Transform ordinary zucchini into a crispy and flavorful dish with this easy-fried zucchini recipe. Serve as an appetizer or a tasty side dish with a bowl of warm marinara or homemade avocado ranch dressing.
Crispy Fried Zucchini
If you have a summer garden, chances are pretty good that you have some zucchini, and if you don’t, zucchini is readily available at your local grocery store all year. This is one of our favorite zucchini recipes. You can make these up to a few hours in advance and reheat them right in the air fryer or oven, and they will still be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. We like to serve them with marinara, but you can also serve with Honey Mustard Sauce or Southern Comeback Sauce.
They reheat incredibly well and are always a favorite with family and friends. I love to serve them for family night with Lemon Pepper Wings, Baked Shrimp Toast, and French Onion Dip.
Fried Zucchini Ingredients
How to make Fried Zucchini
Start by cutting your zucchini in either sticks or rounds. Either way, they should be about 1/2 inch thick. Now, set up three bowls. One with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one mixed with Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Then dredge the zucchini sticks or zucchini slices in the flour, dip them in the eggs, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat until you have coated all the zucchini.
Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a Dutch oven or heavy skillet like a cast iron skillet. Now working in batches, fry the zucchini on each side for a few minutes or until golden brown. Then, remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain excess grease. Serve with warm marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
Recipe Tips
- Leave the skin on and cut the sticks or rounds for zucchini bites about 1/3-1/2 inch thick for optimum frying.
- I like to make my own breadcrumbs using croutons. They provide such terrific flavor with a lot fewer preservatives. I grind them up in my mini food processor.
- To avoid the dreaded breading fingers, use one hand for the wet ingredients and the other for the dry ingredients! Voila, no more constant hand washing.
- Try cooking in the air fryer for a lighter version with less fat and calories.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese as it is flavor-packed and helps make this recipe so delectable.
How to cook fried zucchini in an air fryer
Bread the zucchini per the instructions and spray the pieces lightly with cooking spray. Then, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Arrange in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until crispy. Every air fryer cooks differently, so check on them several times.
How to bake these zucchini sticks
Bread the zucchini per the instructions and spray the pieces lightly with cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the breaded zucchini in a single layer with some space between them. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Storage and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer in a single layer at 400 degrees for 2-3 minutes. Or reheat in the oven at 375 for 5-6 minutes.
More Zucchini Recipe
Fried Zucchini Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 medium to large zucchini
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Marinara optional
Instructions
- Set up 3 bowls. One with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one mixed with Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Dip each stick in the flour, then in the eggs, and then in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat 1/2 inch oil in a Dutch oven heavy or heavy skillet. Working in batches, fry the zucchini for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove to paper towels to drain any excess grease. Serve with warm marinara sauce.
Notes
- Leave the skin on and cut the sticks or rounds for zucchini bites about 1/3-1/2 inch thick for optimum frying.
- I like to make my own breadcrumbs using croutons. They provide such terrific flavor with a lot fewer preservatives. I grind them up in my mini food processor.
- To avoid the dreaded breading fingers, use one hand for the wet ingredients and the other hand for the dry ingredients! Voila, no more constant hand washing.
- For a lighter version with less fat and calories, try cooking in the air fryer.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese as it is flavor-packed and really helps make this recipe so delectable.
Nutrition
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Kennerly
We love zucchini and this was a fun new way to fix it. I served it with some sriracha mayonnaise and the kids and I loved them. Great texture and crunch!
Marilyn
I’ve had zucchini fries a couple times, but I’ve never tried making them. We have a new air fryer and I’d love to give this a try, especially in the summer when we have so much zucchini!
Rosalinda K
I did dip in marinara but I think they also taste good on their own. Crispy and flavorful! My daughter and I loved them!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Rosalinda! So glad that you and your daughter liked them!
Jupiter K
I love ths fried zucchini. Great recipe. It turned out crispy and tasty. This is my new favorite way to eat zucchini.
