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Zucchini Parmesan Crisps - Perfectly golden brown parmesan-crusted zucchini slices (to use up all that summer zucchini!). So crispy, so good!

Perfectly golden brown parmesan-crusted zucchini slices (to use up all that summer zucchini!). So crispy, so good!

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps - Perfectly golden brown parmesan-crusted zucchini slices (to use up all that summer zucchini!). So crispy, so good!

What do you do with all that summer zucchini just waiting to be used up? Well, we’re going to slice them up real nice, coat them in a Panko-Parm mixture, and cook them until they’re wonderfully crisp and golden brown. It’s a very sneaky snack, appetizer, and side dish situation, and you’ll be consuming all that zucchini in no time.

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps - Perfectly golden brown parmesan-crusted zucchini slices (to use up all that summer zucchini!). So crispy, so good!

reasons to make zucchini parmesan crisps

  • Summertime treat. Zucchini parmesan crisps is a favorite summertime snack for the entire family to enjoy (especially when dipped in Ranch). Not to mention, even the pickiest of eaters will be fighting for these!
  • Great way to use up zucchini. Is your garden overflowing with an abundance of summer zucchini? Not sure what to cook next? Use up your bounty with these perfect, oh-so-crisp, golden brown snackable zucchini crisps.
  • Flexible recipe. These crisps can easily be fried, baked or cooked in the air fryer, depending on personal preference.
Zucchini Parmesan Crisps - Perfectly golden brown parmesan-crusted zucchini slices (to use up all that summer zucchini!). So crispy, so good!

tips and tricks for success

  • Salt the zucchini. Because zucchini has a high water content (94% water), salting the zucchini beforehand will help draw out the excess water, making it firmer and avoiding mushy, limp zucchini.
  • Use a cast iron skillet. A cast iron skillet is ideal here for even heat distribution for the hot oil.
  • Cook in batches. If too much zucchini is added at once, the oil temperature will drop and the zucchini will absorb too much oil, resulting in soggy zucchini.
  • Use the air fryer. This is a great recipe for the air fryer! Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, cooking for 9-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp, flipping halfway.
  • Bake as needed. Zucchini crisps can be baked on a cooling rack (that has been coated with nonstick spray) and placed on a baking sheet, cooking at 425°F for 20-22 minutes, or until crisp and cooked through.
  • Serve immediately. These are best served immediately for maximum freshness and crispness. Zucchini parmesan crisps do not make for the best leftovers.
  • Mix it up. Use golden zucchini or mushrooms, or swap out the Panko for whole wheat breadcrumbs or Italian style bread crumbs. Serve with Ranch, marinara sauce, garlic aioli, fry sauce or your favorite dipping sauce(s).
Zucchini Parmesan Crisps - Perfectly golden brown parmesan-crusted zucchini slices (to use up all that summer zucchini!). So crispy, so good!

Tools For This Recipe

Baking sheet

Large cast iron skillet

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps: Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have to salt the zucchini slices for 15 minutes?

Zucchini is very high in water and the salt will help draw out excess water.

What is Panko?

Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb and can be found in the Asian section of your local grocery store. While both Panko and breadcrumbs can both be used as a coating for fried foods, Panko is much more flakier and yields a crunchier, crispier texture.

How can I get these super crispy?

You’ll want to cut your zucchini into even slices, keeping your oil nice and hot, and space them apart when cooking. This will yield the crispiest zucchini slices!

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Yes! These can be cooked in the air fryer at 400°F for 9-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Can I bake these instead?

Absolutely! Place a cooling rack (that has been coated with nonstick spray) on a baking sheet, and bake at 425°F for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

What do I serve these with?

You can serve these with your favorite dipping sauce like Ranch, fry sauce or marinara sauce.

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

Perfectly golden brown parmesan-crusted zucchini slices (to use up all that summer zucchini!). So crispy, so good!
4.8 stars (31 ratings)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup Panko*
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced to 1/4-inch thick rounds
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Lay zucchini slices flat in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt, to taste; let stand 15 minutes.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat.
  • In a large bowl, combine Panko and Parmesan; set aside.
  • Working in batches, dredge zucchini rounds in flour, dip into eggs, then dredge in Panko mixture, pressing to coat.
  • Add zucchini rounds to the skillet, 5 or 6 at a time, and cook until evenly golden and crispy, about 1 minute on each side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

*Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb and can be found in the Asian section of your local grocery store.

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