Fried Zucchini – how to fry your garden-fresh zucchini! (Gluten-Free-Friendly + Dairy-Free + Paleo/Whole30-Friendly)

Delicious Fried Zucchini Recipe
If you haven’t tried making Fried Zucchini yet… you need to!
If you are looking for something different to do with your zucchini this summer, this should be on your to-do list. This is a dish my mom used to make all the time in the summer and there never seemed to be enough of it – everyone was always clamoring for more. There is something about the texture, these are not “zucchini crisps” no no…. They are still soft, but just ever-so-slightly charred. The combination of the slightly charred flour and the cooked zucchini with the salty Lawry’s and pepper. It just works. I will admit to cooking this by myself and eating an entire zucchini this way….. Once you start eating them it is just hard to stop!
What Size Zucchini is Best
Medium or small zucchini are best for Fried Zucchini – larger zucchini’s are not a good fit for this recipe. They get mushy and just don’t taste the same for some reason. Medium zucchini are great, but try to pick the thinner ones – about 1 1/2 inch circumference.
Does it Store Well
Honestly, we have really never had leftovers!! :). If you have any leftover, you can try storing it in an airtight container and place a piece of paper towel underneath, but they might get a tad mushy if left too long! They are best eaten right away!
Is Zucchini Good for You
Yes! Zucchini is so good for you – read about some of the amazing benefits here!
How to make Fried Zucchini
Thinly slice zucchini. Don’t use a mandolin though, we don’t want paper-thin.

Sprinkle with water to keep wet.

Combine flour, Lawry’s salt and black pepper. Add a handful of the zucchini and toss to evenly coat. Don’t be afraid to heavily coat the zucchini – the more flour the better.

Heat some olive oil in large fry pan and add flour-coated zucchini. Cook 3-4 minutes on one side and then flip.

You want the zucchini to start charring as the olive oil starts to get soaked up. If you feel that things are too hot or dry, add a bit more olive oil. In the end though, you do want all of the olive oil to get soaked up so that you can start browning the sides. You will also have to do a couple batches. For 1 medium, thin zucchini, you will probably have to do 3 batches, using about 1-2 Tablespoons of olive per batch.


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Enjoy!
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Print
Fried Zucchini
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
How to make Fried Zucchini – A tried + true method for making the BEST fried zucchini!! So simple and perfect for your garden-fresh zucchini!
Ingredients
- 1–2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour (or cassava flour, gluten-free flour)
- 1 Teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 Teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 Teaspoon celery salt
- 6 Tablespoons olive oil (more as needed)
Instructions
- Slice: Slice zucchini as thin as possible and place on plate next to stove.
- Water: If zucchini sits for a few minutes, sprinkle some water on top of the slices so they remain moist and the flour mixture will stick to it.
- Combine: Take medium mixing bowl and combine flour and seasoning – set next to stove as well.
- Heat: Take fry pan and add 2 Tablespoon of olive oil; bring to med-high heat – it is ready when you can flick water on it and it sizzles.
- Coat: Make sure zucchini is still moist and then take a handful of slices and drop into flour mixture.
- Mix: Mix around and ensure zucchini is coated on all sides.
- Fry: Then take zucchini and place in fry pan, trying to evenly distribute (you will have to do several batches).
- Cook: Reduce heat to medium and cook zucchini for 3-4 minutes;
- Flip: Flip and let cook another 3-4 minutes.
- Brown: Then continually flip zucchini until all sides are sufficiently browned.
- Remove: Remove and cover;
- Repeat: Add another Tablespoon of olive oil to pan and repeat process.
- Serve: Serve immediately.
Notes
- Batches: You will need to do several batches – the key is to not crowd the pan so that each individual piece of zucchini has a chance to get that nice char!
- Serve Immediately: Best served right away, they may get soggy if stored very long!
- Substitutions: You can sub the flour for finely ground almond flour or gluten-free flour.
- Paleo/Whole30: For Paleo/Whole30 use cassava flour
Keywords: fried zucchini, fried zucchini recipe

Meagan says
I’ve made these before and they are so good! I’m planning on making them for a Superbowl party as a side to white chicken chili!
★★★★★
Erin says
Yay!! Love hearing that, Meagan!
Veronica says
Could you do these in the oven as well?