ReeAnn
Usually it’s the texture of zucchini that I’m not a fan of, but these were fabulous. It must have been the crispy coating or the seasoning in the crispy coating. Either way I loved them and I will make them again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, ReeAnn! I am glad that they worked out for you!
Lillian Holt
I love how crispy and flavorful these turned out, and serving them with marinara sauce was like the perfect pairing. Can’t wait to make them again, perhaps for a spring fling!
Beth Pierce
Sounds like fun!
Melanie Eastham
Zucchini fries are tasty and easy to make. I must try these in the air fryer.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Melanie! Enjoy!
Tilly Costello
I love breaded vegetables. This fried zucchini is so delicious and a great snack as well! I served it with a variety of dipping sauce…marinara, your comeback sauce, and ranch dressing. We loved it!
Sienna Thomas
This crispy fried zucchini recipe is a must-try for anyone with an abundance of summer zucchini or just looking for a delicious snack! It is so crispy and tasty. Great for movie nights and game days. We love it with marinara!
Beth Pierce
So glad that you like it, Sienna!
Lila Meeds
These are great as a snack or an appetizer. They are so easy to grow in the garden but I have had never had them fried in breadcrumbs before like this. We really enjoyed eating them this way. Thanks for a great new zucchini idea!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Lila!
Lisa Marie
I made these in the air fryer per your instructions and they were amazing. I hate all that frying mess in my kitchen I served them with your comeback sauce to give them a little kick.
Beth Pierce
Great idea, Lisa Marie!
Mabel Anthony
Delicious! Zucchini nut here! So crispy and tasty. I must check out your other zucchini recipes.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Mabel! Enjoy!
Laura Andrews
YUM! I love zucchini and this was a fun way to cook them, my kids even helped bread them. I can’t wait to plant in the spring.
Beth Pierce
Me either. I always plant fresh herbs!
Josephine Pitt
Wow, I don’t know why I never tried this before. It was so good! My new favorite way to make zucchini! Thanks!
Erica
They were incredibly delicious and crispy! Can’t wait to make these again. Thanks for the recipe.
Suzanna
I love this recipe! Its a good way to make my kids eat veggies! They enjoyed it!
Marilee
I had not tried fried zucchini before. It is such a moist veggie, I am surprised how well it can be battered and fried! Do you have a fried mushroom recipe?
Beth Pierce
Yes, I sure do! Here you go!
Ryan Meads
Great fried zucchini! It was crispy and flavorful. It will be a summer favorite with my garden zucchini.
Beth Pierce
That sounds like a great plan!
Garland Hanson
Perfectly seasoned and that CRUNCH – these were great! I served them with comeback sauce and everyone gobbled them up! Now I know what I am going to do with all that summer garden zucchini!
Beth Pierce
Great idea, Garland!
Nicole
I just love these fried zucchini. I tried them in the air fryer and they turned out crispy and flavorful. I served them with some warm marinara! I will make these again and again! I just love zucchini!
Beth Pierce
Me too, Nicole! Just a tasty and flavorful vegetable!
Crystal Carder
Fried zucchini is a recipe my mom always makes. Hers is fried, but I love the idea of using an air fryer instead. Can’t wait to use some of my zucchini this summer to try this recipe!
Helen McKenzie
Pretty good.. I used corn starch instead of flour, makes it super crispy
Pooja
This was really tasty! My whole family enjoyed this. I serve it as an appetizer on Saturday night.
Jennifer Prince
Ooh! This is such a great appetizer, and they look easy to make. Saving this for my next get together — or maybe even a movie night at home.
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy!!
Rosey
This fried zucchini was delicious. I served with some warm marinara and fresh Parmesan cheese. You can’t go wrong there!
Neely Moldovan
Ohhhh I love fried zuchini! Trying your recipe this weekend!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Neely!
Patricia Chamberlain
I have two giant zucchinis that need used, so I found this recipe at the perfect time. I can’t wait to try it!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Patricia! Enjoy!
