This fried zucchini recipe is absolutely delicious. Seasoned perfectly and fried to golden perfection, these zucchini fries make the perfect appetizer recipe that is quick and easy to make and always a favorite.
Fried zucchini is a southern staple. Wherever you look, you’ll find fried zucchini on almost every southern table, but it’s not just limited to the south anymore. All across the country, people have discovered just how delicious this dish is, and I want you to discover it, too.
I’ve been making fried zucchini from almost the time I started cooking. It’s easy to make, it’s delicious, and everyone always wants more. That’s the trifecta! It’s a delicious snack or side to a dinner, and you just can’t beat that delicious flavor. It’s also the ideal recipe to make if you have a garden full of these delicious squashes. No matter where you live or how you serve these, I want you to try this delicious zucchini recipe because I know you’re going to love it.
The Best Fried Zucchini Recipe
This recipe takes the classic fried version and makes it even better by changing up the batter a bit. Classic zucchini prepared in this manner is usually simply a wet bath and flour, but my version uses Panko and Tempura to create an extra crispy experience that makes it the best recipe of this type you’ll ever try in my opinion.
Crispy Fried Zucchini
MmmMMM! Nothing’s better. This recipe combines Panko, Tempura, and buttermilk to create extra crispy little spears that are absolutely mouthwatering. Every bite is extra crispy on the outside and tender and flavorful on the inside. When you combine them with a dipping sauce, they make the perfect appetizer. Serve them with another vegetable and protein and you have a great family dinner. However you serve them, they’re always delicious.
Tips and Techniques for the Best Fried Zucchini
There are a few important things you need to know when making this kind of zucchini dish. These are simple tips but they can make a big difference in your final product, so be sure to give these a look.
Not Too Thick or Too Thin
Whether you cut your zucchini into spears or medallions, be sure to make them thick enough to stand up to the frying process but not so thick that they release too much liquid as they cook. In general, about a quarter inch is the perfect size for medallions. Zucchini spears can be a bit thicker.
Don’t Crowd the Zucchini
When frying your zucchini, be sure not to crowd the pot or skillet with too many zucchini pieces at one time. It’s imperative that the oil maintain its temperature. Adding too much zucchini will lower the temperature too much and also make it more difficult to retrieve the zucchini once they’re done.
Dry, Wet, Dry
When battering your zucchini, always go dry, wet, and then dry again. The flour base gives the liquid something to stick to. The liquid gives the final dry coating something to stick to, as well. This method delivers the crispiest, tastiest outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you dive into this recipe, be sure to read this FAQ. It answers all the most common questions regarding fried zucchini.
Do you peel zucchini to fry it?
No, you don’t! Zucchini skin is thin and it won’t affect the flavor or texture of your final product. It’s also loaded with vitamins, which is a nice bonus.
What dipping sauce should I use with fried zucchini?
There are several great options to use with fried zucchini that I really love. Some of my favorites are:
- Ranch dressing
- Tzatziki sauce
- Honey Mustard
- Marinara sauce
- Ketchup
- French Onion Dip
How thin do I slice zucchini?
You’ll want to keep your zucchini on the thin side. If you’re slicing it into medallions for frying, a quarter inch is the absolute thickest you’ll want to go. If you’re slicing your zucchini lengthwise, you can go a bit thicker.
Can I make fried zucchini in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fried zucchini is delicious. If you plan on air frying your zucchini, be aware that you’ll need to make sure you don’t go too heavy on the breading. You want just enough wet mixture to hold the final dry application. Too much, and it will dribble off into the bottom of your air fryer.
How do I reheat fried zucchini?
There are three ways to reheat fried zucchini. You can reheat it in an air fryer, oven, or the microwave.
Air Fryer
The best way to reheat fried zucchini is in the air fryer. Place the fried zucchini in the air fryer for three to five minutes at 400 degrees.
Oven
Place the fried zucchini on a baking sheet coated with non-stick cooking spray and heat in the oven at 375 degrees until hot.
Microwave
Microwaving fried zucchini can be done, but it should be the last resort. When you microwave this dish, it can and will make the zucchini mushy. If you have no other way to do it, microwave on high at 30-second intervals until the zucchini is hot.
Fried Zucchini Ingredients
It doesn’t take a lot of ingredients to make this recipe, and you probably have most or all of them in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need.
- Medium zucchinis
- All purpose flour
- Buttermilk
- Large egg
- Panko bread crumbs
- Tempura batter mix
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic salt
- Slap Ya Mama®
- Black pepper
- Vegetable oil
How to Make Fried Zucchini
Just like the ingredient list, making this recipe is an easy process. You’ll make three dredging stations and do a little frying. That’s all there is to it. Anyone can do it.
Step 1: Prep
Wash your zucchini. Then, cut off both ends, and slice the zucchini in half. Then, slice each half lengthwise into four long strips (each zucchini will make 8 strips). Create your dredging station by setting out three shallow containers. The first should have flour. Place the egg and buttermilk mixture in the second bowl. Finally, combine breadcrumbs, tempura, Parmesan cheese, seasonings, and pepper, in the third bowl.
Step 2: Coat the Zucchini
Toss a few strips of zucchini at a time in the flour, then into the buttermilk mixture, and finally, into the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 3: Fry
Deep fry the zucchini until golden brown, being careful not to crowd the pot or skillet. Repeat until all the zucchini is fried. Place the fried zucchini onto a plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain/absorb any excess oil. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce!
Try This Fried Zucchini Recipe Today
Whether you serve up this fried zucchini as a side dish or an appetizer, it’s always a hit. That extra crunchy exterior combine with the delicious, tender zucchini center makes for a flavor and texture combo that everyone loves. Whip up a batch of these and watch everyone come back for more again and again!
Plus, zucchinis are high in fiber, rich in potassium, vitamin c, vitamin a and have a high water content.
More Fried Appetizer Recipes to Enjoy
Fried Onion Strings – These crispy fried onion strings are a delicious snack on their own or make a great topper for burger, tacos, casseroles and so much more.
Deep Fried Crispy Jalapeños – If you love jalapeños you are going to absolutely love this crispy fried jalapeños. These are not as hot as you’d think they’d be. And if you are like me, once I make these I crave them often, they’re that good!
Crispy Fried Avocado Bites – These avocado bites are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Enjoy these the same way you would mozzarella sticks, onions rings and fried pickles.
And, here is some delicious Jalapeño Cheese Bites from Deliciously Seasoned you might enjoy too!
Fried Zucchini
Ingredients
- 5 zucchini
- 1½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cups Panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup Tempura batter mix
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated, green container
- 1 tbsp Slap Ya Mama®
- 1 tbsp garlic salt
- 2 tsp pepper
- 1 cup vegetable oil (might need more)
Instructions
- Set up a dredging station with 3 shallow containers.
- In the first container, add flour and the second container, whisk buttermilk and egg together.
- In the third container, add bread crumbs, tempura, Parmesan cheese, seasonings and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Wash and dry the zucchinis. Cut both ends off each zucchini and sliced in half, then cut each half into 4 long strips.
- In a large frying pan or skillet, heat oil over medium high heat.
- Toss a few strips at a time into the flour, then into the buttermilk mixture, then into the bread crumb mixture and finally into the hot oil.
- Deep fry until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove from oil and place on a plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
Here are a couple pics to save to your favorite Pinterest boards.
Enjoy, Terri
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