Fried zucchini makes a delicious appetizer or side dishโ€”and itโ€™s a great way to use up a bumper crop of zucchini! Itโ€™s pan-fried to crispy perfection and even the pickiest eaters will devour their veggies when theyโ€™re this good!

close up image of zucchini fries with a side of marinara sauce served on a white round plate

We all have our go-to recipes when we have more zucchini than we know what to do with. There’s zucchini bread (and chocolate zucchini bread!), zucchini casserolestuffed zucchiniโ€ฆ but sometimes you just want something a little more simple. That’s where fried zucchini comes in!

Like my Sautรฉed Zucchini and Tomatoes, this fried zucchini is one of those recipes that’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all your life. It’s the perfect way to use your zucchini harvest, and it makes a tasty appetizer or side dish.

top down image of fried zucchini with a side of marinara sauce served on a white round plate

Easy Fried Zucchini Recipe

This fried zucchini recipe features a breading made with seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, which makes it extra flavorful, and it’s pan-fried in olive oil until it’s crispy and golden brown. You can even give it a little kick by adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the breading.

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to use up your zucchini, this fried zucchini recipe is a winner! (And if you can’t get enough crispy fried snacks, try my Fried Pickles next!)

ingredients to make fried zucchini

Ingredients

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

  • Zucchini โ€“ Use medium zucchini here; large zucchini is hard to fit into a pan so youโ€™ll have to cook several batches, while small zucchini is a pain to bread!
  • Eggs โ€“ Hereโ€™s the best way to crack an egg!
  • All-purpose flour
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Seasoned breadcrumbs โ€“ Itโ€™s important to use seasoned breadcrumbs here, since weโ€™re not adding other spices or herbs.
  • Vegetable oil โ€“ Canola oil will work, too.
  • Salt & pepper
  • Marinara sauce or ranch โ€“ For dipping.
steps to make fried zucchini

How to Make Fried Zucchini

1. Prepare

Cut the zucchini into ยฝโ€ slices. Beat the eggs with the salt and pepper in one shallow bowl, combine the cheese and breadcrumbs in a second shallow dish, and in a third shallow dish, whisk the flour with salt and pepper.

2. Preheat the Pan

Add the oil to a heavy sautรฉ pan set over medium-high heat. 

3. Dredge the Zucchini

Coat the zucchini slices first in the flour, then the egg, followed by the breadcrumbs. Gently place the breaded zucchini slices into the oil in a single layer and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side.

4. Drain and Season

Set the cooked fried zucchini slices on paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

top down close up image of fried zucchini served with a side of marinara sauce

How to Store Leftover Fried Zucchini

Leftover fried zucchini can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350ยบF oven until warmed through. An air fryer will work too, but use your microwave as a last resortโ€”it wonโ€™t re-crisp the zucchini.

one fried zucchini dipped in marinara sauce

Serving Suggestions

Here are some of my favorite ways to serve fried zucchini:

FAQs

How do you pan fry zucchini without getting soggy?

The key to avoiding soggy fried zucchini is to make sure your slices are evenly coated in breadcrumbs. You also want to make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the zucchiniโ€”if it’s not hot enough, the breading will absorb too much oil and become soggy.

How do you make breaded zucchini fries?

To make breaded zucchini fries, simply cut your zucchini into fry-shaped pieces and follow the same breading procedure as outlined in this recipe. Then, fry the zucchini fries in hot oil until they’re crispy and golden brown.ย 

Are zucchini fries healthier than French fries?

Zucchini fries are a healthier alternative to French fries because they’re lower in calories and fat. Plus, they contain vitamins and minerals that French fries don’t have.

Can I bread and bake zucchini?

Yes, you can! If you want to avoid frying, you can bread your zucchini and bake it in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 400ยบF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, follow the breading procedure outlined in this recipe. Coat the fries with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is crispy and golden brown.

More Ways to Use Zucchini

Fried Zucchini

Fried zucchini makes a delicious appetizer or side dishโ€”and itโ€™s a great way to use up a bumper crop of zucchini!
5 from 1 vote
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients  

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 2 large eggs
  • ยพ cup all-purpose flour
  • ยฝ cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 cups bread crumbs seasoned
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • marinara sauce or ranch for dipping

Instructions 

  • Slice zucchini into ยฝโ€ slices.
  • Beat eggs with salt and pepper. In a separate shallow dish, mix together the cheese and breadcrumbs and in another, mix the flour with some salt and pepper.
  • Add oil to a heavy saute pan and heat over medium-high heat.
  • Dredge the zucchini slices first in the flour, then the egg, and lastly the breadcrumbs. Gently drop the breaded zucchini slices into the oil and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Drain fried slices on paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 1583kcal | Carbohydrates: 241g | Protein: 72g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 361mg | Sodium: 2540mg | Potassium: 1714mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 1650IU | Vitamin C: 70mg | Calcium: 1113mg | Iron: 18mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @kasey_allthingsmamma or tag #allthingsmamma!

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About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

Comments

  1. Sheila says:

    Loved it. I added salt which set it off perfectly.

  2. Anthony says:

    My kids loved this for dipping!

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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