Ivan Carlo Jose
Thanks for the great recipe. It was delicious and I did not have to use too much oil to get it done.
Rose Ann Sales
Wow! This looks absolutely delicious and tasty! My kids would definitely love this for sure!
Fransic verso
This was so incredibly delicious. I have a lot of zucchini in my garden so I will be making this again soon.
Tweenselmom
What a coincidence! We just had zucchini yesterday, but not fried. Will definitely try this recipe soon 🙂
Ramil Hinolan
The picture alone would make me salivate for wanting to eat that extra crispy Zucchini, baked to perfection – not too burnt. Oh I love it.
Marysa
It is good to find some ways to use zucchini this time of year. There is so much in our garden! This sounds delicious.
Krystle
Such a great way to use up zucchini. Came out super crispy.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Krystle!
Melanie E
Fried zucchini is one of my favorite dishes. Easy to make at home and so incredibly delicious when it is fresh. I served it with a sprinkle of grated fresh Parmesan cheese.
Christian Foremost
I love love love making healthy treats and this one sounds about easy to make. I hope it’s gonna be delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Christian! Enjoy!
Clarice
This looks delicious and easy to make. I haven’t really tried fried zucchini so, would love to give this recipe a go. Thank you for sharing. Very timely since we have fresh zucchini available now at home.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Clarice! Enjoy!!
Kat
It may sound weird but I think this fried zucchini is perfect for a movie night! I can’t wait to try this recipe.
Irena
Love this! Its the most perfect appetizer for a family dinner
Fransic verso
Thank you for sharing this lovely recipe! It was easier than I thought to make it. I served it with some homemade marinara.
Melanie Edjourian
I love these!!!! I don’t make them often as my kids won’t eat them but they are really yummy!!
Tameka H
AS crazy as it sounds, I have never thought of frying zuchinis. I have a sauce in mind that may make it pop like fire on your taste buds but I’ll share it once I’ve done it.
Beth Pierce
Sounds like a plan!
Claudia
Fried zucchini is the best. It amazes me how simple this is easy to make yet it’s so delicious. My whole family loved it. Thank you Beth.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine Claudia!
Ivan Carlo Jose
Delicious! This is a great way to get the kids to eat healthy zucchini.
Tweenselmom
Oh woww fried zucchini looks so delicious! First time I heard of this and I’d love to try it.
Elizabeth Ervin
Thank you for giving me a recipe that gets my husband to eat zucchini! It’s one of my favorite veggies and he refuses to embrace it lol but this got him!!! 10 stars ⭐️
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Elizabeth!
Stephanie
These are so easy to make yet such a great side dish! I’m going to try them in the air fryer next to make them even easier.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Stephanie! Enjoy!
Marion Menheneott
could I do these in the air fryer?
Beth Pierce
Yes you most certainly can.
marysa
I would love to make this for my daughter. We were just talking about how she loves tempura, and I’m sure she would enjoy this as well. Looks delicious with that crunchy coating!
Natalie
Oh, my favorite appetizer ever!! I never get tired of zucchini. These are crisp & tasty!! We loved them!
Krystle
SO crispy! My favorite way to use up fresh zucchini from my garden.
Kara
I love the combination of the seasoned bread crumbs and panko. Made the zucchini coating so crisp and flavorful! These were a hit with the whole family!
Sara
Love how versatile zucchini is, and this recipe is no exception! Perfectly quick, easy and delicious! Even my picky eaters loved every bite!
Sandhya
Zucchini fritters are one of my fav ways to use up leftover zucchini’s So delicious!
Kristen
These are seriously delicious! Will definitely make them again!
Carrie Robinson
Such a tasty way to use up that garden zucchini! Looks delicious. 🙂
Elizabeth
Such a delicious way to use all this fabulous end of season zucchini! Will definitely be making again!
Jessica Burgess
YUM! We made these to snack on before dinner the other night and decided we didn’t need dinner! These were so good we made another batch instead of having what we had planned. 🙂 Thank you!
