Erin Merhar is a professionally trained chef, food stylist, and recipe developer. When she is not coming up with the next great dish for ThePioneerWoman.com, you can find her at the farmers' market or making pizza for friends.
Have an overflowing garden of zucchini? Ready to try zucchini recipes other than zucchini noodles, zucchini casserole, or zucchini bread? Then this crispy fried zucchini is just the recipe for you!
Like Southern fried okra and fried eggplant, breading and frying zucchini breathes new life into this vegetable. Serve it as a tasty snack, crunchy munchie at the next fish fry, or as a summer side dish that everyone will want seconds of! This is bound to become your new favorite way to eat veggies.
What's in the breading for fried zucchini?
This recipe keeps it simple and starts the way many other fried foods do. The zucchini is first dredged in flour and next dipped in egg. Then a coating of seasoned bread crumbs, parmesan, and a little salt and pepper is the final step before dropping the pieces into hot oil.
How do you cut and fry zucchini?
Zucchini can absolutely be sliced into circles, about 1/2-inch thick, then breaded and fried. But we love the effect of slicing up a zucchini into plank-shaped pieces, like a french fry. Very easy to grab and dip!
Should you salt zucchini before frying?
Though not entirely necessary, salting zucchini before cooking has some nice benefits. First, the salt has a chance to reach the vegetable directly (not just sitting on top of it, as part of the breading), which helps to maximize flavor. Once salted, letting the zucchini rest for a few minutes also helps to draw out some of the moisture, which will keep the zucchini from getting soggy when fried.
Why is my fried zucchini soggy?
If you skipped salting your zucchini, too much moisture is likely the culprit. But it could also be because your oil wasn't hot enough when you dropped the zucchini in. You want the oil to be about 350 degrees. Use a thermometer or try the simple trick of sticking a wooden spoon in the oil to test its readiness. If you see bubbles around the spoon, your oil is likely ready to fry. It's also important that you not overcrowd the pan to ensure crispiness.
What do you serve with fried zucchini?
Fried zucchini begs for a dipping sauce. Ree Drummond's favorite recipe for Hamburger Hamlet's Zucchini Zircles includes a sweet and salty dipping sauce made of pineapple juice, soy sauce, mustard powder and apricot preserves. Burger sauce, ranch dressing, or tzatziki make for creamy options, and classic marinara, gently warmed, pairs well with the parmesan and herbs in the seasoned breadcrumb coating.
- Yields:
- 6 - 8 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 15 mins
- Total Time:
- 30 mins
Ingredients
- 3
medium zucchini, about 1 1/2 lb.
- 1 1/2 tsp.
salt, divided, plus more for serving
- 3/4 c.
all-purpose flour
- 1
egg
- 1/3 c.
milk
- 1 c.
seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/3 c.
grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp.
ground black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
Chopped parsley, for serving
Lemon wedges, for serving
- Nutrition Information
- Per Serving (Serves 8)
- Calories327 Fat24 gSaturated fat3 gTrans fat0 gCholesterol25 mgSodium358 mgCarbohydrates20 gFiber2 gSugar3 gProtein7 gVitamin D0 mcgCalcium129 mgIron2 mgPotassium283 mg
- Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.Powered by
Directions
- Step 1Cut the zucchini into French fry-like pieces, about 3 inches long by 1/2-inch wide. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and place in a single layer on a paper towel lined sheet tray. Set aside for 10 minutes, then pat dry with a paper towel.
- Step 2Meanwhile, place the flour on a plate. Whisk together the eggs and milk in a wide shallow bowl. Combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper in another wide, shallow bowl.
- Step 3Working 3 to 4 zucchini pieces at a time, dredge in the flour to coat completely, dip in the egg mixture, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Set aside in a single layer on a sheet tray.
- Step 4Preheat the oven to 200°.
- Step 5Meanwhile, heat a large skillet filled with about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until very hot (about 350°). Working in batches, cook 8 to 10 pieces of zucchini in a single layer until golden brown all over, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the oil and transfer to a wire rack set over a sheet tray (or a sheet tray lined with paper towels). Keep the fried zucchini warm in the oven. Continue to fry the remaining zucchini adding more oil as needed to the skillet.
- Step 6Serve warm with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
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