Ah, zucchini—nature’s green wonder that often gets overlooked, like that quirky indie band you discovered before they went mainstream. These crispy zucchini bites are a revelation; they’re like crunchy little clouds of joy, especially when you dunk them into a luscious swirl of creamy aioli. And hey, don’t we all deserve a moment of crispy, creamy bliss after surviving another episode of life’s unpredictable sitcom?
Steps
- Cut the zucchini into 1/2-inch thick slices. Prepare three separate bowls: one with a mix of flour, salt, and pepper; another with beaten eggs; and the last with Panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each zucchini slice in the flour mixture, then coat in the beaten eggs, and finally cover with Panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the zucchini slices in a single layer for about 3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
- To make the garlic aioli, mix together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Serve the crispy zucchini bites piping hot alongside the garlic aioli for dipping, and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup canola oil
- ? cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ? teaspoon ground black pepper
FAQ
- Why aren’t my zucchini bites crispy?
- If your zucchini bites lack crispiness, it might be because they haven’t been fried long enough. Allow them to fry until they reach a golden brown color, usually about 3 minutes on each side, to achieve a crunchy texture.
- Can I cut the zucchini into strips instead of rounds?
- Absolutely! While the recipe suggests round slices for easy frying, you can also cut the zucchini into strips. Just be aware that strips may require more attention to ensure all sides are evenly cooked, especially if using an oven or Air Fryer.
- How well do these zucchini bites reheat?
- These bites can be reheated and enjoyed later, though they might not be as crispy as when freshly cooked. However, they still retain a delightful flavor and are perfectly enjoyable upon reheating.
- What else can I use the garlic aioli with?
- The garlic aioli is versatile and can be used as a dipping sauce for french fries, onion rings, or even drizzled over meats, burgers, and sandwiches. It’s a flavorful addition to many dishes.
- Can I double the recipe easily?
- Yes, the recipe can be easily doubled or tripled. Just make sure to increase the quantities of both the zucchini bites and the garlic aioli to ensure you have enough of each.
Tips
- Ensure the zucchini bites fry long enough to achieve a crispy texture. If they start to brown, let them fry a little longer to avoid a soggy result.
- For best results, slice the zucchini into 1/2-inch thick rounds. This shape requires just one flip for even cooking and is easier to handle than strips.
- Feel free to experiment with zucchini shapes; while rounds are recommended for frying, strips work well if baking in the oven or using an air fryer for even cooking.
- Double or triple the recipe as needed, but remember to adjust the aioli sauce quantities accordingly to avoid running out of this delicious dip.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed skillet (if not already owned)
- Mixing bowls (if additional are needed)
- A set of bowls for dredging (flour, egg, and breadcrumbs)
- A garlic press or mincer (for mincing garlic, if not already owned)
