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
Desserts
More Zucchini Recipes
More Collections
Fried Zucchini
Restaurant-style fried zucchini is a family favorite! It's simply addicting, especially dipped in ranch or marinara.
Equipment
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.
- 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.
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 🙂