Oven-Fried Zucchini

Written by
Stephanie Gallagher
Stephanie Gallagher is a journalist and food writer who has authored multiple cookbooks.
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Stephanie Gallagher
Updated 10/02/19
Oven fried zucchini

The Spruce
  • Total: 33 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 18 mins
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
130 Calories
8g Fat
7g Carbs
7g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Amount per serving
Calories 130
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g 11%
Saturated Fat 2g 12%
Cholesterol 117mg 39%
Sodium 338mg 15%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Protein 7g
Calcium 96mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This easy oven-fried zucchini is a delicious way to enjoy a bumper crop. Zucchini is sliced into rounds, breaded in a Parmesan-breadcrumb coating, and "fried" in the oven for less of a stovetop mess and a lighter calorie load.

This no-fuss veggie is a great side dish with everything from chicken to fish to burgers, or a terrific appetizer as is or with ranch or another dip of your choosing. 

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 4 medium zucchinis
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for oven fried zucchini
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  2. Heat oven to 425 F. 

  3. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over a baking sheet to evenly coat. Set aside.

    Drizzle olive oil
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  4. Wash, trim, and slice zucchini into 1/2-inch thick rounds.

    Wash and slice zucchini
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  5. Beat egg in a small bowl.

    Beat eggs
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  6. Spread breadcrumbs out in a shallow dish. Stir Parmesan cheese, salt, basil, and pepper into breadcrumbs.

    Spread breadcrumbs
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  7. Dip 5 to 6 zucchini slices into the beaten egg.

    Slices of zucchini dipped in eggs
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  8. Transfer to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing on both sides to coat.

    Dip in breadcrumbs
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  9. Shake off excess and place on prepared baking sheet.

    Place on baking sheet
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  10. Repeat with remaining zucchini slices.

    Repeat with zucchini slices
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  11. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the zucchini.

    Drizzle oil
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  12. Bake in heated oven 8 minutes.

  13. Using tongs, turn zucchini so the other side gets crispy. Bake another 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown.

    Bake zucchini
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  14. Allow to cool on pan 2 minutes and then serve hot as a side dish or appetizer.

    Baked zucchini
    The Spruce

  15. Enjoy!

Tips

  • To keep oven-fried zucchini warm if serving them as an appetizer, set the oven to 200F. Place a cooling rack over a baking sheet to catch drips and place zucchini rounds on it. By doing this, you elevate them from contact with the pan and they won't become soggy and should retain their crispness.
  • To improve the crispiness, instead of baking breaded zucchini directly on a baking sheet, arrange them on a wire rack that has been lightly coated with cooking spray and placed on a baking pan to catch any drips. Give the tops of the zucchini rounds a light mist of cooking spray. Bake as directed above.