Fried zucchini transforms a simple summer vegetable into a crispy snack or side dish that’s bursting with flavor. By coating zucchini slices in flour and egg before frying, you get a crunchy exterior that locks in tender, juicy zucchini inside. This recipe is quick and works perfectly as an appetizer, a side for dinner, or a crowd-pleasing finger food. Even those who normally skip their veggies will find it hard to resist these flavorful slices.
What Is Fried Zucchini?
Fried zucchini is a classic home-style dish popular across Mediterranean and European kitchens, especially as a quick way to use up summer zucchini. The unique taste, despite their short ingredient list, lies in their crunchy edges and a soft, almost creamy interior.
Pro Tips for the Best Fried Zucchini
- Slice the zucchini evenly so everything fries at the same speed.
- Lightly salt the zucchini first, then pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the oil.
- Use medium heat so the coating turns golden without burning before the zucchini cooks through.
- Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady and the slices properly crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I salt the zucchini before frying?
Salting helps draw out excess moisture from the zucchini, which improves texture during frying. Too much water can make the coating soggy instead of crisp. This small step helps the zucchini fry evenly and brown beautifully.
Can I make fried zucchini without flour?
Yes, but flour creates a light base layer that helps the egg stick and form a crisp coating. Without it, the egg may slide off or cook unevenly. If avoiding flour, you can try a very light egg coating and fry carefully.
Why is my fried zucchini oily?
Oily zucchini usually means the oil wasn’t hot enough. When the oil is too cool, the slices absorb it instead of crisping up quickly. Make sure the oil is hot before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I use a large zucchini for this recipe?
You can, but large zucchinis tend to have more seeds and water content. This can affect both texture and frying time. Smaller zucchini usually give the best results.
Can I Freeze Fried Zucchini?
This dish can't be frozen because the coating loses its crispness once thawed. The moisture released during freezing can make the slices soft and limp.
How to Store Fried Zucchini
You can place this dish in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet, oven, or air fryer to bring back some crispness. Also, don’t use the microwave, as it tends to make them soft. But note that they are best eaten soon after frying.
Ingredients
How to Make Fried Zucchini
Slice the zucchini into even rounds and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle lightly with salt, toss, and let them sit for a few minutes.
Slice the zucchini into even rounds and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle lightly with salt, toss, and let them sit for a few minutes.
Crack the eggs into a bowl, add salt and pepper, and beat.
Crack the eggs into a bowl, add salt and pepper, and beat.
Dip each zucchini slice into the flour, then coat it fully in the beaten egg.
Dip each zucchini slice into the flour, then coat it fully in the beaten egg.
Fry the zucchini slices in batches, turning once, until they’re golden brown on both sides.
Fry the zucchini slices in batches, turning once, until they’re golden brown on both sides.
Finish with chopped parsley and serve with your favourite dip.
Finish with chopped parsley and serve with your favourite dip.
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