Meet your new favorite healthy craving buster: Zucchini Chips in Air Fryer. This recipe is everything you wish chips could be—light, crispy, and packed with bold, savory flavor—without the baggage of heavy oils or mysterious ingredients. The magic happens in minutes, with simple kitchen staples transforming humble zucchinis into an irresistibly crunchy snack or side. These chips are so addictively delicious and quick to make, you just might find yourself buying extra zucchini every week!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Zucchini Chips in Air Fryer is how effortlessly a handful of everyday pantry ingredients work together to create a snack that’s both wholesome and flavorful. Each element brings its own spin—whether it’s creaminess, crunch, or a pop of spice—ensuring your chips never taste one-note.
- Zucchinis: Fresh, medium zucchinis deliver the perfect balance of moisture and texture for crispy chips.
- Olive Oil: Just a slick of olive oil helps the seasonings cling and boosts that golden crunch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, savory kick and helps create those irresistible crispy edges.
- Garlic Powder: Lends a mellow, aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Paprika: A touch of smokiness and color brings these chips to life.
- Salt: Enhances every other flavor while encouraging moisture to escape, making chips even crispier.
- Black Pepper: A hint of gentle heat rounds out the seasoning mix.
- Panko Breadcrumbs (optional): For extra crunch, panko brings a light, airy texture—perfect if you love your chips super crispy.
How to Make Zucchini Chips in Air Fryer
Step 1: Slice the Zucchini
Begin by grabbing those beautiful green zucchinis and slicing them into thin, even rounds about ⅛-inch thick. A mandoline will give you consistently thin slices (and impressive results), but a sharp knife works just fine too. Accurate slicing isn’t just for looks—it’s the secret behind uniformly crispy chips that cook at the same rate.
Step 2: Toss with Olive Oil
Drop the zucchini rounds into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss gently until every slice is coated. The olive oil serves as the glue for your seasonings and helps coax the zucchini into crispiness in the air fryer. Don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Mix Seasonings
In a separate bowl, combine grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and (if you’re all about that crunch) the panko breadcrumbs. Stir this mixture until everything is well combined and fragrant. This blend transforms each chip into a bite of flavor-packed delight.
Step 4: Dredge Zucchini Slices
Dip each olive oil-coated zucchini round into the seasoning mixture, gently pressing so the cheesy, herby coating sticks on both sides. Lay the coated slices onto a plate as you work—this step turns a simple vegetable into a bona fide chip!
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Arrange your seasoned zucchini rounds in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Overlapping can lead to soggy chips, so work in batches if needed. Set your air fryer to 375°F, and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping the chips halfway through. When they turn golden and crisp, carefully remove them and let them cool ever-so-slightly. Get ready for the irresistible crunch!
How to Serve Zucchini Chips in Air Fryer
Garnishes
For a punchy finish, sprinkle your Zucchini Chips in Air Fryer with a little extra Parmesan or a pinch of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A light zest of lemon brightens the whole experience, while a quick dusting of chili flakes can satisfy any heat-seeker at your table.
Side Dishes
Zucchini Chips in Air Fryer aren’t just a solo act—they love company! Pair them up with creamy dips like Greek yogurt ranch, classic hummus, or zesty salsa for dippable fun. They also make a stellar side for sandwiches, burgers, or alongside grilled chicken for a lighter meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Lean into snack-time fun by serving these chips in cute paper cones or rustic bowls at a party. Stack them up on a charcuterie board for a healthy twist, or layer a few thick chips on a salad for crunch. They also upgrade any kids’ lunchbox—watch as the veggies disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, let your Zucchini Chips in Air Fryer cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to one day—any longer and they may lose their crispness.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for these chips, as their delicate, crispy texture can suffer. Once thawed, zucchini tends to soften, making the chips limp rather than crisp. Stick to enjoying them fresh—or sharing with a friend!
Reheating
To revive any leftover chips, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. This will help them regain their crispness and bring back that just-cooked flavor and texture. Avoid microwaving—the chips won’t stay crunchy!
FAQs
Can I make Zucchini Chips in Air Fryer without oil?
Yes, you can skip the oil, but it’s worth noting that a thin coating really helps the seasonings stick and promotes crisping. If you avoid oil, spray the basket lightly with non-stick spray and keep an eye on the chips as they air fry.
How thin should I slice the zucchini?
Aim for about ⅛-inch thick slices for the best results. This thickness allows the chips to cook evenly and get beautifully crunchy without burning or turning mushy.
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely! Yellow squash has a similar texture and moisture content, making it an easy and delicious swap for zucchini in this air fryer recipe.
Why aren’t my chips crisp?
Moisture is usually the culprit! Be sure to pat your zucchini slices dry before seasoning, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, and flip the chips halfway through cooking for extra even crisping.
Is there a dairy-free or vegan option?
For a dairy-free or vegan version, skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast is a great substitute that delivers a cheesy flavor without any dairy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a healthy snack that hits that crunch craving and comes together in a flash, Zucchini Chips in Air Fryer are a must-try. Simple, flavorful, and satisfyingly crisp—this recipe just might become your new go-to for crowd-pleasing, guilt-free munching. Give it a whirl and see how quickly these chips disappear!
Print
Zucchini Chips in Air Fryer Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy zucchini chips made in the air fryer are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional potato chips. With a flavorful Parmesan coating, they make a perfect snack or side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Zucchini Chips:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning Mixture:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
Instructions
- Slice and Coat Zucchini: Slice zucchinis into thin rounds, toss with olive oil.
- Prepare Seasoning: Mix Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs if using.
- Coat Zucchini Slices: Dip each slice in seasoning mixture, press lightly to adhere.
- Air Fry Zucchini: Arrange slices in air fryer, cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve: Remove from air fryer and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispness, pat zucchini slices dry before seasoning.
- Serve immediately for best taste.
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