Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Fried Zucchini Chips (Crispy, Golden & Easy Homemade Snack!)

Sarah Smith
Dec 1, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Golden fried zucchini slices garnished with parsley on a dark plate, served with a side of creamy dipping sauce.

These Fried Zucchini Chips are light, crispy, golden, and totally irresistible — the kind of easy, cozy snack or side dish that disappears the moment they hit the table. Thin zucchini slices are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, fried until perfectly crisp, and served warm with ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.

Perfect for summer zucchini, game day snacking, or a fun appetizer everyone will love! For a full cozy spread, pair these crispy zucchini chips with Classic Caesar Salad, Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread, or a hearty pasta like One-Pot Sausage Pasta — they make the perfect crunchy appetizer for any comfort meal.

Why You’ll Love This

Crispy, golden zucchini chips with a light, crunchy coating
Savory flavor that makes vegetables irresistible
Simple ingredients with quick prep
Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side with dipping sauces

Recipe Card

Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 10 minutes Total: 20 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Zucchini Chips

2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced (⅛-inch)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For Dipping

Ranch
Marinara
Garlic aioli
Spicy mayo

Instructions

1. Prep the Zucchini

Slice zucchini into thin rounds (about ⅛-inch). Pat dry with paper towels — this helps them crisp instead of steam.

2. Set Up the Breading Station

Prepare three shallow bowls:

Bowl 1: Flour
Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper

3. Bread the Zucchini

Dip each zucchini slice into:

Flour
Egg
Breadcrumb mixture: Press gently so the coating sticks.

4. Fry Until Golden

Heat oil (about ½ inch deep) in a skillet to 350°F.Fry zucchini slices in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until crisp and golden.

Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.

5. Serve

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ways to Serve

As an appetizer with ranch or garlic dip
As a cozy side dish with pasta
On a snack board with veggies & dips
As a crunchy topping for salads

Storage & Reheating

Store: Refrigerate up to 2 days.

Reheat: Air fryer 400°F for 3–4 minutes — brings them back to crispy!

FAQ

Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes — bake at 425°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray with oil for crispiness.

Can I air fry them?

Definitely! Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through.

Can I use panko instead of Italian breadcrumbs?

Yes — panko makes them extra crunchy. Mix 50/50 with Italian breadcrumbs for flavor.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Pat the zucchini dry, and make sure each slice is coated well in flour before dipping into the egg.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs — works perfectly.

Conclusion

These fried zucchini chips are crispy, golden, and wonderfully addictive — the perfect cozy snack that tastes like something from your favorite country diner. Easy to prep, fast to cook, and always a crowd-pleaser, they’re perfect for weeknights, parties, and everything in between. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!