This Easy Copycat Carl’s Jr. Fried Zucchini recipe delivers crispy, golden zucchini circles just like the restaurant favorite. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side, they’re quick to make and irresistibly crunchy.
Bring the iconic Carl’s Jr. fried zucchini to your kitchen with this easy copycat recipe.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these golden zucchini circles make a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish, and they’re ready in no time with simple ingredients you probably already have.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Crispy Perfection: Golden, crunchy coating with tender zucchini inside.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes with simple ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly: A snack or side that picky eaters actually enjoy.
- Versatile Serving: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack.
- Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the restaurant favorite without the drive-thru.
If you love a great and easy Air Fryer Roasted Vegetable Recipe, I hope that you try some of my favorites such as: AIR FRYER SPAGHETTI SQUASH, AIR FRYER BEETS, AIR FRYER HASSELBACK BACON AND BLEU CHEESE POTATOES, and AIR FRYER ITALIAN STUFFED MUSHROOMS.
Carl’s Jr. Fried Zucchini Ingredients
- Zucchini: Fresh zucchini, sliced into sticks or circles for air frying.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour to coat zucchini and help batter stick.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch for extra crispiness in the coating.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the coating mixture.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper for mild, spicy flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory, aromatic flavor to the breading.
- Paprika: Provides mild heat and rich color to coating.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs to help coating adhere to zucchini.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth, adhesive egg wash.
- Breadcrumbs: Crispy breadcrumbs for the golden fried coating.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds savory, cheesy flavor and crisp.
How To Make Copycat Carl’s Jr. Fried Zucchini Recipe
Step 1: Wash your zucchini and trim off the ends. Slice into sticks or cut into circles about 3-4 inches long or ½ inch thick, keeping them uniform so they cook evenly and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Step 2: Grab three bowls for the breading process. In Bowl 1, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In Bowl 2, beat the eggs with a splash of milk. In Bowl 3, combine the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese for that golden, cheesy crunch.
Step 3: Dip each zucchini first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, coat it in the egg wash, letting the extra drip off. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb, Parmesan mix until fully coated. Repeat with all the zucchini.
Step 4: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the zucchini in a single layer without overcrowding. Set air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Remove the zucchini from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli for a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Easy Copycat Carl’s Jr. Fried Zucchini Recipe Tips
- Cut Even Sticks: Keep zucchini pieces the same size so they cook evenly and crisp up at the same time.
- Pat Dry First: Zucchini holds a lot of water—drying it helps the coating stick better.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It’s the secret to that light, crispy restaurant-style coating.
- Press the Coating On: Gently press the breadcrumb mixture onto each piece so it sticks well.
- Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or they’ll turn soft instead of crispy.
- Spray Lightly with Oil: A quick spray helps them get golden and crunchy without deep frying.
- Flip Halfway Through: This ensures even browning on all sides.
- Serve Immediately: These are best hot and crispy right out of the air fryer.
Storing, Freezing and Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Let the fried zucchini cool completely, then place in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Arrange the cooked zucchini sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soft and soggy.
Easy Copycat Carl’s Jr. Fried Zucchini Recipe Faqs
How do I keep the coating from falling off? Make sure to pat the zucchini dry first and follow the breading steps—flour, egg, then breadcrumbs. Press the coating on gently so it sticks well.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely. Swap the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions or use almond flour and crushed pork rinds.
Why is my zucchini soggy? This usually happens if the basket is overcrowded or the zucchini wasn’t dried properly. Cook in batches and remove excess moisture before breading.
Can I prepare these ahead of time? You can bread the zucchini ahead and refrigerate for a few hours. For best results, cook them fresh when ready to serve.
What dipping sauces go best with fried zucchini? Ranch, marinara, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo are all great options. Pick your favorite or serve a few for variety.
How do I know when they’re done? They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If needed, add another minute or two for extra crunch.
More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
AIR FRYER BEETS
AIR FRYER SPAGHETTI SQUASH
EASY AIR FRYER HASSELBACK BACON AND BLEU CHEESE POTATOES
AIR FRYER ITALIAN STUFFED MUSHROOMS
AIR FRYER ROASTED CARROTS
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Easy Copycat Carl’s Jr. Fried Zucchini Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini, cut into 3–4 inch sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, plain or Italian
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Wash your 3 medium zucchini and trim off the ends. Slice into sticks about 3–4 inches long or cut into circles into ½ inch thick, keeping them uniform so they cook evenly and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Grab three bowls for the breading process. In Bowl 1, mix the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika. In Bowl 2, beat the 2 large eggs with a¼ cup milk. In Bowl 3, combine the 1 cup breadcrumbs with ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for that golden, cheesy crunch.
- Dip each zucchini first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, coat it in the egg wash, letting the extra drip off. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix until fully coated. Repeat with all the zucchini.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the zucchini sticks in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the zucchini sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli for a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Equipment
- Air Fryer, Air Fryer Basket or Air Fryer Oven
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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