Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch (6 mm) rounds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For Serving
- Ranch dressing
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Slice the zucchini into even rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Place the flour in one shallow bowl.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Coat each zucchini slice in flour, dip into the egg mixture, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
- Heat about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the zucchini in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray both sides of the breaded zucchini with cooking oil.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Tips
- Pat the zucchini dry well to help the coating stick.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket.
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes or in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the coating.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4