Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini (approx. 1 lb / 450g), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 tsp (6g) kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (60g) Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp (2g) Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp (1g) garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
- 2 cups (480ml) vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Slice zucchini into uniform 1/2-inch rounds. Toss them in a bowl with kosher salt and let them sit for 10 minutes.
- Use a paper towel to firmly pat each zucchini slice dry to remove excess moisture.
- Toss the dried rounds in the all-purpose flour until lightly dusted, shaking off any excess.
- Dip each round into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
- Press the zucchini firmly into the mixture of Panko, Parmesan, and seasonings, pressing down hard to anchor the breading.
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a cast iron skillet or deep fryer.
- Fry the zucchini bites in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until they reach a deep mahogany-golden hue.
- Transfer the fried bites immediately to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain.