The Gunny Sack

  • Home
  • Autumn
  • Dinner
  • Recipe Index
    • All Recipes
    • Air Fryer
    • Appetizer
      • Dip
    • Beverages
      • Coffee
      • Smoothie
    • Breakfast
    • Crock Pot
    • Dessert
      • Bars
      • Cake
      • Candy
      • Cheesecake
      • Chocolate
      • Cookies
      • Fruit Desserts
        • Apple
        • Banana
        • Pumpkin
        • Strawberry
      • Fudge
      • Ice Cream
      • No Bake
      • Peanut Butter
      • peppermint
      • Pie
      • Truffles
    • Dinner
      • Beef
      • Bread
      • Casserole
      • Chicken
      • Grilled
      • Pasta
      • Pizza
      • Pork
      • Salad
      • Sauces and Dressing
      • Side
        • Potatoes
        • Vegetables
      • Soup
    • Snack
    • Holiday
      • Easter
      • Christmas
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
      • Valentine’s Day
  • About
    • About The Team
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Autumn
  • Appetizers
  • Desserts
  • Dinners
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Appetizer » Fried Zucchini

    Fried Zucchini

    Published: Jul 7, 2022 · Modified: Sep 7, 2023 by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE ↓ JUMP TO VIDEO

    Fried Zucchini is the BEST way to eat summer squash! It has crispy, flavorful breading on the outside with tender zucchini on the inside.

    breaded fried summer squash slices on a tray

    We’ve been making different versions of this recipe for years but finally nailed down how to make the crispiest, the most flavorful, the most amazing fried zucchini bites ever! Even our pickiest eater enjoyed them. We dip them in chipotle ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, and homemade ranch dressing.

    What You’ll Find In This Post

    • Fried Zucchini Ingredients
    • How To Make Fried Zucchini
    • Dipping Sauces For Fried Zucchini
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Additional Zucchini Recipes
    • More Deep-Fried Recipes
    ingredients on a countertop

    Fried Zucchini Ingredients

    To make this recipe you’ll need zucchini as well as the ingredients for a three-step breading and oil to fry them in. Scroll down for the complete recipe with ingredient measurements.

    • Zucchini: We only used one zucchini to make this recipe but if you want to make more simply increase the amount of breading ingredients.
    • Flour: The flour is the first step in the three-step breading process. It makes a dry even surface for the eggs to stick to.
    • Egg: The second step is the beaten egg which sticks to the flour and helps the breadcrumbs mixture adhere.
    • Breadcrumbs: The third step is the breadcrumbs. We chose panko breadcrumbs for their larger size and light crispy texture. If you can’t find panko you can use traditional breadcrumbs instead.
    • Parmesan: The freshly grated parmesan adds flavor and helps the breading turn golden brown when fried.
    • Seasoning: We seasoned the breading with garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Although you can use whatever seasonings you prefer, make sure the breading is well seasoned for the best results.
    • Oil: We fried the zucchini in vegetable oil but you could also use peanut oil or canola oil.
    a serving of fried zucchini bites on a platter

    How To Make Fried Zucchini

    This recipe is easy to make but takes a little patience with the breading and extra care with deep-frying. So give yourself enough time and be careful with the hot oil. Scroll down for the printable recipe card and complete instructions.

    • Slice: Start by slicing the zucchini into about 1/4-inch slices. You want to make the slices thick enough that they can hold the breading but not so thick that they won’t get tender when fried.
    • Breading: Coat the zucchini slices in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the seasoned breadcrumbs mixture.
    • Cook: Fry the breaded zucchini bites in hot oil until they are golden brown.
    a hand dipping fried zucchini in chipotle ranch

    Dipping Sauces For Fried Zucchini

    Although the crispy zucchini bites are great on their own, they are even more amazing when dipped in your favorite sauce. Here are a few recipes to try:

    • Chipotle Ranch Dressing
    • Sour Cream Chip Dip
    • Homemade Ranch Dressing
    • Spicy Cajun Dip
    a breaded fried zucchini slice with a bite out of it

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you get breading to stick to zucchini slices for frying?

    You need to use the classic three-part breading process. First coat the slices in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs.

    Can you make fried zucchini in an air fryer?

    Yes, you can make fried zucchini in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400˚F and spray the basket with olive oil spray. Add several coated zucchini slices and spray them with olive oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through cooking.

    How do you keep fried zucchini from getting soggy?

    For the crispiest zucchini, cut thin slices of zucchini (thick slices will have too much moisture and won’t get tender when frying) and coat them in flour (it gives the slices a dry surface for the egg to adhere to).

    breaded zucchini rounds on a plate

    Additional Zucchini Recipes

    • Zucchini Bread is the perfect sweet treat to make with zucchini!
    • This Grilled Zucchini is full of flavor and makes the perfect side dish.
    • These Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs include zucchini, bell peppers, and onions!

    More Deep-Fried Recipes

    • Corn Nuggets are a delicious, cheesy, crispy appetizer! They have melted cheese and corn on the inside with a crispy exterior.
    • This Hushpuppies recipe is a southern favorite! Serve them with a drizzle of honey or dip them in ranch dressing.
    • Our Jalapeno Popper Bites are melted balls of cheese stuffed with diced jalapeños and bacon. They are coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried.
    • These Mini Corn Dogs are kid-approved! They are hand-dipped in honey-sweetened cornmeal batter and deep-fried until golden brown.
    fried zucchini dipped in chipotle ranch dressing

    Fried Zucchini

    Fried Zucchini is the BEST way to eat summer squash! It has crispy, flavorful breading on the outside with tender zucchini on the inside.
    No ratings yet
    ↑ Click stars to rate!
    Print Review SaveSaved! Add to Shopping ListGo to Shopping List
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    Cutting Board Set
    Calphalon Knife Block Set
    Parchment Paper Sheets
    All-Clad Fry Pan Set

    Ingredients

    • 1 zucchini
    • ¼ cup flour
    • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
    • ½ cup grated parmesan
    • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 egg beaten
    • ¼ cup vegetable oil

    Instructions

    • Slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch slices. Set aside.
      hands slicing a zucchini with a knife on a cutting board
    • In a wide, shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, black pepper, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper.
      hands stirring spices and breadcrumbs with a spoon
    • Put the flour in a second bowl and the beaten eggs in a third.
      breading ingredients in bowls on a countertop
    • Coat the zucchini slices in flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat them in the breadcrumbs mixture. Place on a sheet of parchment paper in a single layer.
      adding breading to a zucchini slice
    • Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Carefully add coated zucchini slices to the hot oil (you may need to work in batches depending on the size of your pan).
      cooking the bites in oil
    • Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden, flipping halfway through. Some slices may take longer to cook so remove them as they are ready.
      frying breaded summer squash slices in a pan
    • Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve while warm with chipotle ranch dressing.
      fried food draining on a paper towel after frying

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6slices | Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 659mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

    More Appetizer Recipes

    • sliced veggie pizza
      Puff Pastry Veggie Pizza
    • A wooden spoonful of corn salad with Doritos.
      Corn Salad
    • Watermelon salsa in a watermelon bowl.
      Watermelon Salsa Recipe
    • Spicy honey mustard drizzled from a wooden spoon.
      Spicy Honey Mustard

    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 12+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

    « Salsa Recipe
    Zucchini Bread »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Tonia Larson and Brian LarsonHi, We are Brian and Tonia Larson! We hope you enjoy our family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and tasty desserts!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    sign up for emails button
    Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Nutrition Disclaimer

    Copyright © 2023 · Genesis Framework by StudioPress · WordPress · Log in