If you love a crunchy, flavorful snack, you’re going to adore this Crispy Fried Zucchini Chips with Garlic Aioli Recipe. These golden zucchini crisps are perfectly seasoned and come with a creamy garlic dip that makes every bite unforgettable.

This image shows many round, golden brown fried zucchini slices stacked closely in a black pan lined with brown parchment paper. Each slice has a crunchy, textured coating with visible green zucchini skin around the edges. On the right side of the pan, there is a small glass bowl filled with creamy white dipping sauce. Next to the sauce, two yellow lemon wedges and some green parsley leaves add color. Small green parsley sprigs are scattered across the zucchini slices. The setting is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Zucchini Chips with Garlic Aioli Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Fried Zucchini Chips with Garlic Aioli Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Zucchini Chips with Garlic Aioli Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I make these crispy fried zucchini chips whenever friends drop by unexpectedly, and they’re always the first to disappear. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and that garlic aioli? Seriously addictive.

Perfect Crunch: The panko bread crumbs give each chip a satisfyingly crispy crust without feeling heavy.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, making this a quick and easy go-to snack.
Fresh Flavor: Using fresh zucchini rounds keeps the taste light and bright, balanced by the creamy aioli.
Versatile Bite: Serve as a party appetizer, an after-school snack, or a fun side dish to your favorite meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the ingredients right is half the fun with this recipe. Pick fresh, firm zucchini and quality panko for that unbeatable crisp. Also, the homemade garlic aioli brings everything together with a punch of flavor.

Flat lay of two medium fresh zucchini, sliced into thick rounds, a small mound of fine white all-purpose flour in a white ceramic bowl, two whole brown eggs with clean shells placed beside a white bowl of beaten egg wash, a white bowl filled with golden panko bread crumbs, a small white bowl containing extra light olive oil, a small white bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a fresh whole garlic clove, a fresh lemon half, and a small white bowl with a mix of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper all arranged in perfect symmetry, fresh and natural, no packaging or utensils, simple white ceramic bowls, balanced proportions placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Zucchini: Use medium to large zucchinis sliced into thick rounds for the best texture and perfect chip size.
All-purpose flour: Seasoned with salt and pepper to build the first flavorful layer for the breading.
Sea salt: Adds a clean, well-rounded saltiness without overpowering the zucchini.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for just the right amount of subtle heat and depth.
Eggs: Act as the glue to help the panko breadcrumbs stick firmly to each zucchini slice.
Panko bread crumbs: These light, flaky crumbs are key for that extra crunch and golden coating.
Extra light olive oil: Chosen for its high smoke point to ensure even frying without burning.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the garlic aioli, adding richness to complement the fried zucchini.
Garlic clove: Freshly pressed or grated to deliver a sharp, aromatic kick to the dipping sauce.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the aioli with a hint of acidity.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Fried Zucchini Chips with Garlic Aioli Recipe is how easily it adapts to your taste buds and dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it truly yours.

Gluten-Free Variation: Swap out the all-purpose flour and Panko bread crumbs for gluten-free versions. I tried this once using gluten-free panko and it turned out just as crispy and satisfying, perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with aquafaba (chickpea liquid) and use vegan mayonnaise for the aioli. The zucchini stays just as crispy, and the aioli still packs that garlicky punch—my vegan friends loved this twist!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the flour and panko mixture for some heat. It adds a fun little zing without overpowering the fresh zucchini flavor.
Seasonal Twist: In cooler months, try adding a sprinkle of Italian herbs or dried oregano to the breading for a cozy, herbaceous note that complements the crispy texture beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Zucchini Chips with Garlic Aioli Recipe

A white plate holds several golden brown, round fried slices arranged around a small white cup filled with creamy white sauce sprinkled with black pepper. A woman's hand is dipping one crispy fried slice into the sauce. Behind the sauce cup are three bright yellow lemon slices. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Set Up Your Dredging Station

Begin by setting up an easy assembly line — it makes the coating process smooth and mess-free. In one shallow bowl, mix together ½ cup all-purpose flour seasoned with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. In another bowl, beat 2 eggs until smooth. Finally, pour 1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs into a third bowl. This setup keeps your zucchini slices organized and ensures each chip gets that perfect triple coating.

Step 2: Coat the Zucchini Slices

Take each zucchini slice and dredge it fully in the seasoned flour, gently tapping off any excess. Next, dip the floured slice into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s evenly coated while letting the extra drip back. Finally, press the zucchini into the panko crumbs until it's completely covered. Pro tip: scoop crumbs on top of the slice too—this helps coat all sides evenly. Lay the breaded zucchini on a platter and repeat for the rest.

