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A heap of golden crispy fried zucchini slices on a plate with yogurt dip.

Ultra-Crispy Turkish Fried Zucchini with Garlic Yogurt Dip

A foolproof recipe for the crunchiest zucchini slices you’ve ever tasted, featuring a light sparkling water batter and a classic Turkish dill sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Turkish
Calories: 1209
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crispy Zucchini
  • 2 medium Zucchinis, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour
  • ½ cup Cornmeal
  • 7 oz Sparkling mineral water (cold)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 tbsp Water (if needed for consistency)
  • 2 cups Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
For the Garlic-Yogurt Dip
  • 1 cup Strained yogurt
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 handful Fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Olive oil

Equipment

  • Large Deep Skillet: For even frying and heat distribution.
  • Mandoline or Sharp Chef’s Knife: For getting those perfectly uniform slices.
  • Slotted Spoon: To remove the slices easily and let excess oil drain off.
  • Paper Towels: Essential for patting the zucchini dry and draining them after frying.

Method
 

  1. Wash the zucchinis and slice them into thin, even rounds. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure the batter sticks perfectly.
    Slicing fresh green zucchinis into thin and even rounds on a wooden cutting board.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking powder.
    Whisking all-purpose flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking powder in a glass mixing bowl.
  3. Gradually pour in the cold sparkling mineral water while whisking. The batter should be thick and smooth—think heavy cream or pancake batter consistency. If it's too thick, add the extra tablespoon of water.
    Pouring cold sparkling mineral water into the dry flour mix to create a crispy batter.
  4. Fill a deep skillet with vegetable oil and heat until it reaches approximately 180°C (350°F). A drop of batter should sizzle and float instantly.
  5. Dip each zucchini slice into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Carefully drop them into the hot oil.
    Dipping thin zucchini slices into the thick batter to ensure they are fully coated.
  6. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side until they are deep golden brown and crispy.
    Heating a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet for deep frying.
  7. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the zucchini to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
    Frying the battered zucchini slices in hot bubbling oil until they turn golden yellow.
  8. While the zucchini is frying, mix the yogurt, garlic, and dill in a small bowl. Drizzle with olive oil.
  9. Serve the zucchini slices hot and fresh with the yogurt dip on the side.
    The final presentation of ultra-crispy fried zucchini slices served with a side of yogurt dip.

Video

Notes

Make sure the sparkling water is very cold — the carbonation helps create an ultra-light, crispy coating when it hits the hot oil.