Maggiano’s Recipe for Fried Zucchini Made Easy and Crispy

Fried zucchini is one of those delightful, crispy treats that reminds you of summer evenings and family gatherings. Maggiano’s Italian-American flair elevates this humble vegetable into a golden, crunchy appetizer that’s impossible to resist.

Whether you’re serving it at a casual dinner or a festive party, Maggiano’s recipe for fried zucchini offers a perfect balance of crispy coating and tender zucchini interior. With its flavorful breading and light, airy texture, this recipe transforms zucchini into a snack that kids and adults alike will devour eagerly.

If you’ve been looking for a way to turn zucchini into a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is your answer.

The best part? It’s simple to make at home without needing fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.

From selecting fresh zucchini to the final fry, each step is designed to ensure maximum crunch and flavor. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bring a bit of Maggiano’s magic into your kitchen with this irresistible fried zucchini recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This fried zucchini recipe is a guaranteed hit for several reasons. First, the coating is perfectly seasoned and crispy, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.

The zucchini inside remains tender and moist, providing a nice contrast to the crunchy exterior. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a snack.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. It uses common pantry staples and straightforward steps that anyone can follow.

It’s a great way to enjoy zucchini, especially if you find yourself with an abundance of this summer squash in your garden. Lastly, it’s family-friendly and can easily be made gluten-free or vegan with simple substitutions, making it accessible for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
• Fresh lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
• Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowls (3 total)
• Large skillet or deep frying pan
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Baking sheet or plate for resting fried zucchini
• Knife and cutting board
• Thermometer (optional, for oil temperature)

Instructions

1. Prepare the zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchinis. Cut off the ends and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better.
2. Set up your dredging stations: Place the flour in one bowl. In a second bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. In the third bowl, combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
3. Coat the zucchini: Working in batches, dredge each zucchini slice first in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, press the slice firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated on both sides. Set aside on a plate.
4. Heat the oil: Pour enough vegetable or canola oil into your skillet to reach about 1/2 inch depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small breadcrumb into the oil—if it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.
5. Fry the zucchini: Carefully add the coated zucchini slices to the hot oil in a single layer, without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip and remove the slices.
6. Drain the excess oil: Transfer the fried zucchini to a baking sheet or plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining slices, reheating the oil as needed.
7. Serve warm: Serve the fried zucchini immediately with lemon wedges and marinara sauce on the side, if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For extra crunch, try panko breadcrumbs instead of Italian-style breadcrumbs.”

If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a vegan version, replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute and opt for vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast in the breadcrumb mix.

To enhance flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture. For a cheesy twist, try adding shredded mozzarella to the coating or sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving.

Another variation is to slice the zucchini into sticks instead of rounds for a different presentation that’s perfect for dipping. You can also bake the coated zucchini in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes as a healthier alternative to frying.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Fried zucchini pairs wonderfully with a variety of dips and sauces. Classic marinara sauce is a top choice, offering a tangy complement to the crispy, cheesy coating.

You can also serve it alongside ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo for a bit of kick.

This dish works great as a side for Italian meals such as pasta, chicken Parmesan, or alongside grilled meats. For a casual snack, serve fried zucchini on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs sprinkled on top.

It’s also fantastic as an appetizer at parties or game day gatherings.

For a full Italian-inspired meal, consider pairing this with Classic Spaghetti Carbonara or Creamy Tuscan Chicken. You might also enjoy it with a fresh Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze for a light contrast.

Conclusion

Maggiano’s recipe for fried zucchini is a perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and tender textures that make it an irresistible appetizer or snack. It’s simple to prepare, uses readily available ingredients, and offers plenty of room for customization based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this dish is sure to bring a little taste of Italian-American tradition to your table.

Try this recipe and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. With its quick preparation and delightful flavor, fried zucchini is an easy way to elevate zucchini from everyday vegetable to a crowd-pleasing treat.

Don’t forget to explore some of our other Italian-inspired recipes to create a full meal that everyone will love!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Maggiano’s Recipe for Fried Zucchini”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Crispy, golden fried zucchini coated in a flavorful seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds”, “1 cup all-purpose flour”, “2 large eggs”, “1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs”, “1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/2 teaspoon dried oregano”, “Vegetable oil, for frying”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slice zucchini into 1/4 inch rounds.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Beat eggs in a separate bowl.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and oregano.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Dip zucchini slices into flour mixture, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fry zucchini in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain on paper towels and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “6 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15 g”}}