Easy Pan Fried Zucchini Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

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Easy pan fried zucchini is one of the most delicious ways to eat this vegetable. Zucchini slices are breaded and fried until crispy. The end result is a wonderful, crispy treat.

Easy Pan Fried Zucchini is a fast side dish to highlight this versatile vegetable. These zucchini coins are lightly breaded in four and pan fried until crispy, salty and delicious. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over top, and serve! Follow these easy instructions for how to fry zucchini slices.

Table of Contents

Easy Pan Fried Zucchini Recipe:

Many of my favorite recipes come from co-workers. When you spend half your life at the office, you tend to talk about many topics, and food is one of my favorites.

One night, my co-worker (and friend), Tammi, posted a photo of her dinner which included these yummy looking fried zucchini coins.She gave me the simple instructions, and now I am hooked on these. They are crispy, and salty, and fast! This recipe works great with summer (or yellow) squash too!

I’m always looking for new ways to use zucchini from our garden, other than our usual recipes that include Spicy Roasted Zucchini, Zucchini Quiche, and Frosted Zucchini Bars. I also have my eye on this Zucchini Pie from South Your Mouth to try soon!

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Ingredients for Easy Pan Fried Zucchini and Squash

Frying up zucchini from the garden makes a perfect appetizer or side dish during the summer months. I love to serve crispy fried zucchini along side steaks, BLTs, or even just plain old chicken salad. Be sure to serve them up hot when they are at their tastiest.

  • Zucchini or Yellow Squash
  • Large Eggs
  • All Purpose Flour
  • Salt or Seasoned Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Vegetable or Canola Oil
  • Parmesan Cheese (optional)

How To Pan-Fry Zucchini Slices

Step By Step Instructions

  1. Cut washed and dried zucchini (or yellow squash) into thin slices.
  2. Set up a batter station – one bowl of salted flour and a second bowl of beaten eggs.
  3. Dip the zucchini slices in egg first, and then into the flour mixture.
  4. In a skillet of oil, fry in a single layer on the stove top over medium high heat until golden brown; flip and fry the other side.
  5. Remove from oil and place onto paper towels lined plate to drain. Grate fresh Parmesan over top, if desired.

For the full recipe steps and ingredient amounts for pan fried zucchini with flour recipe, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Recipe FAQs

  • You can use zucchini or yellow summer squash or a combination in this pan fried zucchini with Parmesan recipe.
  • I tend to slice my zucchini fairly thin (1/8 inch), but you can leave thicker if that is your preference.
  • This fried zucchini recipe involves a two-step breading method.First, dip the zucchini into beaten eggs, and then dredge in flour. This will form the batter.
  • Be sure to season the flour mixture well with salt and pepper. I also sometimes substitute seasoned salt for regular salt in the easy fried zucchini batter.
  • For the frying oil, use vegetable or canola oil.
  • It is best to remove the pan fried zucchini to a paper towel lined plate to remove excess oil. Be sure to grate the Parmesan cheese over immediately and then taste to see if additional salt is needed. If so, salt while hot so that the salt sticks to the fried squash.
  • Rather have more of a fritter consistency? Try our Zucchini Patties with Bisquick.
  • Try some of our other favorite zucchini recipes including Mocha Glazed Zucchini Bread, Zucchini Pie and Frosted Zucchini Bars.
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Recipe Variations

  • Use breadcrumbs or panko to make a breading.
  • Add seasonings to the flour mixture such as onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, paprika, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, thyme, etc.
  • Use kosher salt or sea salt, if desired.
  • Dip into ranch dressing.

Old Fashioned Zucchini Recipes

Zucchini Bacon Casserole

Sour Cream Zucchini Casserole

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cookies

Classic Zucchini Bread

Why is my breading not sticking to my zucchini?

If you are having issues with your breading falling off your pan-fried zucchini, reevaluate your breading method. One great way to bread is to start with a wet mixture of egg followed by a dry mixture of seasoned flour. The wet mixture helps keep the flour mixture to adhere to the zucchini.

How long do I pan fry zucchini?

There’s no exact time when it comes to pan-frying zucchini. Instead, fry the zucchini until the color is golden brown on both sides.

Easy Pan Fried Zucchini – How to Fry Zucchini Slices

Easy Pan Fried Zucchini is a fast side dish to use up garden zucchini. These zucchini coins are breaded lightly and pan fried until crispy, salty and delicious. Grate with fresh Parmesan, and serve!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time8 minutes mins

Total Time18 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Easy Pan Fried Zucchini, Fried Zucchini, Fried Zucchini and Squash, Pan Fried Zucchini

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 338kcal

Author: Barbara

Ingredients

  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced thin
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt or seasoned salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or enough to barely cover bottom of skillet)
  • Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Instructions

  • Wash and slice zucchini into thin slices, approximately 1/8 inch thick.

    Easy Pan Fried Zucchini Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (13)

  • Beat eggs in a bowl.

    Easy Pan Fried Zucchini Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (14)

  • Mix flour, salt and black pepper in a separate bowl or plate.

  • Dip zucchini slices into eggs; then dredge in flour mixture.

    Easy Pan Fried Zucchini Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (15)

  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is hot.

  • Add breaded zucchini slices. Do not overcrowd pan.

    Easy Pan Fried Zucchini Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (16)

  • Fry on first side until golden brown (approximately 3 minutes); flip and cook the other side.