Allyson Zea
Oh! This fried zucchini looks so tasty and like the perfect snack or side dish!
Julia
I am always looking for new zucchini recipes in the summer and this one is delicious! Thank you for sharing it!
Lily
This breading was incredible!! I served these zucchini on the side for burger night and the kids loved them!! These are a delicious way to get kids to eat more veggies!
Kristyn
Crunchy & so tasty!! I could eat zucchini with every meal or as my meal! It’s my favorite!
Betsy
JUST made these a couple nights ago! We had a fry up with zucchini, bell pepper, carrots, and salmon. SO GOOD! Love, love, LOVE fried zucchini! Secret, though…even better with fried salmon as well! So delicious!
Dannii
What a great way to use zucchini. I can’t wait to try it.
Julia
These fried zucchini were so delicious! I made a little spicy sauce on side and everyone from the family loved it!
Vicky
Fried zucchini makes a yummy side dish to any meal!
Liz
I love that you used reg and panko crumbs. It definitely gives that extra crunch and crispiness!
Andrea Metlika
I really like making these sticks and that use you parmesan cheese. They are a perfect appetizer!
Katie
Looks so good, my family would love this!
Krissy Allori
Best way to cook zucchini! Super crispy.
Betsy
Delicious! I love these zucchini sticks either as a snack/appetizer or as a side to hamburgers or really anything! I LOVE fried zucchini!
Angela
I use the 3 coat process on my chicken all the time. A great way to keep the coating on. Your homemade bread crumb recipe is wonderful.
veenaazmanov
Delicious and crunchy and yummy snack option. Easy and quick to make too. Zucchini sounds healthy too.
Alisa Infanti
Using croutons was a game changer for me. So tasty and crunchy
Sonal
Such good looking fries… and so Golden and crispy.. the best part is that it is so doable.
Shelley
Love that you can make these a few hours in advance and then reheat them in the oven … and they still turn out to be crispy outside! Great for busy evenings!
Sue
You hit my weak spot Beth, I’m drooling!
Beth Pierce
Mission accomplished Sue!!
Jere Cassidy
A perfect way to use zucchini, and the crunch you have on these sticks looks perfect. I do love that these can be reheated so I can make a big batch and keep in the fridge.
Toni Dash
This is such a great idea!! Such a delicious appetizer!
Linda
This recipe reminded me so much of how I like to prepare chicken fingers. It was delicious on the zucchini although I am kinda jealous of how nicely browned you got yours all over. I plan on using this recipe as an alternative to french fires for our grilled hamburger suppers. Of course, this might just wind up as an appetizer for the football game Saturday too.
Laura Tobin
Great recipe, I love the Italiam breadcrumbs. I will try you sauce with it as well.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Laura! So glad that you liked it!
Mirlene
Wow!! I xannot believe how crispy these zucchini fries are. I cannot wait to try them!
Patty
Your breadcrumbs really are the crispiest and most delicious! I loved this fried zucchini recipe!
Anita
These are so delicious! I need to keep on making this till zucchini disappear from the market, which is probably very soon.
Anjali
These were super easy to make and were a fun alternative to french fries!! We will definitely be making this again soon!
Melissa
Great recipe – we need we’ll need to make these again really soon!
Jennifer
We have zucchini coming out our ears right now and this is totally going to be on the menu tonight! I’m sure my kids will devour this.
Beth Pierce
I understand the zucchini out your ears thing! LOL!!
Kimberly
These looks fabulous and the perfect balance of seasonings, can’t wait to try this!
Jacque Hastert
What a great and delicious way to use up all the summer zucchini! I can’t get enough of this recipe.
Toni
This is such a great way to enjoy zucchini! My kids really loved it!
Catalina
wow! These zucchini are so crispy. My family would love this!
Erin
These scrumptiously good Fried Zucchini Sticks would disappear in our house!
Jen
This was the perfect way to use up the zucchini I had in my garden. Thanks for the tip about making your own breadcrumbs. They really made them so good!