Indulge in a mouthwatering Italian Fried Zucchini recipe that brings you perfectly crispy and incredibly flavorful zucchini slices. This recipe is a breeze to follow and works like a charm whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a side dish. Enjoy the delightful combination of tender zucchini, the rich goodness of Parmesan cheese, and the aromatic charm of Italian seasonings. It’s a scrumptious journey into the heart of Italian cuisine that you won’t want to miss.
Here’s a recipe for Italian Fried Zucchini.
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized zucchini
- 2 cups of vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Wash the zucchini and trim off the ends.
- Cut the zucchini into thin rounds or strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Set Up a Dredging Station:
- In one shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour.
- In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the Zucchini:
- Take a piece of zucchini and dip it into the flour, making sure it’s coated evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip the floured zucchini into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the zucchini in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the zucchini. Ensure it’s well coated.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C). You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a breadcrumb into it; if it sizzles and bubbles, it’s hot enough.
- Fry the Zucchini:
- Carefully place the coated zucchini slices into the hot oil in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan; leave some space between the slices.
- Fry the zucchini for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried zucchini from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve Italian Fried Zucchini:
- Serve the Italian Fried Zucchini immediately while they’re hot and crispy.
- You can serve them with marinara sauce for dipping or a side of ranch dressing if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Italian Fried Zucchini as an appetizer or side dish!
Tips And Tricks To Help You Make The Best Italian Fried Zucchini
Choose Fresh Zucchini: Select firm, fresh zucchini with smooth skin. Avoid zucchini that feels soft or has blemishes.
Uniform Slicing: Try to slice the zucchini rounds or strips to a uniform thickness. This ensures even cooking and consistent results.
Use High Quality Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil for frying. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the zucchini to achieve a crispy texture.
Season Well: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. The combination of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning adds great flavor so season your zucchini generously.
Dredging Station Order: Follow the dredging station order (flour, eggs, breadcrumbs) to ensure the coating adheres properly. This helps create a crispy outer layer.
Shake Off Excess: Shake off any excess flour and egg before coating with breadcrumbs. Too much excess can result in a clumpy coating.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the zucchini in batches, allowing enough space between slices. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy zucchini.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. Adjust the heat as needed to keep it in the recommended range for frying (350-375°F or 175-190°C).
Use a Thermometer: If you have a kitchen thermometer, use it to monitor the oil temperature accurately.
Drain on Paper Towels: After frying, place the zucchini on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. This keeps them crispy.
Serve Immediately: Fried zucchini is best enjoyed hot and crispy. Serve it immediately for the best taste and texture.
Dipping Sauces: Consider serving your Italian Fried Zucchini with marinara sauce ranch dressing or another favorite dipping sauce to enhance the flavor.
Experiment: Feel free to experiment with the seasonings. You can add garlic powder red pepper flakes or other herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Enjoy your homemade Italian Fried Zucchini and don’t be afraid to get creative with the seasonings and dipping sauces to suit your taste preferences!
Nutrition Facts
The nutritional values for Italian Fried Zucchini can vary depending on factors like the size of the zucchini, the amount of oil absorbed during frying, and the specific brands of ingredients used. Here’s a general estimate for the nutritional content of Italian Fried Zucchini per 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving:
Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories
Protein: About 4-6 grams
Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20 grams
Fat: About 8-10 grams
Fiber: Approximately 1-2 grams
Sugar: Less than 1 gram
Sodium: Varies depending on the amount of salt used in the recipe
Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on your preparation method. Additionally, the frying process adds calories and fat due to the oil absorption, so moderation is key if you’re watching your calorie or fat intake. Enjoy Italian Fried Zucchini as an occasional treat or side dish.
