Zucchini Parmesan Crisps Recipe

Quick & Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Crisps Recipe

Zucchini parmesan crisps offer a delightful twist on snacking that elevates ordinary vegetables into crispy, irresistible bites.

Crunchy and golden, these savory treats reimagine how appetizers can surprise your taste buds with minimal effort.

Thin slices of fresh zucchini get elevateed through a simple cooking technique that elevates their natural flavor profile.

Cheese adds a rich, nutty dimension that perfectly complements the vegetable’s mild essence.

Seasoned with carefully selected herbs and spices, these crisps provide a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks.

Light yet satisfying, they work wonderfully as a side dish or standalone appetizer that impresses guests and family alike.

These crispy delights promise a culinary experience that balances nutrition with incredible taste.

What Goes Into Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Bites

For Coating and Frying:
  • Vegetable Oil: Light oil perfect for achieving a golden, crispy texture with high smoke point.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style light and airy breadcrumbs that create extra crunchiness.
For Binding and Flavor:
  • Vegan Eggs, All-Purpose Flour: Creates a smooth, sticky coating that helps breadcrumbs adhere to zucchini.
  • Vegan Parmesan: Adds savory, cheesy flavor and helps create a crisp exterior.
Main Vegetable:
  • Zucchini: Fresh, tender summer squash with mild flavor that becomes delightfully crisp when fried, best when young and firm with smooth skin.

How to Make Zucchini Parmesan Crisps in Your Oven

Step 1: Slice Zucchini

Wash zucchini and cut into thin, uniform round slices about 1/4 inch thick. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

In a shallow dish, mix Panko breadcrumbs and vegan Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Dredging Station

Set up three separate shallow dishes:
  • First dish: Flour
  • Second dish: Beaten vegan eggs
  • Third dish: Seasoned breadcrumb mixture

Step 4: Coat Zucchini Rounds

Dip each zucchini slice in flour, then egg, then press firmly into breadcrumb mixture to create a complete, even coating.

Step 5: Heat Cooking Surface

Place a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to create a thin layer across the bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Fry Zucchini Chips

Carefully place coated zucchini rounds in hot oil. Cook for 1 minute on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Transfer fried zucchini to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve immediately while warm and crunchy.

Tips for Ultra-Crisp Zucchini Parmesan Rounds

  • Slice Smart: Cut zucchini into uniform, thin rounds for even cooking and consistent crispiness.
  • Drain Thoroughly: Let zucchini sit on paper towels before coating to remove excess moisture and prevent soggy results.
  • Press and Coat: Firmly press breadcrumb mixture onto zucchini slices to ensure a thick, crunchy exterior.
  • Temperature Check: Maintain consistent medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown color without burning.
  • Quick Serving: Enjoy crisps immediately after frying to preserve their maximum crunchiness and temperature.

Storing and Reheating Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

  • Refrigeration: Place cooled zucchini crisps in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sogginess. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating in Oven: Spread crisps on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through, restoring their crunchy texture.
  • Freezing Option: Freeze single-layered crisps on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Consume within 1 month for best quality, reheating directly from frozen in the oven.

What to Serve with Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the richness of the zucchini crisps, refreshing your palate with its bright, zesty notes.
  • Match with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Create a light cucumber and tomato salad with herbs to balance the crispy texture and provide a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the fried zucchini.
  • Complement with Tangy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick garlic aioli or herb-infused ranch dressing to enhance the crunchy zucchini parmesan crisps, adding an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
  • Serve as Appetizer with Chilled Prosecco: The bubbly, light prosecco perfectly complements the crispy texture of the zucchini rounds, making it an ideal starter for a summer gathering.

Flavor Ideas for Zucchini Parmesan Crisp Fans

  • Mediterranean Herb Crisp: Replace Panko with herbed breadcrumbs featuring oregano, thyme, and basil for an aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Version: Mix finely chopped jalapeños into the Panko mixture, adding a bold kick and subtle heat to the zucchini crisps.
  • Gluten-Free Crunch: Substitute Panko with crushed gluten-free rice crackers or almond meal for a crispy, allergen-friendly alternative that maintains the recipe's texture.
  • Air Fryer Light Option: Transform the recipe by air frying the zucchini rounds at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, reducing oil content while preserving the golden, crispy exterior.

Why Zucchini Parmesan Crisps Are the Snack You Didn’t Know You Needed

  • Crunch Beyond Compare: These zucchini parmesan crisps deliver an irresistible golden crunch that snaps with every delightful bite, transforming a simple vegetable into a crowd-pleasing sensation.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: Requiring just 10 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers a speedy solution for busy home cooks craving a delicious side dish or appetizer without complicated techniques.
  • Healthier Indulgence Hack: By using zucchini as the base and creating a crispy coating, this recipe provides a nutritious alternative to traditional fried appetizers, sneaking in vegetables while satisfying comfort food cravings.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or family dinners, these crispy rounds appeal to both kids and adults, making them an excellent option for gatherings where everyone wants something tasty and fun to eat.
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Zucchini Parmesan Crisps Recipe

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps Recipe


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4.9 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Zucchini parmesan crisps offer a crispy, golden gateway to vegetable snacking perfection. Seasoned with herbs and perfectly baked, these cheese-crusted delights provide a delectable alternative to traditional chips that will satisfy cravings and nourish you.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced to ¼-inch thick rounds
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup freshly grated vegan Parmesan

Coating Ingredients:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large vegan eggs, beaten

Cooking Ingredient:

  • 1 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat a cast iron skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high temperature to create an ideal frying environment.
  2. Create a crispy coating mixture by blending Panko breadcrumbs with grated vegan Parmesan, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Set up a three-stage dredging station: first dust zucchini rounds lightly with flour, creating a thin adhesive layer.
  4. Carefully dip flour-coated zucchini into beaten vegan eggs, allowing excess to drip off for a smooth transition.
  5. Gently press each egg-covered zucchini round into the Panko-Parmesan mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum crispiness.
  6. Carefully place 5-6 coated zucchini rounds into the hot oil, maintaining consistent spacing to prevent overcrowding.
  7. Fry each batch for approximately one minute per side, watching for a uniform golden-brown color and crisp texture.
  8. Remove zucchini crisps using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain crunchiness.
  9. Serve the zucchini Parmesan crisps immediately while they are hot and at peak crispiness, enjoying their delicate texture and savory flavor.

Notes

  • Crispy zucchini rounds transform from ordinary vegetable to irresistible golden appetizer with just a few simple ingredients and cooking techniques.
  • Achieving the perfect crunch requires precise dredging steps, ensuring each slice gets maximum flavor and texture from seasoned breadcrumbs.
  • Serving these warm and fresh guarantees maximum enjoyment, with paper towels helping to absorb excess oil and maintain ultimate crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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