Elevate your snack game with these delicious and crispy Fried Zucchini Chips, perfectly paired with a homemade Garlic Aioli Sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick appetizer, or simply craving a tasty snack, these zucchini chips are sure to impress. With their golden-brown crunch and flavorful coating, they offer a delightful way to enjoy this versatile vegetable.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Fried Zucchini:
- 1 1/2 lbs zucchini (2 medium/large), sliced into 1/2″ thick rounds
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs
- Extra light olive oil (for frying, use a higher smoke point oil)
Garlic Aioli Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 medium garlic clove, pressed or grated
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Prepare the Zucchini:
- Set Up Assembly Line:
- First Bowl: Mix 1/2 cup flour with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Second Bowl: Beat the 2 eggs.
- Third Bowl: Place 1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs.
Bread the Zucchini:
- Dredge:
- Coat each zucchini slice in the flour mixture, tapping off the excess.
- Dip the floured zucchini in the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off.
- Coat the zucchini with Panko bread crumbs, ensuring all sides are covered. Transfer to a platter. Repeat with remaining zucchini.
Fry the Zucchini Chips:
- Heat Oil:
- Heat a large, non-stick, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add about 1/4″ of oil (enough to generously cover the bottom).
- Preheat oil to 350°F (175°C) or until a bread crumb sizzles in the oil.
- Fry:
- Fry zucchini chips in batches, in a single layer, for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- If the zucchini is browning too quickly, reduce the heat.
- Transfer cooked zucchini to a rack set over paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining zucchini.
Make the Garlic Aioli Sauce:
- Combine:
- In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 pressed garlic clove, 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Stir to combine.
Serve:
- Serve:
- Serve warm zucchini chips with garlic aioli sauce.
Notes:
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Serve immediately for the best crispiness.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Kcal:
Approx. 250 kcal per serving
Servings:
4 servings
Ingredient Spotlight
Key Ingredients:
- Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchini are best for this recipe. Their natural moisture and mild flavor make them ideal for frying.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: These Japanese-style bread crumbs are lighter and flakier than traditional bread crumbs, providing an extra-crispy coating.
- Egg Wash: Helps the bread crumbs adhere to the zucchini slices, ensuring an even coating.
- Flour: Lightly seasoned flour adds flavor and helps the egg wash stick to the zucchini.
- Garlic Aioli: A creamy, garlicky sauce that perfectly complements the crispy zucchini chips. Made with mayonnaise, fresh garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, it’s easy to whip up and incredibly tasty.
Cooking Tips
- Preparing Zucchini: Slice the zucchini into even rounds about 1/2 inch thick to ensure they cook evenly. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Assembly Line: Setting up an assembly line for breading the zucchini makes the process quicker and more efficient. Have your flour, egg wash, and Panko bread crumbs ready in separate bowls.
- Frying: Use a high smoke point oil, like extra light olive oil, to fry the zucchini. Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) to get a crispy exterior without making the zucchini greasy. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Draining: After frying, place the zucchini chips on a rack set over paper towels. This allows excess oil to drain away and keeps the chips crispy.
- Making Aioli: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic in the aioli. Press or grate the garlic to release its full flavor. Adjust the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Fried Zucchini Chips are versatile and can be served in various ways:
- As an Appetizer: Serve them warm with a side of garlic aioli for dipping.
- As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own or with other dipping sauces like ranch or marinara.
- With Meals: Pair them with grilled meats, sandwiches, or salads for a crunchy side dish.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
- Protein: Light protein content from the eggs and flour
- Fat: Contains healthy fats from the olive oil and mayonnaise
- Carbohydrates: Moderate amount from the flour and Panko bread crumbs
Variations
This recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your preferences:
- Spicy Zucchini Chips: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused: Mix dried herbs like oregano or thyme into the Panko bread crumbs for added flavor.
- Cheesy Zucchini Chips: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the breaded zucchini before frying.
Conclusion
These Fried Zucchini Chips with Garlic Aioli are a delicious and satisfying treat that’s easy to make at home. With their crispy texture and savory flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re sure to be a hit. The homemade garlic aioli adds a creamy, tangy complement to the crunchy zucchini, making every bite irresistible. Try this recipe today and enjoy a tasty twist on a classic vegetable.