I’ve always loved finding healthier ways to satisfy my crunchy snack cravings, and these air fryer zucchini chips quickly became one of my favorites. They’re light, crisp, and so flavorful — all without needing any breading or flour. The air fryer works its magic by turning thin zucchini slices into golden chips that are perfect for dipping, snacking, or serving alongside your favorite meals.
What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly simple it is. You only need a handful of ingredients, and the prep takes less time than heating up the oven. These chips make the perfect guilt-free alternative to potato chips, and once you taste them, you’ll find yourself making batch after batch — trust me, they disappear fast!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Zucchini: Choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis — not too small and not oversized. Smaller ones tend to have fewer seeds and a better texture for crisping up in the air fryer. Slice them evenly, about ⅛ inch thick, to help them cook uniformly and crisp nicely.
Olive oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps the zucchini slices get beautifully golden and crisp around the edges. You don’t need much — just enough to coat them lightly. If you want to cut back on oil, you can also use an olive oil spray to keep things lighter.
Salt: A pinch of salt is all it takes to bring out the natural flavor of the zucchini. Don’t overdo it — the chips will shrink as they cook, so the salt flavor becomes more concentrated. Sea salt or flaky salt adds a nice finishing touch.
Black pepper (optional): Freshly cracked black pepper gives a subtle kick and balances the mild zucchini flavor perfectly. You can skip it if you prefer, or experiment with other seasonings like paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor.
Ingredients List
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or olive oil spray)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Chips (No Breading)
Step 1: Slice the zucchini
Start by washing and drying the zucchinis thoroughly. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice them into thin, even rounds — about ⅛ inch thick. Thinner slices will crisp up better, but be careful not to make them too thin or they’ll burn easily.
Step 2: Season the slices
Place the zucchini slices in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper over the top. Toss gently with your hands or a spatula to make sure every slice is evenly coated.
Step 3: Arrange in the air fryer
Lay the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd them — air needs to circulate around each piece for even crisping. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 4: Air fry until crispy
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 8–10 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket or flip the slices to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them near the end — they can go from perfectly crispy to burnt in seconds.
Step 5: Cool and serve
Once the chips are golden and crisp, remove them carefully and let them cool for a few minutes. They’ll firm up a little more as they cool. Enjoy them as a light snack or serve them with your favorite dip like ranch, tzatziki, or spicy aioli.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Use a mandoline slicer: It helps you get perfectly thin and even slices that crisp up better.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Airflow is key to crispness. Cook in small batches if needed.
- Pat zucchini dry before seasoning: Extra moisture prevents chips from crisping. Use a paper towel to blot them before adding oil.
- Experiment with seasonings: Try garlic powder, smoked paprika, or parmesan for variety.
- Keep an eye on cooking time: Every air fryer is a bit different, so check after 8 minutes to avoid burning.
- Serve immediately: These chips taste best fresh out of the air fryer — they tend to lose their crunch if stored too long.
FAQs
Can I make these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes! Just bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 225°F (110°C) for about 45–60 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp.
Why are my zucchini chips soggy?
They might be sliced too thick or overcrowded in the basket. Also, make sure to pat the zucchini dry before air frying to remove excess moisture.
Can I store leftover chips?
They’re best eaten fresh, but you can store cooled chips in an airtight container for up to a day. Reheat in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to crisp them back up.
Can I add cheese or spices?
Absolutely! Sprinkle parmesan or your favorite spice blend before air frying for an extra punch of flavor.
Are these zucchini chips keto-friendly?
Yes — this recipe contains no breading, making it naturally low-carb and keto-approved.