Discover the irresistible crunch of Dairy-Free Crispy Fried Zucchini Sticks—perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. This recipe transforms simple zucchini into golden, flavor-packed bites by coating them in a spiced sparkling water batter and crispy panko bread crumbs, all without the use of dairy. The secret to their light, airy texture is the addition of sparkling water, which makes the batter delightfully fluffy. Fried to perfection in vegetable oil, these zucchini sticks boast a crispy exterior while staying tender inside. Ready in just 35 minutes, they’re easy to whip up for a crowd. Serve them piping hot with your favorite dairy-free dipping sauce, and watch them disappear in no time. Whether you’re dairy-free or simply seeking a plant-based option, this recipe is sure to impress!
Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and trim the ends off. Cut each zucchini into sticks approximately 3 inches long and 1/2 inch wide.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
Slowly add the sparkling water to the dry mixture, whisking until a smooth batter forms. It should have the consistency of pancake batter.
Place the panko bread crumbs in a shallow dish or plate.
In a large heavy-bottomed skillet or deep saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Dip each zucchini stick into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, and then roll it in the panko bread crumbs until it is fully coated.
Fry the coated zucchini sticks in the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried zucchini sticks from the oil, and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Season with additional salt if desired while they are still hot.
Serve immediately with your favorite dairy-free dipping sauce.
Calories |
4884 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 429.4 g | 551% | |
| Saturated Fat | 62.1 g | 310% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 269.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 6613 mg | 288% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 254.0 g | 92% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.9 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.8 g | ||
| Protein | 41.5 g | 83% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 448 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 15.5 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 1269 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.