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.
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!