Homemade Pan Fried Zucchini Squash Chips that are crispy and made Greek-style! I used no batter, flour, or breading so they are completely gluten free. Paired with a good tzatziki sauce you will not be able to stop eating these!
This recipe was inspired by Estia. It is a Greek restaurant we always go to and they have the BEST zucchini chips appetizer. They serve their chips with tzatziki sauce stacked high in a fun tower. They are simply amazing.
How to Make Pan Fried Zucchini Chips (without breading)
Pan fried zucchini chips are a simple and healthy appetizer to serve your guests! I like to pair my chips with multiple dipping sauces like this tzatziki sauce, so guests can choose what they like. Plus, dipping is just so much fun!
How to make your zucchini chips super crispy
So I used no batter and no breading for this recipe because I wanted to keep it simple and gluten free. Plus, I really don’t think they need it! If they are coated in a heavy breadcrumb coating, they will be heavy instead of light and airy like potato chips!
So to get a crispy exterior on your zucchini, you can use cornstarch. Cornstarch is a great substitute for flour. In fact, I think it’s better when it comes to frying since it gives food an airy and super crispy crust.
Tricks to making zucchini chips
Did you know thatĀ zucchini contains A LOT of water!
Just LOOK at all the water I was able to squeeze out of ONE large zucchini!
So if we want to make a crispy chip, we need to get rid of that water. Think of it as the enemy.
Trick 1: Slice your zucchini very thinly!
Thin slices of zucchini will cook quickly when pan frying. I like to use a mandolin for even slices. They result is airy zucchini chips that are perfectly crisp.
Trick 2: Use salt!
Sprinkling your zucchini generously with salt will help to draw out the moisture. Sprinkle and let them SWEAT IT OUT. You will be able to see the water on top after about 10 minutes.
When you use salt, don’t be stingy because we will be wiping it off afterwards! (I let it sit at least 10 minutes!) The longer you allow it to sit with the salt, the more water you will be able to sweat out of it.
Step 3: Soak up the moisture!
Take 1-2 thick paper towels and wipe off as much salt of the water and salt as you can.
Step 4: Coat zucchini in cornstarch.
Finally, I will coat each slice generously with cornstarch (which helps to absorb any leftover water) and fry them until golden brown.
Pan Frying vs. Deep Frying
Pan frying is all you need to get your zucchini chips nice and crispy. The amount of oil needed to pan fry is about 1/2″ high. To deep fry these, you would need a few inches of oil which is not necessary since they are already super thin and easy to fry!
Using Flour vs. Cornstarch To Coat Your Zucchini
I tried BOTH flour and cornstarch and found that the cornstarch works so much better! Cornstarch always seems to give an extra crunch to fried foods so grab yourself a large container from the store if you don’t have one yet! It comes in handy a lot!
You can coat each slice individually or you can throw them in a large plastic bag and shake them around. You may need to separate some slices though since they tend to stick to one-another.
Cornstarch is also gluten-free so that’s a bonus for all of my GF readers! š
What To Serve Your Zucchini Chips With
As I mentioned, the restaurant we go to, serves these as an appetizer with a side of tzatziki sauce. It is THE BEST way to eat them!
Another option could be an aioli or burger sauce if you have a good one or ranch dressing!
If you serve these for a party, you can fry the zucchini chips ahead of time and keep them warm in the oven on the ‘warm’ setting. Another ideas is to top them with shredded Parmesan cheese.
You can also make the tzatziki dip a day ahead which I recommend because the flavors need to meld anyway!Ā
Ā Here are some other easy fried appetizers you may like:
Tempura Fried Crab Stick Bites (with Old Bay)
EASY Beer Battered Onion Rings (w/ Red Pepper Aioli)
Chinese Fried Shrimp Toast
EASY Make Ahead Room Temperature Appetizers
Pan Fried Zucchini Squash Chips Recipe:
Pan Fried Zucchini Squash Chips (With Tzatziki Sauce)
Ingredients
- 2 Medium Zucchini/Squash ((I used one green and one yellow))
- 1 Cup Cornstarch
- Frying Oil ((Canola, Peanut, or Vegetable))
Instructions
- Slice zucchini squash into 1/4 - 1/8 " slices using a mandolin or sharp knife.
- Generously sprinkle salt onto both sides of zucchini slices and lay on a paper towel for 10 minutes.
- Wipe off as much salt as possible using a damp paper towel so your slices are not too salty! Use a dry paper towel to soak up any extra water on both sides.
- Dip slices into cornstarch and drop into fryer/saucepan a few at a time.
- Flip slices after a few minutes so both sides get golden brown. Remove after color is achieved and let drain on paper towels. Taste test one right away to see if it needs more salt. If so, sprinkle with salt while still hot.
- Serve warm with tzatziki sauce on the side!
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