This crispy fried zucchini recipe is the perfect way to enjoy fresh summer zucchini. Coated in crunchy cornflake crumbs and lightly seasoned, each bite is golden, tender, and full of flavor.
This recipe is a great way to turn zucchini slices into a crowd-pleasing snack or family favorite side dish. Serve it up with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a squeeze of lemon—you really can't go wrong!
Ingredients to Make Fried Zucchini
- medium zucchini (about 8–10 inches long)
- eggs
- milk
- all-purpose flour
- panko breadcrumbs or cornflake crumbs
- Finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil for frying
- Optional: onion powder or Italian breadcrumbs for added flavor
Fried Zucchini (Deep Fried)
- Prepare the zucchini by washing and patting dry 3–4 medium zucchini using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Slice into ⅓-inch thick zucchini rounds or sticks.
- In a shallow bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour with salt and black pepper to taste.
- In a second bowl, beat 2 eggs and mix with 2 cups milk to create an egg wash.
- In a third bowl, place 3 cups of panko breadcrumbs or cornflake crumbs. Add an optional ½ teaspoon of onion powder or Italian breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Fill a deep fryer or frying pan with vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil—just enough oil to fully submerge the zucchini. Heat to medium-high heat (follow your fryer’s manual if applicable). The hot oil should sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped in.
- Bread the zucchini by working in small batches and coating each piece in the flour mixture. Then, dip it into the egg batter and finally coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Fry the zucchini by carefully lowering breaded zucchini into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Fry for 2–4 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the zucchini from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain. While still hot, sprinkle with finely shredded Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt.
- Enjoy immediately with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a squeeze of lemon.
Fried Zucchini in the Air Fryer
- Wash 3–4 medium zucchini and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Slice into ⅓-inch thick zucchini rounds or sticks.
- In a shallow bowl, stir together 2 cups all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- In a second bowl, beat 2 eggs and mix with 2 cups of milk to form an egg wash.
- In a third bowl, place 3 cups of panko breadcrumbs or cornflake crumbs, and add ½ teaspoon of onion powder or a scoop of Italian breadcrumbs if desired for extra flavor.
- Bread the zucchini: Working in small batches, dredge each piece of zucchini in the flour mixture, dip into the egg batter, and then coat in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help it stick.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the breaded zucchini in a single layer, leaving space between each for even cooking.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping the zucchini halfway through. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil midway for a crispier finish. When done, the zucchini should be crispy and golden brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. While hot, sprinkle with finely shredded Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt.
Quick Tips for the Best Fried Zucchini
- Dry zucchini well with paper towels so the coating sticks.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier finish.
- Cook in small batches to avoid soggy results.
- Add black pepper, onion powder, or herbs to boost flavor.
- Zucchini pieces, zucchini rounds, or fries all work whether using the air fryer, deep fryer, or pan frying.
How to Store Fried Zucchini
Store any leftover fried zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer on a wire rack to restore the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, which makes the breading soft.
More Zucchini Recipes
Have more summer zucchini on hand? Don’t stop here! Try Bisquick Zucchini Quiche, moist banana zucchini bread, or easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. There are so many different ways to enjoy this summer vegetable, and every dish is a great recipe your whole family will love.
📖 Recipe
Fried Zucchini
This crispy fried zucchini recipe is the perfect way to enjoy fresh summer zucchini. Coated in crunchy cornflake crumbs and lightly seasoned, each bite is golden, tender, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 –4 medium zucchini - about 8–10 inches long
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups panko breadcrumbs or cornflake crumbs
- Finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper - to taste
- 1 cup Vegetable oil - canola oil, or olive oil for frying
- Optional: onion powder or Italian breadcrumbs for added flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini by washing and patting dry 3–4 medium zucchini using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Slice into ⅓-inch thick zucchini rounds or sticks.
- In a shallow bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour with salt and black pepper to taste.
- In a second bowl, beat 2 eggs and mix with 2 cups milk to create an egg wash.
- In a third bowl, place 3 cups of panko breadcrumbs or cornflake crumbs. Add an optional ½ teaspoon of onion powder or Italian breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Fill a deep fryer or frying pan with vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil—just enough oil to fully submerge the zucchini. Heat to medium-high heat (follow your fryer’s manual if applicable). The hot oil should sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped in.
- Bread the zucchini by working in small batches and coating each piece in the flour mixture. Then, dip it into the egg batter and finally coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Fry the zucchini by carefully lowering breaded zucchini into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Fry for 2–4 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the zucchini from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain. While still hot, sprinkle with finely shredded Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt.
- Enjoy immediately with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a squeeze of lemon.
Fried Zucchini in the Air Fryer
- Wash 3–4 medium zucchini and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Slice into ⅓-inch thick zucchini rounds or sticks.
- In a shallow bowl, stir together 2 cups all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- In a second bowl, beat 2 eggs and mix with 2 cups of milk to form an egg wash.
- In a third bowl, place 3 cups of panko breadcrumbs or cornflake crumbs, and add ½ teaspoon of onion powder or a scoop of Italian breadcrumbs if desired for extra flavor.
- Working in small batches, dredge each piece of zucchini in the flour mixture, dip into the egg batter, and then coat in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help it stick.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the breaded zucchini in a single layer, leaving space between each for even cooking.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping the zucchini halfway through. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil midway for a crispier finish. When done, the zucchini should be crispy and golden brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. While hot, sprinkle with finely shredded Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt.
Notes
- Dry zucchini well with paper towels so the coating sticks.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier finish.
- Cook in small batches to avoid soggy results.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 660kcal | Carbohydrates: 138g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 923mg | Potassium: 641mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 2520IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 37mg
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
© Mama Needs Cake
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Dana is an experienced recipe creator who crafts easy and delicious recipes for all levels of home cooks.
Her recipes range from classic comfort foods to healthy and nutritious meals, and she is always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to bring flavor and variety to the table.
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