To keep the breading from falling off zucchini when frying or baking, follow these tips:
Pat the zucchini dry: Before you start breading, use paper towels to pat the zucchini slices or sticks dry. Excess moisture on the surface can prevent the breading from adhering properly.
Use a pre-breading step: Dredge the zucchini in flour before dipping it in the egg wash. The flour creates a dry surface for the egg wash to cling to, helping the breading adhere better.
Properly season the flour and egg wash: Add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings to both the flour and the egg wash. This ensures that the zucchini is well-seasoned and encourages the breading to stick.
Shake off excess flour and egg wash: After dipping the zucchini in the flour and egg wash, gently shake off any excess before applying the breading. This prevents clumps and promotes even breading coverage.
Press the breading onto the zucchini: Roll the zucchini slices or sticks in the breadcrumbs or panko, making sure to press the breading firmly onto the surface. This helps the breading adhere securely.
Allow the breaded zucchini to rest: After breading, let the zucchini sit for a few minutes on a wire rack. This time allows the breading to set and adhere more effectively before cooking.
Chill the breaded zucchini: For recipes that allow it, place the breaded zucchini in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before frying or baking. Chilling helps the breading to firm up and adhere better during cooking.
Don't overcrowd the cooking surface: When frying, make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as it can cause the breading to become soggy and fall off due to excess steam.
Use the right cooking temperature: Whether frying or baking, ensure that the oil or oven is at the correct temperature. Cooking at the proper temperature helps the breading cook evenly and remain intact.
By following these tips, you should be able to achieve crispy and well-adhered breading on your zucchini every time.