This easy fried zucchini recipe transforms ordinary zucchini into a crispy, flavorful dish. Serve as an appetizer or a tasty side dish with a bowl of warm marinara and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
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 in the air fryer or oven; 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 them with Honey Mustard Sauce or Southern Comeback Sauce.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Zucchini: Look for medium-sized, unblemished, firm zucchini
- Breadcrumbs: You can use Italian or Panko breadcrumbs, but I like a combination of both.
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese as it is flavor-packed and helps make this recipe so delectable.
- Seasonings: Dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper
- Oil: Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
- Sauce: Marinara or homemade ranch.
How to Make Fried Zucchini
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Set up the breading stations. In the first bowl, add flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs together. In the third bowl, combine the Italian and panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Bread the zucchini sticks by dredging them through the flour, then egg mixture, and then in the breadcrumbs.
- Fry in oil in a large skillet, then remove to paper towels.
Cook’s Tips
- Leave the skin on; cut the sticks or rounds for zucchini bites about ⅓-½ inch thick for optimum frying.
- I like to make my 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
More Zucchini Recipes
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 ½ inch of oil in a Dutch oven 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
- Reheat in an air fryer in a single layer at 400 degrees for 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 375 degrees for 5-6 minutes.
Nutrition
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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!