Name: Fried Zucchini Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 24 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini; 2 eggs; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup parmesan cheese; 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs; canola oil

Fried zucchini is a delightful dish that combines the crispy texture of a golden crust with the tender, juicy interior of fresh zucchini slices. Perfect for a quick snack or a side dish, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and flavor.

Photos of Fried Zucchini Recipe

While most ingredients for this recipe are common, you might need to check your pantry for parmesan cheese and seasoned bread crumbs. These items are essential for adding the distinctive flavor and crunch to your fried zucchini. Both can be found in the dairy section and baking aisle at the supermarket.

Ingredients For Fried Zucchini Recipe

Zucchini: Fresh, medium-sized zucchini are best for this recipe. They should be firm and free from blemishes.

Eggs: Used to bind the breading to the zucchini slices. Fresh eggs are ideal.

All-purpose flour: Acts as the first coating layer, helping the egg mixture adhere better.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the breading mix. Grated parmesan is preferred.

Seasoned bread crumbs: Provides the crispy coating for the zucchini. Pre-seasoned varieties add extra flavor.

Canola oil: Used for frying. Canola oil is preferred for its neutral flavor and high smoke point.

One reader, Jarad Leong says:

This fried zucchini recipe is fantastic! The crispy coating with parmesan adds a delightful crunch, and the zucchini stays tender inside. It's easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or side dish. Highly recommend!

Jarad Leong

Techniques Required for Fried Zucchini Recipe

How to trim ends off zucchini: Use a sharp knife to cut off the stem and blossom ends of the zucchini. How to slice zucchini into ½-inch slices: Place the zucchini on a cutting board and slice it evenly into ½-inch thick rounds. How to beat eggs: Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork or whisk until well combined. How to dredge zucchini in flour: Coat each zucchini slice in flour, shaking off any excess. How to dip in eggs: After dredging in flour, dip each zucchini slice into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. How to dip in bread crumbs: After dipping in eggs, coat each zucchini slice in the bread crumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. How to heat oil in a pan: Pour canola oil into a pan to a depth of ½ inch and heat over medium heat until it reaches the desired temperature for frying. How to drain on paper towels: After frying, place the zucchini slices on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

How To Make Fried Zucchini

This fried zucchini recipe is a great summer food made with sliced zucchini coated in a parmesan breadcrumb mixture and fried to golden brown perfection.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 4 minutes

Total: 24 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2medium zucchini
2eggs
¾cupall-purpose flour
½cupparmesan cheese,grated
2cupsseasoned bread crumbs
canola oil,for frying

Instructions

Trim ends off zucchini and slice into ½-inch slices.
Beat eggs with salt and pepper to taste. Combine parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and salt & pepper to taste in a separate dish.
Pour oil into a pan to ½-inch deep and heat over medium heat.
Dredge zucchini in flour, dip in eggs and finally dip in bread crumbs. Repeat with remaining slices.
Add zucchini to the pan one at a time cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels then season with salt if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 1211.62kcal
Fat: 47.15g
Saturated Fat: 25.66g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 15.06g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.55g
Carbohydrates: 121.21g
Fiber: 5.08g
Sugar: 4.47g
Protein: 71.62g
Cholesterol: 141.11mg
Sodium: 2265.52mg
Calcium: 1842.70mg
Potassium: 466.20mg
Iron: 8.69mg
Vitamin A: 329.92µg
Vitamin C: 8.77mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Fried Zucchini

When dredging the zucchini slices in flour, make sure to shake off any excess flour before dipping them in the egg mixture. This helps the bread crumbs adhere better, resulting in a crispier coating.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Fried Zucchini

Prep ingredients ahead: Slice zucchini and measure out flour, parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs in advance.

Use assembly line: Set up a station with flour, egg mixture, and bread crumbs to streamline the coating process.

Heat oil properly: Ensure the oil is hot before adding zucchini to avoid soggy results and speed up cooking time.

Batch cooking: Fry multiple zucchini slices at once, but avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain even cooking.

Substitute Ingredients For Fried Zucchini Recipe

zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a great alternative for frying.
eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to replace each egg. This mixture acts as a binding agent similar to eggs.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour provides a slightly nuttier flavor and adds more fiber to the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a great vegan alternative to parmesan cheese.
seasoned bread crumbs - Substitute with panko bread crumbs: Panko bread crumbs create a lighter, crispier coating. You can season them yourself to match the original flavor.
canola oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil has a rich flavor and is a healthier option due to its higher content of monounsaturated fats.

