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:

  1. Slice zucchini into uniform 1/2-inch rounds. Toss them in a bowl with kosher salt and let them sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Use a paper towel to firmly pat each zucchini slice dry to remove excess moisture.
  3. Toss the dried rounds in the all-purpose flour until lightly dusted, shaking off any excess.
  4. Dip each round into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
  5. Press the zucchini firmly into the mixture of Panko, Parmesan, and seasonings, pressing down hard to anchor the breading.
  6. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a cast iron skillet or deep fryer.
  7. Fry the zucchini bites in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until they reach a deep mahogany-golden hue.
  8. Transfer the fried bites immediately to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain.