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.
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!!