Print

Crispy Fried Zucchini Sticks Recipe Easy Homemade Snack with Ranch Dipping Sauce

crispy fried zucchini sticks - featured image

Crispy fried zucchini sticks with a double coating of flour and panko breadcrumbs, served with a homemade ranch dipping sauce. A quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing snack perfect for casual gatherings or late-night cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium fresh zucchinis, sliced into sticks (about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (180 g)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 23 cups vegetable oil (canola or sunflower) for frying
  • For the ranch dipping sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • ½ cup sour cream (120 ml)
  • ¼ cup buttermilk (60 ml)
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the zucchinis thoroughly. Slice into sticks roughly 3 inches long and about ½ inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Set up three bowls: one with flour seasoned with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Dredge each zucchini stick first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, letting extra drip off, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides. Place coated sticks on a plate or tray.
  4. Pour 2-3 cups of vegetable oil into a deep frying pan and heat over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Test oil temperature by dropping a breadcrumb in; it should sizzle and float immediately.
  5. Fry zucchini sticks in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn gently. The zucchini should be tender but not mushy inside.
  6. Remove fried sticks with tongs or a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining sticks.
  7. To make the ranch dipping sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
  8. Serve the crispy fried zucchini sticks hot with the ranch dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

Pat zucchini dry thoroughly to ensure coating sticks and prevent oil splatter. Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for best crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep oil temperature steady. Use a wire rack to drain excess oil and keep sticks crispy. For extra crunch, double fry by frying once until lightly golden, then again for 30 seconds before serving. Prep zucchini sticks ahead and refrigerate up to 2 hours before frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried zucchini sticks, crispy zucchini, homemade ranch sauce, easy snack, appetizer, panko breadcrumbs, zucchini recipe