Zucchini flowers in batter are one of the most loved appetizers in Italian cuisine: crispy, golden, and irresistible. You can serve them as finger food during a happy hour, as a tasty appetizer, or even as a unique side dish. The recipe is very simple, and you can choose to fry them in oil for an indulgent version, or use an air fryer for a lighter result.
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- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Frying, Air frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Ingredients
- 12 zucchini flowers
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup sparkling water (cold)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil (optional)
- as needed sunflower oil
Tools
- Absorbent paper
Steps
How to prepare battered zucchini flowers
Gently remove the pistil from the zucchini flowers.
Rinse them quickly under water and dry them with absorbent paper without damaging them.Place the flour and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
Gradually pour in the cold sparkling water, stirring with a whisk until you get a smooth and thick batter.
If you like, add a teaspoon of oil.
Let it rest for 10 minutes in the fridge.Heat plenty of oil in a saucepan.
Dip the zucchini flowers one at a time into the batter, then immediately plunge them into the hot oil (340°F).
Fry a few at a time until they are golden and crispy, then drain them on absorbent paper.
Line the basket with perforated parchment paper.
Place the battered zucchini flowers on it, spray with a little oil.
Cook at 390°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
Storage
Battered zucchini flowers should be enjoyed freshly made, as they quickly lose their crispiness. They are not suitable for storage.
Tips and Variations
You can add mozzarella and anchovies inside the flowers before dipping them in batter: a real treat!
With cold beer instead of sparkling water, you’ll get an even crunchier batter.
For a lighter version, use well-chilled still water and cook in an air fryer.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I prepare the battered zucchini flowers in advance?
It is not recommended, as the crispiness quickly fades.
What is the difference between sparkling water and beer in the batter?
Beer makes the flowers even puffier and golden, while sparkling water adds lightness.
Can I use a different flour?
Yes, rice flour also makes the batter very light and gluten-free.
