Maggiano’s Recipe for Fried Zucchini​

📝 “Golden, crispy, and absolutely irresistible — this Maggiano’s-style fried zucchini is the perfect appetizer or snack. A delicious way to enjoy vegetables, straight from the Italian kitchen to your table!”

Introduction

Looking for a crunchy, golden snack that best represents the flavour of Italian-American soul food? Maggiano’s Recipe for Fried Zucchini​ is exactly that and more. The dish is a favorite at Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurants, and the chefs there are particularly proud of how perfectly balanced it is between crunch and tenderness. Tender zucchini rounds are encrusted in a salty breadcrumb mixture, fried to golden perfection, and typically dunked into zingy dipping sauce that brightens every bite. At-home version of your favourite restaurant side, this fried zucchini recipe can satisfy any snack cravings.
The beauty of the Maggiano’s Recipe for Fried Zucchini​ lies in just that, simplicity and elegance. The use of fresh zucchini and high-quality breadcrumbs in harmony with traditional Italian herbs makes this dish feel decadent while still light. The recipe is simple and quick, easy for beginners, and enjoyable to cook. You do not need any external things, pantry essentials, basic and a frying pan on which you can countertop. This fried zucchini is so easy and tasty that it will become a staple in your house.
Photo by Maggiano’s’re always seeking a classic appetiser that has tradition, crunch and flavour for you Maggiano’s Recipe for Fried Zucchini​ is the one! Great for dinner parties, game nights or as a complement to your favourite pasta or BBQ meat. In addition, by making it at home, you can control the ingredients going into the dish, therefore a fresher and healthier option instead of calling for takeout. And you don’t head to Maggiano’s without ​a little preparation​ , or else, how will you get that dreamy Maggiano’s oil sauce at home today?

🔑 Keys for Perfecting Maggiano’s Recipe for Fried Zucchini

When it comes down to it, getting that perfect texture starts at the store. Make sure you are buying very fresh zucchini that is firm and medium-sized so that they cook perfectly! Cut them as thin and straight as you can get so they will fry evenly and crisp equally. The key to this signature crunch is the lid on a well-seasoned breadcrumb mix and a breading that involves double-dipping: dropping the chicken first in seasoned flour (or sometimes seasoned egg), then in panko or Italian breadcrumbs. The oil needs to be hot enough (about 350°F, 175°C) so the zucchini fries on the outsides get crispy, but they are still tender inside.

🏠 Why Homemade Fried Zucchini Is a Great Idea

There are several benefits to making Maggiano’s Recipe for Fried Zucchini​at home. 1- Expense, you can make a restaurant dish for 10th of the price. Number Two, because you control the ingredients, they can be gluten-free or low-sodium. And, making your versions enables you to experiment…try a different spice to incorporate into rubs or some dips for dipping to serve with the chips. This is the kind of flexibility that makes the cooking process enjoyable and fulfilling.

🍃 Health Benefits of Fried Zucchini

While fried foods are often considered indulgent, zucchini itself brings many nutritional benefits to the table. Here’s a breakdown of the health advantages:

Opt for air frying or oven-baking to retain more of these benefits while reducing oil intake.

Maggiano’s Recipe for Fried Zucchini

This crispy and golden fried zucchini recipe is inspired by Maggiano’s Little Italy and delivers restaurant-quality flavor in your own kitchen. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, it’s paired with a tangy marinara sauce or creamy aioli for dipping. ✅ Servings: 4 people ✅ Estimated Cost: $5 ✅ Times: Prep Time: 0 days, 0 hours, 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 days, 0 hours, 15 minutes Resting Time: 0 days, 0 hours, 10 minutes Total Time: 0 days, 0 hours, 40 minutes ✅ Categories: Appetizer, Side Dish ✅ Courses: Snacks, Appetizer ✅ Cuisines: Italian-American ✅ Keywords: Maggiano’s Fried Zucchini, crispy zucchini recipe, fried zucchini with breadcrumbs, restaurant copycat

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 270

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Zucchini:
• 2 medium zucchini — sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• ½ cup all-purpose flour — for initial coating
• 2 large eggs — beaten
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese — optional for added flavor
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil — for frying
• For Dipping Sauce optional:
• 1 cup marinara sauce — warmed for dipping

Equipment

• 1 large skillet or deep fryer — for frying zucchini
• 2 bowls — for dredging mixtures
• 1 sharp knife — for slicing zucchini
• 1 paper towel-lined plate — for draining excess oil
• 1 tongs or slotted spoon — for handling fried zucchini

Method

 

1. Prepare the zucchini: Wash and slice zucchini into ¼-inch thick rounds. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Set up dredging station: Place flour in one bowl. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the zucchini: Dip each slice first into flour, then into egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to adhere.
4. Chill for crispiness: Place breaded zucchini slices on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes. This helps the coating stick.
5. Heat oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
6. Fry the zucchini: In batches, fry zucchini slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain and serve: Use tongs to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
8. ✅ Nutrition (per serving):
9. Calories: 270 kcal
10. (Note: Estimate only—actual values depend on portion size and oil absorption.)

Notes

Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Try air frying the slices at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes per side for a lighter version.

Add crushed red pepper or Italian herbs to the breadcrumb mix for added flavor.

🧑‍🍳 Tips and Tricks for Maggiano’s Recipe for Fried Zucchini

• Blot zucchini with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will keep them from getting soggy.
• You could use Italian-style breadcrumbs to add even more flavour, or to turn the fishcakes from a wholesome and healthy back into an occasional Friday night crispy treat, mix in some grated parmesan.
• If making breaded slices, chill them for 10 minutes before frying, which makes the coating hold better.
• Fry in batches to avoid bringing down the oil temperature, and then return to paper towels.
• Lemon wedges and house marinara (or aioli) for serving

🧂 Maggiano’s Recipe for Fried Zucchini Variations

There are creative ways of making this classic appetizer your own:

• Spiced Zucchini Bites: incorporate cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumbs.
• Air Fryer: Less Fat / Still Crisping
• Cheesy Trick: Combine with mozzarella or Asiago and breadcrumbs.
• Zoodle Fries: Because zoodles are fun, curly fries.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour and GF breadcrumbs.

Every one of these iterations, none too taxing to prepare, but all different from the original, delivers a fresh take on Maggiano’s Fried Zucchini that is readily customizable.

✅ Conclusion: Maggiano’s Recipe for Fried Zucchini

Making Maggiano’s Recipe for Fried Zucchini​ at Home is so easy and a fantastic way to lighten up and change an otherwise favourite restaurant appetiser to your liking. Get started frying this crispy, golden treat from your kitchen with the proper ingredients and some flavour upgrades. Whether entertaining or needing to get dinner on the table pronto, this recipe is sure to be a hit and a new household favourite.

✅ FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bread the zucchini ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before frying.

Q: What’s the best oil for frying zucchini?
A: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.

Q: Can I bake this instead of frying?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

✅ Share Your Twist!

Have you put your own spin on Maggiano’s Fried Zucchini? Maybe you added herbs, swapped breadcrumbs, or paired it with a spicy dip? Share your creative variations in the comments—we’d love to feature your version!