad to save you!
So glad I came across your site. I will use it more often. Thank you
I am so glad!! I hope you find some recipes to try 🙂 Thank you!
Oh, wait! I didn’t dip them back in the milk, and they came out perfect and beautiful.
This is the best! All the others, Panko, etc even though crispy, cover up the flavor. I hope this will work on green tomatoes. AND I love that there are only 2 steps to coating vs. 3 steps, and it is really crispy.
I was searching for a fried zucchini recipe to make for the first time. This eggless recipe caught my eye. I made a small batch of only 4 discs, and literally had an egg waiting on the counter for the next batch. Well it promptly went back into the fridge, these are so light and delicious, I see why you eat them with every meal! I’m wondering if you use a similar recipe for eggplant? Thank you for sharing Lil Luna!!
I love hearing that! Thank you so much for letting me know! I haven’t tried it with eggplant, but I bet it would be great!
Could you make these in an air fryer? If so, does anyone know the time and temp?
Yes, but I don’t know the time & temp. Anyone try?
Instead of frying in oil, could these be cooked in an Airfrier?
I haven’t tried, but I bet they would! Let me know, if you try 🙂 Thank you!
Wow, thank you for the recipe. It looks so delicious. I will try to make this dish with my air fryer.
It’s our favorite!! Let me know what you think 🙂 Thank you!
The fried zucchini recipe was delicious.
Isn’t it the best!? Thank you for trying it!
OMG, these were so easy to make and better than any restaurant that I’ve had these at. TY for this recipe because this is how I’m going to prepare my husband’s fried green tomatoes..
I am glad you think that! It’s our fav! Thank you 🙂
What do you use for dipping?
We like to use ranch or you could use marinara. Whatever you like 🙂
Does anyone have a recipe for zucchini squares? It was in a little cookbook long ago from bisquick.I can’t find it,and we love it. Thanks in advance.
This was simple and delicious! I had large zucchini rounds (4″ round) and the breading stuck well and tasted amazing! I salted as I took out of pan to cool and made a spicy aoili for dipping.
I am so glad you liked it! It’s our favorite go-to recipe! Thank you!
Question==can this be served cod?
Cold? Yes, though warm is better, but of course you could 🙂
Definately going to try this,yummy !!!
Made this tonight using breadcrumbs because I didn’t have panko. Came out crispy and yummy! So easy too!I served it with ranch dip. My picky son liked it (even without the ranch dip). Thank you!
YAY! So glad you loved it. We use bread crumbs too if we’re out of Panko – always a hit!!
Very nice! Made these tonight and they were great.
SO glad you liked them! It’s my all-time favorite side for any meal. 🙂
I love zucchini in all kinds of preparation.. Love love your recipe!!! Thank you Lil’ Luna
Same. Zucchini is my favorite!! So glad you like the recipe. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I’ll bet the zucchini get a nice thick coating with the double-dip method you’ve outlined here. I love both fried or grilled zucchini and panko, so this looks really good to me. I make a gluten-free panko by rolling over Rice Chex with a rolling pin.
Very tasty recipe. My son will love it.. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Breaded fried zucchini is our favourite summer dinner. We only eat it once a year, but when we make it, it is all we have for dinner! We have ours with fresh garden tomatoes and lemon wedges.
I ***LOVE*** this recipe! It is quick, easy, & delicious, too!! I make it as often as my family can stand! 🙂
Those look so yummy! I’ve had fried pickles before, but never fried zucchini. Something new to try!
Wow, you must not be from the South! One of everyone’s all time favorite. It is so easy, so give it a try!
oh wow! these are my favorite at rubys! I must try and make these ones!!!
I absolutely love fried zucchini, but lately I have been grilling it or just pan frying without the oil. I will have to try the homemade fried ones now thtough:-)
We have zucchini coming out our ears right now and this is totally going to be on the menu tonight! I made zucchini muffins this morning for breakfast and zucchini creme dessert last night – we love zucchini 🙂
Thanks for the zucchini recipe! I've never tried it that way and about this time of year, when our garden is going crazy with zucchini, we'll try it any new way there is. :)Love the video, too. That's a good one!
Love fried zucchini!! Too bad my husband despises it!And SO freakin' awesome you won from BCD!!! LUCKY!!!
Thanks for the recipe! I have never tried it! I will try it this week though:)And Applebee's tip- I had no idea! Thanks!!! Maybe I won't make dinner and we will do family night at Applebee's! :)xoxo, Ashley J @ [email protected]
That recipe looks so yummy! I love zucchini, I'll have to try that one. Thanks for sharing.
Has anyone ever tried to BAKE these?
Thanks for trying this recipe!
I am glad you tried them! I like them crispy, so I cook them a little longer. You can also add your favorite spices to the mix, if you want.
The breading and the frying contribute to the carb count. We have a few other zucchini recipes that have a lower carb count: https://lilluna.com/parmesan-crusted-zucchini/ or https://lilluna.com/air-fryer-zucchini or https://lilluna.com/baked-zucchini-fries/ .
Jeanette, I personally don’t think baked would have as much flavor. In moderation, fat isn’t our enemy. Matter of fact, our brains are 60% fat. (Wonder if that’s where the word “fat head” came from. LOL)