Crispy zucchini

Name: Crispy zucchini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Zucchini 1 lb; Eggs medium 2; Breadcrumbs 1 ¼ cup; Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 3 oz; Fine salt ½ tsp; Parsley to taste; Basil to taste

Difficulty: Very easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Very low

PRESENTATION

Crispy zucchini is just one of those Italian dishes that really lets simple ingredients shine. Seriously good. In various parts of Italy, folks whip up these zucchini sticks with a coating made from breadcrumbs, Parmigiano cheese, and a mix of Italian herbs. And you know what? This combo makes every bite crispy on the outside, while the inside stays tender and almost moist as the zucchini softens during cooking. Many people in Italy enjoy these as a zucchini appetizer or a quick zucchini side dish. And here's the thing: the flavors are so light they pair well with almost anything—grilled chicken, fish, or even pasta. The Parmigiano adds a bit of sharpness—really nice—and the herbs give a fresh kick, creating something savory but not heavy. Perfect when you want something special but still pretty simple.

If you're into healthy zucchini recipes, this dish is a fantastic choice. Way, way better than fried zucchini since these baked zucchini fries cut back on oil but still give you that golden crunch on the outside. It's super tasty. Some like to use an air fryer for zucchini, or try a breaded version with herbs like thyme or oregano—every region has its twist. It is fun to see how Italians use zucchini, from classic fried rounds to lighter, oven-baked versions like this one. These crispy zucchini slices also work well in a bigger spread, maybe tossed onto an antipasto platter or dipped in marinara sauce for extra flavor. Thing is, the best part is you get that crunch without losing the soft inside, which sets them apart from other zucchini recipes. For sure. It’s a dish that feels both homey and a bit special, with the mix of Parmigiano and herbs bringing it all together every time. Whether you're serving these as part of a family dinner or a casual get-together, they always impress with their simple yet delicious flavor and texture. Really.

How to prepare Crispy zucchini

To prepare the crispy zucchini start by washing them, drying them and trimming the ends 1. Cut them in half and slice into pieces about 0.5 cm thick (about 0.2 in) 2. Gather the basil leaves and parsley and finely chop them with a knife 3.

In a bowl pour the breadcrumbs together with the grated Parmesan 4, add the salt 5 and the chopped herbs 6.

Mix well 7 and coat the sliced zucchini first in the beaten eggs 8 and then in the breadcrumb mixture 9.

At this point arrange the zucchini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, without overlapping them 10, and bake in a conventional oven at 392F for 20 minutes 11. When the crispy zucchini are golden, serve them, adding an extra pinch of salt on top if you wish 12.