These are the best fried squash recipes you’ll ever try! From Southern classics to Parmesan zucchini and crispy fritters, get step-by-step instructions to fry squash like a pro.
These fried squash recipes come straight from the heart of the American South. Golden, crisp, and kissed with salt right out of the skillet—fried squash is one of those humble side dishes that makes people lean back in their chair and sigh with satisfaction. Whether you’re working with yellow summer squash or zucchini fresh from the garden, I’ve got you covered with classic, crunchy, and creative ways to fry it just right.
The Best Fried Squash Recipes
1. Southern-Style Classic Fried Yellow Squash
Ingredients:
- 3 medium yellow squash, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying (canola or peanut works best)
Instructions:
A. Prep the Squash
- Wash the squash thoroughly and pat dry.
- Slice into even, thin rounds about ¼ inch thick. If it’s too thick, it won’t fry evenly.
B. Soak in Buttermilk
- Place all the squash rounds in a bowl and cover with buttermilk.
- Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This adds tangy flavor and helps the breading stick.
C. Prepare the Breading Mixture
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Mix well until evenly blended.
D. Dredge the Squash
- Remove squash rounds from the buttermilk (let excess drip off) and coat them in the dry mixture.
- Press each piece firmly so the coating sticks.
E. Fry the Squash
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil reaches 350°F (test by dropping a bit of flour—it should sizzle), add the squash in batches.
- Fry each batch 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
F. Drain and Season
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Sprinkle immediately with a touch more salt.
Pro Tip: Serve hot with a side of ranch or spicy remoulade sauce.
2. Parmesan-Crusted Fried Zucchini Coins
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or avocado oil for frying
Instructions:
A. Prep the Zucchini
- Wash and slice into thin rounds. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Pat dry with a paper towel—this removes excess moisture so they crisp up better.
B. Set Up Breading Station
- In one bowl, beat the eggs.
- In another, mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
C. Dredge and Coat
- Dip each zucchini round in egg, then coat thoroughly in the panko-Parmesan mixture.
- Press gently to adhere coating.
D. Fry or Air-Fry
- For skillet: Heat oil in a pan and fry each piece for 2–3 minutes per side.
- For air fryer: Spray both sides of zucchini rounds and cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
E. Serve & Dip
Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
3. Fried Squash Fritters with Onion & Herbs
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded yellow squash
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or chives
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
A. Prep Squash
- Grate the squash, sprinkle with a little salt, and let it sit in a colander for 10 minutes.
- Squeeze out all excess liquid using a kitchen towel.
B. Mix Fritter Batter
- In a bowl, mix shredded squash, onion, egg, flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Stir until you have a thick batter.
C. Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet, heat 1–2 inches of oil to medium-high heat.
D. Fry the Fritters
- Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the oil. Flatten slightly with a spoon.
- Fry for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy.
E. Drain & Serve
Drain on paper towels and serve with sour cream or a creamy chipotle dip.
Whether you like your squash sliced thin and classic, dressed up with Parmesan, or turned into crispy fritters—these fried squash recipes prove that you don’t need much more than a hot skillet and a few fresh veggies to make something truly delicious. These dishes bring people to the table, fill the room with the smell of nostalgia, and remind us that the best recipes are the ones that come from experience, love, and a little bit of crunch.
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