Fried Zucchini Flowers

Make the most of every part of your zucchini plant by making these fun, crispy, and shockingly simple fried zucchini flowers.?

What Are Zucchini Flowers? 

Zucchini flowers (a.k.a. squash blossoms) are the edible flowers that grow on the zucchini plant. With their vibrant yellow hue and elegant petals, they?re actually quite pretty! The tender, slightly sweet blossoms can be eaten raw or cooked. When fried, they are deliciously crispy.?

How to Fry Zucchini Flowers

You?ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here?s a brief overview of what you can expect when you fry zucchini flowers at home:?

1. Clean and dry the zucchini flowers.?
2. Make the batter.?
3. Dip the flowers in the batter, then deep-fry until golden and crispy.?
4. Drain the fried zucchini flowers on paper towels and season with salt.?

Test Kitchen Tips

?If you can get your hands on some squash blossoms this summer, you should do it,? says culinary producer and test kitchen expert Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcMom). ?It?s the perfect ?something special? to add to your next dinner party.? Here are some of Nicole?s best tips and tricks for perfectly frying zucchini flowers at home: 

• Nicole recommends spreading the petals apart a bit before you dip the flowers into the batter, as this will ensure the crunchiest results.?
• For a more decadent approach, you can stuff the zucchini flowers before you fry them. Nicole piped a creamy mixture of ricotta, lemon zest, and Parmesan into each flower, but you can get creative with your filling.?