Step 3: Heat the Oil Just Right

Use a large, heavy-bottomed non-stick skillet and pour in extra light olive oil to about ¼ inch deep. Heat it over medium until it reaches 350°F — a reliable way to know it’s ready is when a breadcrumb sizzles upon contact. Maintaining this temperature is key for getting that golden, crunchy crust without sogginess. Adjust the heat as needed to keep the temperature steady.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Fry the zucchini slices in batches, laying them in a single layer so they don’t crowd or stick together. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until each side turns a gorgeous golden brown. If they brown too quickly, lower your heat a bit to avoid burning. Once fried, transfer the chips to a rack over paper towels to drain excess oil — this keeps them crisp and light.

Step 5: Whip Up the Garlic Aioli

While your zucchini crisps fry, mix up the garlic aioli for an easy, flavorful dip. Combine ⅓ cup of mayonnaise with 1 pressed or grated garlic clove, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, and ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until everything is blended smoothly. The aioli’s creamy tang perfectly complements the crunchy chips.

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy!

Serve your Crispy Fried Zucchini Chips immediately while warm, paired with that luscious garlic aioli sauce. These make a fantastic appetizer or snack, perfect for sharing with friends or family. Watch them disappear fast — I promise, they’re that good!

Top Tip

Getting that perfect crunch on your Crispy Fried Zucchini Chips with Garlic Aioli Recipe is all about attention to detail. These tips will help you master the technique and enjoy those golden, flavorful crisps every time.

Maintain Oil Temperature: I always keep a thermometer handy to keep my frying oil steady at 350°F. This ensures the zucchini crisps cook evenly without soaking up too much oil.
Pat Dry Zucchini Slices: Before dredging, drying your zucchini slices thoroughly with paper towels prevents sogginess and helps the coating stick beautifully.
Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Pressing the zucchini slices firmly into the panko bread crumbs makes all the difference. It creates a lovely, textural contrast that's so satisfying.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the zucchini in batches with space between them. Crowding the pan lowers the oil temperature and leads to oily, limp chips—something I learned the hard way!

How to Serve Crispy Fried Zucchini Chips with Garlic Aioli Recipe

The image shows four steps of making fried zucchini slices arranged in a 2x2 grid on a white marbled surface. The first part shows a row of green zucchini slices with light green centers next to a white knife with a black handle. The second has three white bowls with different coatings: the first bowl contains flour, the second has beaten yellow egg mix with a woman's hand holding a spoon, and the third is filled with light brown breadcrumbs. A zucchini slice is dipped in each coating. The third part shows nine zucchini slices coated with breadcrumbs frying in bubbling hot oil inside a dark pan. The fourth part shows the same pan with the zucchini slices now golden brown and crispy on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your zucchini chips with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory note that pairs wonderfully with the garlic aioli. For a little extra zing, a few flakes of crushed red pepper make a delightful kick.

Side Dishes

Serve these crispy zucchini chips alongside a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness of the fried coating. They also make a great companion to grilled meats or sandwiches for a casual lunch or light dinner. If you want to keep things simple, a bowl of fresh fruit or roasted chickpeas complements the flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover zucchini crisps in an airtight container lined with paper towels to keep them from becoming soggy. Refrigerate for up to 2 days, but know they’re best enjoyed fresh and warm for that unbeatable crunch.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining perfect crispness, you can freeze leftover zucchini chips. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and keep for up to one month.

Reheating

To reheat and restore crunch, bake leftover or frozen zucchini crisps in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, which tends to make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the zucchini chips gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour and panko bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives. This swap keeps the delightful crunch while accommodating gluten sensitivities.

What if I don’t have a thermometer to check oil temperature?

No worries! To test, drop a small breadcrumb into the heated oil—if it bubbles and sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough (around 350°F). If it browns too fast or smokes, lower the heat.

Can I bake or air-fry these instead of frying?

Yes, for a lighter version, you can bake or air-fry the coated zucchini slices. While the texture will be slightly different, they will still be delicious and less oily.

How long do the zucchini chips stay crispy?

They’re crispiest right after frying but if stored properly at room temperature or warmed in the oven, they can keep a good crunch for a few hours. Refrigeration can soften the coating without reheating.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Crispy Fried Zucchini Chips with Garlic Aioli Recipe is such a rewarding treat—you get that golden crunch paired with a creamy, garlicky dip that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer for guests or just craving a savory snack, these zucchini crisps bring warmth and happiness to the table. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share with loved ones!