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Home » Appetizers » Fried Zucchini

March 11, 2019 By Sara 26 Comments

Fried Zucchini

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This fried zucchini is zucchini sticks coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, then deep fried to golden brown perfection. Zucchini fries are the perfect side dish or party snack to feed a crowd!

There’s just something about fried food that makes it so delicious! When I’m looking to indulge a bit, I whip up a batch of fried ravioli, cream cheese wontons or this amazing fried zucchini.

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A p late of fried zucchini served with marinara for dipping.

I’ve been ordering fried zucchini in restaurants for as long as I can remember. That crispy coated squash is just addictive, especially when served with a side of marinara sauce! This homemade version of the restaurant classic is surprisingly easy to make at home, and it’s always a hit.

How do you make fried zucchini?

The first step is to cut some zucchini squash into sticks. The zucchini sticks are coated in egg, then rolled in a mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. The final step is to cook your zucchini in hot oil until crispy and golden brown. Serve your zucchini fries with a sprinkling of parsley and some sauce for dipping!

Raw zucchini sticks on a sheet pan.

Tips for fried zucchini

  • I liked to cut my zucchini in sticks because I find it easier to eat that way, but you can cut your zucchini into round coins if you prefer.
  • I use a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs for the best coating. If you don’t have Italian style breadcrumbs on hand, you can use regular breadcrumbs and add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning.
  • These zucchini sticks cook quickly, so watch them carefully in the oil!
  • Fried zucchini is best served fresh from the fryer. I wouldn’t recommend trying to make this dish in advance.
  • Use a deep frying thermometer to make sure your oil is at the proper temperature. Your oil should be between 350-375 degrees F.

Zucchini sticks coated in egg, parmesan and breadcrumbs.

Do you peel zucchini to fry it?

I personally don’t peel my zucchini before I fry it.  The peel helps to hold the zucchini together so that it’s not overly mushy inside the coating. In addition, many of the nutrients are in the peel, so keep it on!

Fried zucchini sticks on a sheet pan.

Is zucchini healthy?

Zucchini is packed with nutrients such as folate, Vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, Vitamin C and and Vitamin K. Zucchini is low calorie, low in carbohydrates and high in fiber. Zucchini also protects against inflammation, aids in digestion, improves thyroid function and is beneficial for your eyes.

A hand dipping a piece of fried zucchini into marinara sauce.

Can you bake fried zucchini?

If you prefer to avoid deep frying, you can bake your zucchini in the oven. Bread your zucchini sticks according to the directions, then coat the zucchini with cooking spray and place them on a greased sheet pan. Bake at 425 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Once you try this fried zucchini, you’ll find yourself making it all the time! It’s the perfect game day snack, great for parties or just for a night at home when you’re in the mood for some Italian food.

More appetizers you’ll love

  • Lemon Pepper Wings
  • Chicken Alfredo Dip
  • Taco Sliders
  • Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Philly Cheesesteak Dip
A p late of fried zucchini served with marinara for dipping.
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5 from 10 votes

Fried Zucchini

This fried zucchini is zucchini sticks coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, then deep fried to golden brown perfection. Zucchini fries are the perfect side dish or party snack to feed a crowd!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Keyword fried zucchini, zucchini fries
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 212kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 4 zucchini quartered and cut into 3 inch pieces
  • 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • oil for frying
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

  • Place the Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Place the eggs in a second bowl.
  • Dip the zucchini sticks in the egg, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture until completely coated.
  • Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350 degrees F.
  • Fry 6-8 pieces of zucchini at a time for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining zucchini.
  • Place the cooked zucchini on paper towels to drain.
  • Sprinkle with parsley, then serve immediately with marinara sauce on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 546mg | Potassium: 566mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 690IU | Vitamin C: 26.6mg | Calcium: 260mg | Iron: 2.4mg

Filed Under: Appetizers Tagged With: Zucchini

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Cauliflower Fried Rice »

Comments

  1. Shari says

    January 25, 2021 at 2:26 pm

    5 stars
    We gobbled these down in 2 minutes! I guess I will need to double the recipe next time!

    Reply
  2. Danielle Rowland says

    August 20, 2020 at 4:44 am

    Have you tried this in an air fryer? Just wondering what settings to use?

    Reply
    • Sara says

      August 20, 2020 at 1:34 pm

      I think it could work but I haven’t tried it myself!

      Reply
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With 3 young kids, dinner can feel like feeding time at the zoo! I'm a mom on a mission to create easy, healthy and family friendly recipes ...Read More
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