    Easy Pan Fried Zucchini Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (17)

  • Remove to a plate lined with a paper-towel. If desired, while hot, grate fresh Parmesan over zucchini coins and add additional salt to taste.

    Easy Pan Fried Zucchini Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (18)

Notes

  • You can use zucchini or yellow summer squash or a combination in this pan fried zucchini with Parmesan recipe.
  • I tend to slice my zucchini fairly thin (1/8 inch), but you can leave thicker if that is your preference.
  • This pan fried zucchini recipe involves a two-step breading method. First, dip the zucchini into beaten eggs, and then dredge in flour. This will form the batter.
  • Be sure to season the flour mixture well with salt and pepper. I also sometimes substitute seasoned salt for regular salt in easy pan fried zucchini.
  • For the frying oil, use vegetable or canola oil.
  • It is best to remove the pan fried zucchini to a paper towel lined plate to remove excess oil. Be sure to grate the Parmesan cheese over immediately and then taste to see if additional salt is needed. If so, salt while hot so that the salt sticks to the fried squash.
  • Try some of our other favorite zucchini recipes including Mocha Glazed Zucchini Bread, Zucchini Pie and Frosted Zucchini Bars.
  • The nutritional information below is auto-calculated and can vary depending on the products used.

Nutrition

Calories: 338kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 617mg | Potassium: 177mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 217IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

Linking up to Weekend Potluck.

Easy Pan Fried Zucchini Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep zucchini from getting soggy when frying? ›

Yes, you should always salt your zucchini before frying — especially if you're aiming to achieve a crispy texture. Salting your zucchini helps remove the excess moisture stuck in the zucchini that would otherwise make frying a challenge.

How do you keep zucchini crisp when cooking? ›

The secret to zucchini with the best flavor and texture is roasting it in a 450°F oven. Roasting zucchini at a high temperature instead of baking or sautéing helps develop browning and a slight char on the outside, which keeps it from getting soggy.

Why do you soak zucchini in salt water? ›

Zucchini is 94 percent water, which is why it gets mushy when cooked for too long. The first step in this recipe involves salting the flesh of the zucchini and allowing it to stand for 15 minutes. The salt draws the moisture from the flesh which helps ensure that the vegetable stays firm during roasting.

Why is my sauteed zucchini bitter? ›

Remove the Seeds: The seeds and surrounding flesh can sometimes contribute to bitterness. You can scoop out the seeds before cooking. Salt and Drain: Sprinkle salt on sliced zucchini and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and bitterness.

What comes first when frying flour or egg? ›

Quick Notes: The correct dredging order is flour first, then egg, then crumbs. Season all stages of breading foods. That means season the flour with salt and pepper and season the crumbs with salt and pepper.

Should you salt zucchini before or after cooking? ›

In fact, salting before cooking is actually Daniel Boulud's tip for prepping crispier eggplant, and zucchini is much the same. Science is on the side of salting in advance. When salt is sprinkled on the flesh of a water-dense fruit like zucchini and left to sit for a while, a process known as osmosis occurs.

When frying do you dip in flour or egg first? ›

The standard breading technique involves first dredging the item with flour, dipping it in egg wash, and then finally coating it with breadcrumbs. This works because the flour sticks to the food, the egg sticks to the flour, and the breadcrumbs stick to the egg.

How can I enhance the flavor of zucchini? ›

There are numerous herbs and spices that enhance the flavor of zucchini. These include marjoram, cumin seeds, parsley, dill, rosemary and savory. But beware that too many herbs and spices mask the delicate flavor, so use herbs and spices sparingly.

Should you salt zucchini before sauteing? ›

Salt causes zucchini rounds to release excess water. This important extra step helps the zucchini to sauté rather than stew in its own juices.

Why is my zucchini turning to mush? ›

Blossom End Rot

It's occurs due to the plants inability to get calcium. This can be caused by a few things: Watering inconsistency (the most likely cause especially if you've had a lot of rain) Soil PH is either too high or too low (do a PH test to check)

Why is my zucchini so slimy when I cut it? ›

Mushy texture: A spoiled zucchini has a mushy or stringy texture when you cut it, and it may feel slimy to the touch. "Off" smell or taste: If your zucchini smells sour or foul in any way, or if it tastes unusually bitter, it has likely gone bad.

Is zucchini good for the heart? ›

Zucchini contains the water-soluble fiber pectin. Pectin may lower bad cholesterol and lipid levels in a person's blood, promoting good heart health. Furthermore, zucchini is also high in potassium, which can help manage high blood pressure.

How do you keep zucchini firm? ›

Blanch the zucchini to keep it firm.

Blanching will deactivate the enzymes that cause the zucchini to turn mushy and discolored. To blanch the vegetable, bring a pot of unsalted water to a boil, then place the zucchini pieces in the water and boil for 1 minute. Immediately drain them in a colander.

How do you keep fried vegetables crispy? ›

Just place them on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet.

In much the same way, putting fried food on a cooling rack means the excess oil will drip off, but there's enough air circulating underneath the food that the bottoms don't get soggy.

How do you keep zucchini from getting slimy? ›

Avoid storing zucchini in plastic, which can trap moisture and make the skin slimy. Either leave zucchini loose or place it in a paper bag.

Why did my zucchini turn to mush? ›

On the other hand, they may simply be waterlogging if your garden is poorly drained. Another possibility is squash bugs have damaged them and rot has set in as a result. In the meantime, keep removing the infected fruit as soon as you see signs of the problem.

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