I love me some fried zucchini so I’m giving it to you two ways, deep fried and air-fried. Both ways give you super crispy golden texture with bomb flavor throughout. So pick your poison, make a little marinara sauce to dip it in and let’s get at it boos.
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How to make Fried Zucchini
Step 1: Cut zucchini in half cross-wise, then cut into 3 ½ x ½ inch batons.
Step 2: Season with 1 teaspoon salt. Let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
Step 3: Set up a dredging station, with three bowls—mix flour and baking soda in the first bowl; eggs, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and buttermilk in the second bowl; and the breadcrumbs in the third.
In three to four batches, place zucchini in each bowl, shaking off excess.
Step 4: To deep fry, heat 4 cups vegetable oil to 375F in heavy-bottomed 2 quart pot. Gently lower zucchini into hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes, until deep golden brown. Drain on paper towel-lined plate and season with salt. Wait until temperature returns to 375F. Repeat with remaining zucchini. Serve hot.
Step 5: To air-fry, spray zucchini with cooking spray and place in air fryer.
Cook on 380F for 7 minutes.
Step 6: Remove from air fryer and season with salt. Repeat with remaining zucchini (2-3 batches, depending on the size of your air fryer). Serve hot.
Fried Zucchini Recipe
My lip-smackin’ fried zucchini recipe delivers golden-brown, crispy perfection while keeping the insides tender. Make in the air fryer or deep-fry!
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Cut zucchini in half cross-wise, then cut into 3 ½ x ½ inch batons. Season with 1 teaspoon salt. Let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
Set up a dredging station, with three bowls—mix flour and baking soda in the first bowl; eggs, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and buttermilk in the second bowl; and the breadcrumbs in the third.
In three to four batches, place zucchini in each bowl, shaking off excess.
For Air-frying
Spray zucchini with cooking spray and place in air fryer.
Cook on 380F for 7 minutes.
Remove from air fryer and season with salt.
Repeat with remaining zucchini (2-3 batches, depending on the size of your air fryer).
Serve hot immediately.
For Deep-frying
Heat 4 cups vegetable oil to 375F in heavy-bottomed 2 quart pot.
Gently lower zucchini into hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes, until deep golden brown
Drain on paper towel-lined plate and season with salt.
Wait until temperature returns to 375F. Repeat with remaining zucchini.
Serve hot immediately.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture and keep the fried zucchini from getting soggy.
Reheating: Preheat your oven or air fryer to 375°F. Place the zucchini on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re crispy and heated through. Avoid using a microwave for reheating as it can make the zucchini soggy.
Can I Freeze?
Yep let the zucchini cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can reheat the frozen zucchini in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy and heated through. There’s no need to thaw them first.
Serving: 1g | Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 1398mg | Potassium: 433mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 428IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 3mg
Recipe Tips
Cut the zucchini slices evenly: Uniform slices ensure that they cook evenly and at the same rate.
Ensure the oil temperature stays steady: If the oil is too hot, the zucchini may burn quickly on the outside while staying undercooked inside. Too cool and it will turn out greasy and soggy.
Place fried zucchini on a wire rack: This allows any excess oil to drain off and helps to preserve the crispy texture.
Avoid overcrowding: Overcrowding the frying pan or air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and soggy results.
Recipe help
Yep! You can use panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or even cornmeal if you like that.
I personally wouldn’t because you would lose the crispiness. But if you must, you can use the air fryer for a few minutes to regain some crispiness back.
