Tasty pan-fried zucchini with onion
- Easy
- 35 min
Fried zucchini is this super tasty staple in Italian kitchens that brings a burst of flavor and crunch to just about any meal. You know, in Italy, it's pretty common to grab fresh zucchini, slice them into sticks or rounds, give them a light coat of flour, and fry them up to golden perfection. What you get is a plate of crispy, golden bites—really really good—that are lighter than traditional fries but still satisfyingly delicious.
This fried zucchini recipe is all about keeping it simple. No fancy stuff, just a dusting of flour to let the zucchini's natural taste shine. Italians love serving these as a zucchini side dish or a quick snack, especially when zucchini is everywhere in the summer months. The taste? Super fresh, with a tender inside that makes every bite just feel right—whether you’re snagging them hot out of the fryer or munching on cold leftovers. Trust me, this food disappears fast. Adults and kids alike cannot resist grabbing a piece. Really.
But hey, it’s not just about flavor; it's about versatility, too. Some folks in Italy like to dip their zucchini in a light batter or even bake them for a healthier twist. You'll often find crispy fried zucchini at parties, served as a zucchini appetizer with a sprinkle of salt or maybe a dipping sauce on the side. Works great as an alternative to fries, offering a moist inside under that crispy crust. Air fryer and oven versions are catching on too, as they deliver that crunchy bite with less oil—a big win for easy cleanup and lighter options.
No matter how you whip them up, easy fried zucchini never lasts long. Italians sometimes call them "zucchine fritte," and whether you're making them for a big family meal or just a casual snack for friends, they vanish—like, seriously fast. With that classic taste and crispy exterior, it's hard not to reach for just one more piece, making it a favorite in many Italian households. Really, can't go wrong with these.
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To prepare the fried zucchini, first wash and trim the zucchini, then cut them lengthwise into slices about 0.4 inches thick 1. Cut the slices in half 2 and cut into fairly thin sticks 3.
Place the zucchini in a colander, add the coarse salt 4, and cover with a plate, ensuring it is resting directly on the zucchini 5; place a weight on top of the plate and let the zucchini rest for 2 hours so they release their water 6.
After 2 hours, you will notice that the water has collected in the bowl 7. At this point, rinse the zucchini under running water 8 and dry them with a clean kitchen towel 9.
Pour the vegetable oil into a saucepan and heat it until it reaches a temperature of 340°F. In the meantime, coat the zucchini evenly with flour 10, then remove the excess flour using a colander 11 and add them directly into the hot oil 12.
Fry the zucchini for 4-5 minutes 13 until they are golden; add a few zucchini at a time to avoid lowering the oil temperature. When they are nicely golden, drain the zucchini 14 and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil 15. Your fried zucchini are ready to be served, hot and crispy!