Courgette (Zucchini) Fries

Discover the delightful crunch of Courgette (Zucchini) Fries, a crispy, golden snack perfect for sharing. Learn the secrets to achieving the ideal batter and frying technique. Plus, discover how leaving the skin on enhances taste and texture. Unlock courgettes’ potential in your kitchen!

Courgette
12 Jul 2025

Prep Time 15 mins | Cook Time 15 mins | Total Time 30 mins | Servings 4 persons

If you're an allotment owner, you know the joyous, yet sometimes overwhelming, feeling of a bumper crop of courgettes! They arrive in abundance, and while versatile, finding exciting new ways to use them up can be a challenge.

Look no further! This courgette fries recipe is a heavenly option that will transform your humble garden produce into a dangerously addictive snack or side dish

Ingredients

600g baby courgettes

olive oil, for deep-frying

salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp plain flour

2 eggs, beaten

Method

1 Top and tail the courgettes and cut them in half lengthways. Cut out the white centre and seeds, if there are any, (this part is too watery for frying), and slice the the remainder into batons. Cut these in half widthways so that you are left with matchsticks about 5cm long.

2 Heat the oil in a large, deep pan until slightly smoking.

3 Meanwhile, mix the flour and eggs together to make a light batter. Season with salt and pepper. Dip a handful of the courgette matchsticks into the batter, then plunge them into the hot oil. Deep fry in batches, separating them with a spoon, until they crisp, about 4–5 minutes. Drain well on kitchen paper.

4 Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Top tips

Courgettes are probably the most used vegetable in Italy, although they are not given the praise that they deserve. Though the courgette may be humble, it produces wonderful results. It can be eaten raw, fried in slices, baked or grilled whole, stuffed, included in both lasagne and parmigiani.

Can you deep fry with olive oil?

In this recipe, Antonio uses olive oil to deep fry the courgettes. Many cooks prefer not to fry with olive oil due to concerns about its stability at high temperatures, but extra virgin olive oil is, in fact, good for frying with and has a high smoke point. However, it is a more expensive frying option than vegetable oil, so use that if you prefer.

Should I remove the skin on courgettes?

No, there's no need to take the skin off courgettes, and in fact, it gives the courgette fries a nicer taste and texture if you leave it on. You can eat courgettes cooked or raw, with the skin on.

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