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+ servings

California-Style Crispy Fried Zucchini with Buttery Cracker Crust

Golden, crispy fried zucchini rounds with a buttery cracker coating, perfect for dipping in ranch dressing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Appetizer, Quick Meals, Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 85

Ingredients
  

For the Zucchini
  • 2 medium zucchinis about 1 pound total
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Coating
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons seasoning salt such as Lawry's
  • 2 cups Ritz crackers finely crushed (about 40 crackers)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated preferred
For Frying and Serving
  • Vegetable or canola oil for frying, about 2 cups
  • Ranch dressing for dipping

Method
 

Prepare the Zucchini
  1. Rinse the zucchinis and pat them dry. Trim off the ends, then slice into rounds about 1/3-inch thick. Lightly season the slices with salt and pepper, then arrange them in a single layer on paper towels. Let rest for 5 minutes, then blot the tops dry with more paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Set Up the Breading Station
  1. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the flour and seasoning salt. In a third shallow bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and Parmesan cheese.
Heat the Oil
  1. Pour about 1 inch of oil into a large, deep skillet and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F on a deep-fry thermometer, or until a small piece of cracker sizzles immediately when dropped in.
Coat the Zucchini
  1. Working with one slice at a time, dredge a zucchini round in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the extra drip off. Finally, press it into the cracker mixture, coating all sides evenly. Place the coated slices on a plate or baking sheet.
Prepare for Draining
  1. Line a plate or baking sheet with a double layer of paper towels and set it near the stove.
Fry the Zucchini
  1. Carefully place a few coated zucchini slices into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried slices to the prepared paper towel-lined plate.
Serve
  1. Repeat with the remaining slices, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain the oil temperature. Serve the crispy fried zucchini warm with ranch dressing for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 220mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1g

Notes

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs in place of half the crushed crackers. If you don't have seasoning salt, mix 1 teaspoon salt with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in a 375°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady and ensure even cooking. Serve immediately for the best texture, as they soften over time. For a lighter version, you can bake the coated zucchini at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, though they won't be as crispy. Use California-grown avocados to make a creamy avocado ranch dip for a local twist.

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