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Maggiano's Recipe for Fried Zucchini​

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
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
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.