Presenting Your Fried Zucchini Dish

Serve smaller portion sizes: Arrange the fried zucchini slices in a neat, overlapping pattern on a pristine white plate to highlight their golden-brown crust.
Use decoration: Garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley and a few shavings of parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance and color contrast.
Add a dipping sauce: Serve with a small ramekin of garlic aioli or marinara sauce on the side to complement the crispy texture and enhance the flavor profile.
Incorporate height: Stack a few slices of fried zucchini vertically in the center of the plate to create visual interest and dimension.
Drizzle with oil: Lightly drizzle some high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the fried zucchini just before serving to add a glossy finish and a hint of richness.
Add a touch of acidity: Place a few thin slices of lemon or a small wedge on the side of the plate to offer a refreshing burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the fried zucchini.
Use microgreens: Scatter a few microgreens around the plate for a modern and sophisticated touch, adding both color and a subtle, fresh flavor.
Create a clean presentation: Ensure the plate is meticulously clean, with no stray crumbs or smudges, to maintain a professional and polished appearance.

Essential Tools for Making Fried Zucchini

Knife: To trim the ends off the zucchini and slice them into ½-inch slices.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the zucchini.
Mixing bowl: To beat the eggs with salt and pepper.
Shallow dish: For combining the parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and additional salt and pepper.
Frying pan: To heat the oil and fry the zucchini slices.
Tongs: For adding and turning the zucchini slices in the pan.
Paper towels: To drain the fried zucchini slices and remove excess oil.
Plate: To hold the dredged zucchini slices before frying.
Measuring cups: To measure out the flour, parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs.
Whisk: To beat the eggs thoroughly.
Slotted spoon: To remove the fried zucchini slices from the pan, allowing excess oil to drain back into the pan.

Storing and Freezing Fried Zucchini

Allow the fried zucchini to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing. This will help maintain their crispiness and prevent them from becoming soggy.
For short-term storage, place the cooled fried zucchini in an airtight container lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess oil and moisture. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat refrigerated fried zucchini, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
For longer storage, freeze the cooled fried zucchini by following these steps:
1. Arrange the fried zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours or until the zucchini slices are frozen solid.
3. Transfer the frozen zucchini slices to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
4. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen fried zucchini, do not thaw them first. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the frozen zucchini slices on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.

How To Reheat Leftover Fried Zucchini

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover fried zucchini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange the slices in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the breadcrumb coating while evenly reheating the zucchini.
For a quicker option, use an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the leftover fried zucchini in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the zucchini slices are heated through and crispy. The air fryer's rapid circulation of hot air helps restore the crispiness of the coating without the need for additional oil.
If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a small amount of canola oil or olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover fried zucchini slices in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan, as this may cause the zucchini to steam rather than crisp up.
For a healthier reheating option, consider using a grill pan. Preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the leftover fried zucchini slices with a small amount of olive oil and place them on the grill pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy. The grill pan's ridges help create a crispy exterior while minimizing the need for additional oil.
Avoid using the microwave to reheat fried zucchini, as this method can cause the breadcrumb coating to become soggy and the zucchini to turn mushy. If the microwave is your only option, place the zucchini slices on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels and heat in 15-second intervals until warmed through. To help restore some crispiness, place the microwaved zucchini under the broiler for a minute or two after reheating.

Random Fact About Fried Zucchini

A random fact about this fried zucchini recipe is that zucchini is a versatile vegetable often used in Mediterranean cuisine. It is low in calories and high in nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.

Is Making Fried Zucchini at Home Economical?

This fried zucchini recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With zucchini being relatively inexpensive, and staples like eggs, flour, and parmesan cheese already in most pantries, the total cost remains low. The seasoned bread crumbs and canola oil are also budget-friendly. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $10-$12 USD. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.

Is Fried Zucchini Healthy or Unhealthy?

The fried zucchini recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:

Deep frying in oil adds significant calories and unhealthy fats to the dish
Breading the zucchini with flour, eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs further increases the calorie and carbohydrate content
Parmesan cheese adds additional calories, saturated fat, and sodium

However, zucchini itself is a nutritious vegetable, low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals. By making a few tweaks, this recipe can be transformed into a healthier option without sacrificing taste.

Here are some suggestions to make this recipe healthier:

Instead of deep frying, try baking the breaded zucchini slices in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), place the breaded zucchini on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Use whole wheat flour and breadcrumbs to increase the fiber content and provide a more nutritious base for the breading.
Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese used, or opt for a lower-fat alternative like nutritional yeast, which provides a cheesy flavor with fewer calories and less fat.
Experiment with different seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian herbs, to add flavor without relying on excess salt.
Serve the baked zucchini with a side of marinara sauce or Greek yogurt-based dip for added nutrients and a tasty accompaniment.

