There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a crispy, homemade snack, and these Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are the perfect example of this joy. I love making these chips when I’m craving something light but full of flavor. The air fryer makes them so crispy without the need for excessive oil, so you get all the crunch you love with fewer calories. The best part? They’re quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal snack for busy days or even a fun side dish at dinner.
If you’ve never tried air fryer zucchini chips before, you’re in for a treat. They have a wonderful balance of flavors, with the zucchini’s subtle sweetness complemented by the savory seasonings. Plus, they’re super customizable! You can easily tweak the seasoning to your preference, making them as bold or mild as you like. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these crispy chips are sure to become a favorite.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Zucchini: Zucchini is the star of this dish. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the seasoning and the crispy texture from the air fryer. Make sure to choose medium-sized zucchinis for the best results. They will hold up well to the slicing and cooking process.
Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil helps the zucchini chips crisp up in the air fryer. It also adds a little bit of richness and enhances the flavors of the seasoning. You can use a cooking spray for an even lighter touch if desired.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder gives the chips a savory, aromatic flavor. It’s a key ingredient for creating that irresistible, mouthwatering taste that will keep you coming back for more.
Paprika: A dash of paprika adds a hint of smokiness and a beautiful color to your chips. It’s the perfect spice to elevate the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for balancing out the flavors. Salt enhances the natural taste of the zucchini, while pepper adds a subtle heat.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): For an extra boost of flavor and a touch of richness, you can sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the zucchini chips before cooking. It adds a savory, umami punch that pairs wonderfully with the zucchini’s mild flavor.
Ingredients List
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Start by washing the zucchinis thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will turn out. If you prefer extra crispy chips, you can slice them even thinner.
Step 2: Season the Zucchini
Place the zucchini slices in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil (or spray with cooking spray). Sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the zucchini slices. Toss well to ensure each slice is evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is hot enough to give your zucchini chips that crispy texture.
Step 4: Air Fry the Zucchini Chips
Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry the zucchini chips at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they crisp up evenly.
Step 5: Serve
Once the zucchini chips are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the chips while they’re still hot. Serve immediately as a snack or side dish.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Slice Thinly: The thinner you slice the zucchini, the crispier the chips will be. Be sure to slice them as evenly as possible for uniform cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: For the crispiest chips, make sure the zucchini slices are in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to play with the seasonings! Try adding some chili flakes for a spicy kick, or sprinkle some dried herbs like oregano or thyme for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve with Dip: These chips pair wonderfully with a variety of dips. Try serving them with ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, or a spicy sriracha mayo for a fun twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe? It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe. Frozen zucchini can become too mushy once cooked, making it difficult to achieve the desired crispy texture.
How can I store leftover zucchini chips? Store any leftover zucchini chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore some of the crispiness.
Can I make these zucchini chips without oil? Yes! You can skip the oil if you want to make the chips oil-free. Simply use a non-stick air fryer basket or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I make these zucchini chips without Parmesan cheese? Absolutely! The Parmesan is optional. If you prefer a vegan version, you can omit it or substitute it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free alternative.