These Crispy Fried Zucchini Ribbons are a delicious way to enjoy the abundance of summer zucchini. With just a few simple ingredients, this easy appetizer recipe transforms fresh zucchini into an irresistible snack or side dish. Unlike traditional breaded fried vegetables, these zucchini ribbons are light, airy and packed with flavor.
Why You Should Make Fried Zucchini
- This vegetarian appetizer recipe is a great way to use up an abundance of zucchini from your garden, or local farmers’ market.
- This fried zucchini recipe is lighter than traditional breaded versions.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a last-minute appetizer, or side dish.
- The crispy texture of the fried zucchini pairs wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- Zucchini: Yellow squash would be a great addition.
- Flour: To make this easy appetizer gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free, all-purpose flour blend, almond flour or coconut flour.
- Rice Flour: Cornstarch or potato starch can be used as a substitute.
- Seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite seasoning to the flour. Paprika, onion powder and/or a touch of cayenne pepper are great additions.
- Oil for Frying: Choose a high smoke point oil. Canola, sunflower, grapeseed, vegetable or peanut oil are great oils for deep frying.
- Parmesan Cheese: For a dairy-free option, you can use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
How to Make Zucchini Ribbons
To cut the zucchini into thin ribbons, use a vegetable peeler to slice the zucchini lengthwise, starting from one end and moving toward the other. For best results, apply even pressure to create consistent, long strips that will fry evenly.
Alternatively, use any of the following to thinly slice the zucchini:
- box grater (using the slicing feature)
- mandoline
- sharp kitchen knife
How to Make Crispy Fried Zucchini Ribbons
- Mix together the ingredients for the horseradish dipping sauce in a small bowl. Place in the fridge.
- Heat enough of a high-smoke point oil to 350°F (177°C) to 375° (190°C) in a deep pot or deep fryer for a deep fry.
- Mix together the ingredients for the horseradish dipping sauce. Place in fridge.
- Cut the ends off of the zucchini.
- Peel lengthwise using a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons.
- In a bowl or freezer bag, combine the flour, rice flour, kosher salt, and garlic powder.
- Toss in the zucchini ribbons and coat.
- Once the oil comes to temperature, deep fry the zucchini in batches.
- Once brown and crispy, remove with a slotted spoon onto paper towels or a baking rake to drain excess oil.
- Salt immediately out of the fry.
- Plate. Sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese.
How to Serve and Store Crispy Fried Zucchini
Serve the crispy fried zucchini with homemade horseradish sauce for a perfect pairing.
Alternatively, serve with:
- marinara sauce
- ranch dressing
- Sriracha mayo
- garlic aioli
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. Reheat on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F (177°C), until crispy.
More Zucchini Recipes to Love
- Fried Zucchini and Eggplant Caprese Stacks
- Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Zucchini Rollatini
- Pasta with Grated Zucchini and Crispy Prosciutto
- Crispy Italian Zucchini Fritters
How to Make Crispy Fried Zucchini Ribbons
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Fried Zucchini Ribbons are a delicious way to enjoy the abundance of summer zucchini. With just a few simple ingredients, this easy appetizer recipe transforms fresh zucchini into an irresistible snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 medium- to large zucchini
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rice flour or cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- high smoke point oil, for frying
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
For the Horseradish Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 to 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Mix together the ingredients for the Horseradish Dipping Sauce in a small bowl. Place in fridge.
- Heat enough of a high smoke point oil to 350°F (177°C) to 375° (190°C) in a deep pot or deep fryer for a deep fry.
- In a large bowl or freezer bag, mix together the flour, rice flour, salt and garlic powder.
- Cut the ends off of the zucchini.
- Peel lengthwise using a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons.
- Toss the zucchini into the flour making sure to fully-coat each piece.
- Once the oil comes to temperature, deep fry the zucchini ribbons in batches.
- Once crispy (about 5-7 minutes), remove with a slotted spoon onto paper towels or a cooling rack to drain excess oil. Salt immediately.
- Plate. Sprinkle on Parmesan cheese.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce(s).
- ENJOY!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, replace the AP flour with a gluten-free alternative.
- Use a high smoke point oil to fry the zucchini.
- Add your favorite seasoning to the flour.
- Lay the zucchini out on paper towels or a cooling rack to drain excess oil.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 ribbons
GET TO KNOW ME!
WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!
In addition, I’m so very excited to announce I have published my first e-book and paperback, “Mastering Thanksgiving – A Guide to Perfecting Your Thanksgiving Dinner.” Your support would mean the world to me.
Let’s Get Social!
Be sure to follow me on social media! I’m always talking food, fashion, and family! I also love sharing some of my favorite Amazon Finds too. Click here to check out my Amazon page! Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Pinterest! Check out my LTK to find out what I’m wearing! THANK YOU!
No comment yet, add your voice below!