Editor's Thoughts on This Fried Zucchini Recipe

This fried zucchini recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The combination of parmesan cheese and seasoned bread crumbs creates a crispy, savory coating that complements the tender zucchini slices perfectly. The use of canola oil ensures a neutral taste, allowing the zucchini's natural flavor to shine. However, consider adding a touch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the bread crumb mixture for an extra layer of complexity. Overall, it's a simple yet delicious dish that can serve as a versatile appetizer or side.

Enhance Your Fried Zucchini Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Imagine the creamy goodness of potatoes infused with the rich aroma of garlic. This side dish will perfectly complement the crispy texture of your fried zucchini, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Caprese Salad: Picture a vibrant salad featuring juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella. Drizzled with a balsamic reduction, this refreshing side dish adds a burst of color and a tangy twist to your appetizer, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Roasted Red Pepper Soup: Envision a velvety soup made from roasted red peppers and a hint of smoked paprika. This warm and comforting side dish will provide a delightful contrast to the crispy fried zucchini, offering a depth of flavor that will elevate your dining experience.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Think of tender asparagus spears, lightly charred on the grill and finished with a sprinkle of lemon zest. This side dish brings a touch of elegance and a burst of citrusy freshness, perfectly balancing the richness of your fried zucchini.

Mango Salsa: Visualize a vibrant salsa made with ripe mangoes, red onions, and a hint of cilantro. This tropical side dish adds a sweet and tangy twist to your appetizer, creating a delightful contrast that will tantalize your taste buds.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Fried Zucchini

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Dive into these vibrant bell peppers stuffed with a savory mix of ground beef, rice, and tomatoes. Baked to perfection, they make a colorful and delicious appetizer or main course.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Transform brussels sprouts into a crispy, cheesy delight with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic. These roasted gems are a perfect side dish or appetizer.

Caprese Salad Skewers: Experience the classic flavors of Caprese salad in a fun, bite-sized form. Skewer cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for a refreshing appetizer.

Baked Eggplant Parmesan: Enjoy layers of eggplant coated in crispy breadcrumbs, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella. This baked dish is a comforting and hearty appetizer or main course.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in a creamy, cheesy spinach and artichoke dip that's perfect for dipping crackers or bread. This warm, gooey appetizer is always a crowd-pleaser.

Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Fried Zucchini

Main Courses:

Chicken Parmesan: Transform your dinner table with this classic Italian-American dish. Start by breading chicken breasts with a mixture of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Fry until golden brown, then layer with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve over a bed of spaghetti for a complete meal that will delight your taste buds.

Beef Stroganoff: Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Russian-inspired dish. Sauté sliced beef with onions and mushrooms until tender. Create a luscious sauce using sour cream, beef broth, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Serve over a bed of egg noodles or rice for a comforting and satisfying meal that will impress your guests.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the richness of a molten chocolate dessert that oozes with decadent chocolate when you cut into it. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast of hot and cold, and garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries for a touch of elegance. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping treat.

Tiramisu: Experience the classic Italian layered dessert that combines espresso-soaked ladyfingers with a creamy mascarpone mixture. Dust the top with cocoa powder for a bittersweet finish and serve it chilled for a refreshing end to any meal. Add a twist by incorporating a hint of liqueur in the espresso for an extra layer of flavor. This dessert is ideal for dinner parties or a romantic evening at home.

Why trust this Fried Zucchini Recipe:

This fried zucchini recipe is a must-try for its perfect balance of crispiness and flavor. The combination of parmesan cheese and seasoned bread crumbs creates a delightful crust that complements the tender zucchini. Using canola oil ensures a light and even fry, making each bite irresistible. Trust this recipe for its simple yet effective steps that guarantee delicious results every time.

Have you tried this fried zucchini recipe? Discuss your experience, tips, and variations in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

How do I prevent the breading from falling off the zucchini?

Make sure to pat the zucchini slices dry before dredging them in flour. This helps the flour stick better, which in turn helps the egg and breadcrumb mixture adhere more effectively.

Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Yes, you can use other oils like vegetable oil or even olive oil. Just make sure the oil has a high enough smoke point for frying.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs as substitutes. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover fried zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the oven to maintain their crispiness.

Can I bake the zucchini instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the breaded zucchini slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.