Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Coins

Name: Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Coins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs, beaten; Oil for frying

Highlighted under: Clean Ideas

I absolutely love making crispy zucchini parmesan coins for a delightful snack or appetizer. These little bites are golden on the outside and bursting with flavor from the parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. I usually whip them up when I find myself with an abundance of zucchini during the summer months. The combination of the crunchy coating and the tender zucchini inside is incredibly satisfying. Plus, they're easy to prepare and cook quickly, making them perfect for unexpected guests or a quick treat to enjoy at home.

Created by

Una Merrick

Last updated on 2026-01-15T17:53:35.066Z

While experimenting in the kitchen one evening, I decided to repurpose some fresh zucchini I had on hand, and that’s how these crispy zucchini parmesan coins were born. The secret lies in the double coating of breadcrumbs and parmesan, which ensures each coin gets perfectly crispy while the inside remains tender and flavorful. Adding a sprinkle of garlic powder and dried herbs enhances the taste, making them irresistible.

Over the years, these little delights have become a staple at gatherings and family dinners. I’ve learned that letting the coins cool on a wire rack after frying keeps them from getting soggy. They’re best served warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, making them a hit with both adults and kids!

        Why You'll Love These Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Coins
        Deliciously crunchy texture with a cheesy flavor
Simple to prepare and cook in under 35 minutes
Great way to enjoy fresh zucchini and sneak in some veggies
Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a tasty snack

      

The Importance of Drying the Zucchini

One crucial step that shouldn't be overlooked is drying the zucchini after slicing. Moisture can cause the coating to become soggy during frying, leading to less crispy results. After slicing the zucchini into even 1/4-inch rounds, pat each piece dry with a paper towel. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere effectively, giving you that delightful crunch we all love in a fried snack.

If you're short on time, you can also sprinkle the slices with a little salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will draw out even more moisture. Just be sure to rinse and dry them afterward to avoid overly salty zucchini coins!

Perfect Frying Technique

Getting the frying temperature just right is essential for achieving crispy zucchini coins. Aim for medium heat on your stovetop, which generally ranges from 350°F to 375°F. If the oil is too cool, the zucchini will absorb excess oil and become greasy instead of crispy. A good test is to drop a breadcrumb into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, it's ready for frying.

When frying, avoid overcrowding the skillet; this can drop the oil temperature significantly. Fry the zucchini coins in batches, ensuring they have enough space to fry evenly. Each batch should take about 3-4 minutes on each side until they're golden brown. Use a thermometer if you're unsure about the oil temperature.

Ingredients

For the Zucchini Coins

2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
Oil for frying

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking.

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini

Begin by slicing the zucchini into even 1/4-inch rounds. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better.

Set Up the Breading Stations

In one bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until well incorporated.

Coat the Zucchini Coins

Dip each zucchini slice first into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Fry the Coins

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated zucchini coins in batches, frying for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Drain and Serve

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried zucchini coins to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious crispy zucchini parmesan coins!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. You can also bake the coins at 425°F for 20 minutes for a healthier, lower-fat option.

Unique Ingredients and Their Roles

In this recipe, the combination of parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs is critical for achieving that irresistible crunchy texture. The parmesan not only adds flavor but also contributes to the crust's formation as it melts and then solidifies when frying. Using freshly grated parmesan yields the best results since it melts more evenly than pre-grated alternatives, which often contain anti-caking agents.

The addition of garlic powder and oregano not only enhances the flavor profile but also complements the natural sweetness of the zucchini, creating a well-rounded savory bite. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs or spices; for example, adding a pinch of smoked paprika can elevate the flavor to new heights!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover zucchini coins, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that they will lose some of their crispiness. To revive the texture, consider reheating them in an oven preheated to 375°F for about 10-12 minutes until warm and crispy again.

For longer storage, these coins can be frozen before frying. After coating, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, fry them directly from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake the zucchini coins at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier alternative.

→ How do I store leftover zucchini coins?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispness.

→ What can I serve with these coins?

These zucchini coins are delicious on their own or served with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping.

→ Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Yes! This coating works great with eggplant slices or yellow squash as well, so feel free to mix it up!