Trying to figure out what to do with all of the fresh zucchini from your garden?  Try this amazingly easy Gluten Free Fried Zucchini!  It’s kid-friendly, simple, and totally delicious.

It’s full on zucchini season here in the Midwest!  I love zucchini, but wow. I am always amazed by how many can grow in such a short amount of time!  We’ve been picking 10-20 zucchini from our garden every few days, which means we are making ALL things Zucchini!

gluten free fried zucchini (easy!)

This Fried Zucchini recipe is a classic!  I have such fond memories of eating breaded zucchini with my family as a child.  This recipe is all the taste you remember from your childhood, but gluten free!  My kids adore this recipe and we try to make it at least once a week during peak zucchini season.

You can also use this same gluten free batter recipe to make fried onion rings, fried okra, and fried pickles.  (And many times we will do a half batch of zucchini and half okra!)  What fun!  

It works well for parties, a fish fry, or a game day treat.

Alright! Let’s get started on this delicious easy recipe.

Ingredients Needed for Gluten Free Pan Fried Zucchini

For this easy stovetop Gluten Free Fried Zucchini recipe you will need the following simple ingredients:

gluten free fried zucchini ingredients including: milk, canola oil, salt, egg, Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 baking flour, zucchini
  • 4 Medium Sliced Zucchini – zucchini should be sliced into 1/4 inch rounds – make sure you use smaller zucchini without large seeds to avoid soggy texture.
  • Canola Oil – we like to use Great Value Canola Oil (you can substitute vegetable oil if needed)
  • Milk
  • Salt
  • Egg
  • Gluten-free Flour – we recommend Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour
  • Large Skillet
  • Paper Towels on a Plate
  • Note:  you can use this recipe in a deep fryer as well – you may need to add extra milk if you do so.

Let’s get started on our easy Gluten Free Fried Zucchini Recipe!

How to make Gluten Free Fried Zucchini

First, if you haven’t already, go ahead and slice your zucchini into 1/4 inch rounds. We like to use medium to small sized zucchini for best results. Larger zucchini tend to have soft flesh and large seeds which can result in a mushy texture.

zucchini rounds

In a medium size bowl, add 1 cup of Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of canola oil, 1 egg, and 1 cup of milk.

Mix together thoroughly by hand using a whisk.

whisking the ingredients together for fried zucchini batter

Next, preheat your large skillet on medium heat. 

When it is hot, add 3 tablespoons of canola oil.

Your oil is ready to cook when the zucchini sizzles in the pan.

coating zucchini slices with gluten free batter

Quickly coat your zucchini slices with the gluten free batter and drop them carefully into the pan in a single layer.

frying the zucchini in a skillet

When they turn golden brown on one side, flip them to cook the other side. Cooking time is about 2-3 minutes per side.  

flipping the fried zucchini

When they are golden brown on both sides, remove from the pan and place on a paper towel to absorb some of the hot oil off.

Serve immediately!  These definitely stand alone without a dipping sauce, and my family usually eats them plain, but if you want to serve alongside a sauce, ranch dressing is always a great idea.

gluten free fried zucchini - ready to be served

My family loves this fried zucchini side dish alongside anything and everything. If my husband is around, he fires up the grill to make grilled chicken, chicken wings, grilled pork loin, or my favorite – steak while I fry the zucchini. 

If you are cooking alone, and you need a quick dish, this fried zucchini pairs well with hot dots, brats, or rotisserie chicken!  

Do I have to Slice the Zucchini in Rounds?

I find that zucchini rounds are easier to fry, but you are welcome to try zucchini strips or zucchini sticks.

What else can I fry with this Gluten Free Batter?

​This gluten free batter recipe can basically make anything into crispy perfection!  

It’s the perfect way to coat onion rings, okra, pickles, morel mushrooms and anything else your taste buds are craving.  

Admittedly one of our favorite ways to use this batter is to make an assortment of fried goodies from our garden produce during the summer months. 

What dipping sauce can I serve with these Gluten Free Fried Zucchini?

My family prefers to eat these by themselves without a sauce but the crispy coating would pair well with a marinara sauce, a garlic aioli, or ranch dressing.

super easy fried zucchini gluten free - easy pan fried recipe

What should I serve with Gluten Free Fried Zucchini?

Our family likes to serve this fried zucchini with grilled meats such as grilled chicken, steak, or pork.  

We also enjoy this easy side dish with brats, hot dogs, or alongside a store bought rotisserie chicken for a fast meal.

More Gluten Free Zucchini Recipes

Have a LOT of zucchini to use?  No worries, zucchini is such a versatile vegetable!   Be sure to check out these other great recipes that are perfect for a gluten-free diet!

My kids love this Grilled Zucchini recipe.  Great for those nights when you are already grilling meat!

Don’t miss my Best Ever Gluten Free Zucchini Bread. It has rave reviews and is our go-to recipe during zucchini season!

Be sure to check out this Gluten Free Baked Zucchini with Parmesan Cheese. It’s super simple, a family favorite, and a great way to use up your remaining zucchini!

Looking for something unusual? Try this Zucchini Tacos Recipe. It’s an easy idea for your Taco Tuesday!

Print the Recipe Card

To print this easy gluten-free fried zucchini recipe click the recipe card below.

gluten free fried zucchini

Gluten Free Fried Zucchini

Create crispy fried zucchini with this easy gluten free recipe.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium zucchini
  • 1 cup Gluten Free Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour
  • 2 tbsp canola oil
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • canola oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • First, slice your zucchini into 1/4 inch rounds.
  • In a medium size bowl, add 1 cup of Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of canola oil, 1 egg, and 1 cup of milk.  Mix together thoroughly by hand using a whisk.
  • Preheat a large skillet on medium heat.  When the pan is hot, add 3 tablespoons of canola oil.  Your oil is ready to cook when you place a piece of zucchini in the pan and it sizzles.
  • Coat your zucchini slices with the gluten free batter and drop them carefully into the pan.  
  • When they turn golden brown on one side, flip them to cook the other side. Cook time is about 2-3 minutes per side.  
  • When they are golden brown on both sides, remove from the pan and place on a paper towel to absorb some of the oil.
    Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use medium to small sized zucchini.  Large zucchini tend to have soft flesh and large seeds which can result in a soggy texture when fried.  
Keyword Gluten Free, Kid Friendly, Side Dish

Want to save this perfect summer side dish for later?  Pin this gluten-free fried zucchini recipe to your Summer Zucchini Recipes board on Pinterest.

gluten free fried zucchini