Fried Zucchini Chips Recipe

I remember the first time I decided to elevate zucchini to crunchy perfection—yes, nothing like whipping up these crispy slices of zucchinificence that dance between savory bread crumbs and Parmesan bliss! 🍆✨

Crispy and golden brown, my fried zucchini chips offer a delightful crunch balanced by the subtle sweetness of fresh zucchini. I love using the perfect blend of garlic powder, Italian-seasoned bread crumbs, and a hint of Parmesan for an irresistible flavor.

Perfect as a snack or paired with marinara sauce!

Fried Zucchini Chips Recipe Ingredients

• Zucchinis: Low in calories, rich in vitamins, and high in fiber.
• All-purpose flour: Basic carbohydrate source for a crispy coating.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add protein.
• Italian-seasoned bread crumbs: Enhance flavor with herbs and spices.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, umami taste.

Fried Zucchini Chips Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Optional: Marinara sauce for dipping

How to Make this Fried Zucchini Chips Recipe

1. Begin by washing the zucchinis thoroughly and slicing them into thin, even rounds. Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick.

2. In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well to create a seasoned flour mixture.

3. In another bowl, beat the two large eggs until smooth. This will act as a binder for the breading.

4. In a third bowl, combine the Italian-seasoned bread crumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing them well.

5. Dredge each zucchini slice first in the seasoned flour, ensuring both sides are coated. Shake off any excess.

6. Dip the flour-coated zucchini slice into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.

7. Press the zucchini slice into the bread crumb and Parmesan mixture, ensuring it is completely coated on both sides. Place on a tray or baking sheet.

8. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet generously.

9. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded zucchini slices in batches. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

10. Remove the fried zucchini chips from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately, optionally with marinara sauce for dipping.

Fried Zucchini Chips Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Knife
2. Cutting board
3. Shallow bowls (3)
4. Mixing spoon or fork
5. Whisk
6. Tray or baking sheet
7. Large skillet
8. Spatula or tongs
9. Paper towels
10. Plate

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
  A: Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar flavor profile.
• Q: Can I bake the zucchini chips instead of frying them?
  A: Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the coated zucchini slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
• Q: How thin should the zucchini slices be?
  A: It’s best to slice them about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and become nice and crispy.
• Q: Can I use a different flour if I’m gluten-free?
  A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
• Q: How do I store leftover zucchini chips?
  A: For best results, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Re-crisp them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes before serving.
• Q: Is there a way to make these zucchini chips in advance?
  A: You can prepare the zucchini slices and coat them ahead of time, then store them in a single layer covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying or baking.
• Q: What can I serve with these zucchini chips?
  A: They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli for dipping.

Fried Zucchini Chips Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• All-purpose flour: Substitute with gluten-free flour or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
• Salt: Use sea salt or kosher salt for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Black pepper: Replace with white pepper for a milder taste.
• Garlic powder: Use fresh minced garlic for more robust flavor or onion powder for a different taste.
• Italian-seasoned bread crumbs: Swap with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning for extra crunch.

Pro Tips

1. Uniform Slices Use a mandoline slicer to ensure your zucchini slices are uniformly thin. This will help them cook evenly and achieve a consistent golden-brown color.

2. Preheat Oil Carefully Before adding the zucchini, make sure the oil is at the right temperature, around 350°F (175°C). If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chips may absorb too much oil and become greasy; too hot, and they may burn quickly.

3. Season Layers For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt or Italian seasoning to the egg mixture. This ensures every layer of coating has some seasoning.

4. Crispier Texture For a crispier texture, try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the flour mixture. This helps create a crisper crust when frying.

5. Air Fryer Option For a healthier alternative, consider using an air fryer. Spray the breaded zucchini slices lightly with cooking spray, and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.