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Italian fried zucchini on brown parchment paper with bowl of marinara sauce and lemon wedges.
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5 from 1 vote

Fried Zucchini

Fried Zucchini are the ultimate appetizer! Sticks of zucchini are battered, dipped in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and some marinara for dipping!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 8 pieces

Ingredients

  • 3-4 medium zucchini cut into 3-4 inch long sticks
  • 3 cups neutral oil or enough to fill pan at least 1 inch high
  • 1 cup flour for dredging
  • 6 large eggs beaten
  • 2 cups marinara sauce for dipping
  • 1 large lemon cut into wedges

For the breadcrumb mixture

  • 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher salt plus more for after frying
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano
  • 3 tablespoons minced flat-leaf Italian parsley

Instructions

  • Heat oil (use enough to fill pan at least 1 inch high) in a cast iron or heavy pan to 350-360f for frying.
  • Cut zucchini into sticks that are roughly 4-inches long.
  • Combine the breadcrumb mixture together in a large bowl. Prepare another bowl with the beaten eggs and a touch of salt and pepper. Prepare one more bowl with flour and a touch of salt and pepper.
  • Dredge the zucchini sticks in the flour mixture and shake off the excess. Then dip the sticks into the egg batter. Drip off the excess egg and coat in the breadcrumbs then fry for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown on each side.
  • Place the fried zucchini onto a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Once they come out of the oil immediately sprinkle more kosher salt on top of the hot zucchini. They will readily absorb it and become more flavorful. Work in batches (avoid overcrowding the pan and skim oil if required) until finished.
  • Serve immediately or keep warm in a low temp oven on a wire rack. Serve with lemon wedges and marinara sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Fried zucchini should be eaten right immediately though they can be kept warm in a 175-200f oven for up to 60 minutes.
  • Sprinkling a pinch of salt over the fried zucchini right after frying is essential.  They will readily absorb the salt and taste so much better.
  • Leftovers can be saved for up to 3 days in the fridge and can be reheated until warm in a 350f oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 40.5g | Protein: 16.4g | Fat: 24.8g | Saturated Fat: 5.7g | Cholesterol: 193mg | Sodium: 818mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 2.4g | Sugar: 3.3g | Calcium: 189mg | Iron: 4mg

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