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🌟 Crispy Zucchini Chips Recipe – Baked or Air-Fried!

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Looking for a guilt-free, crispy, and savory snack? Zucchini Chips are your answer!
These thinly sliced rounds of zucchini are lightly seasoned and cooked to a crispy, addictive texture without the heaviness of traditional fried snacks.

Perfect for healthy snacking, as a party appetizer, or even as a crunchy topping for salads and soups, zucchini chips are a low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free alternative you’ll love. Plus, you can bake them in the oven or whip them up quickly in your air fryer!

🔧 Recipe Preparation Equipment

You’ll need:

  • Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheets or air fryer basket
  • Parchment paper or silicone mats (for baking)
  • Paper towels
  • Olive oil spray or brush
  • Wire rack (optional, for extra crispiness)

🛒 Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional for cheesy chips)

🍽️ How to Make Easy Zucchini Chips

Step 1: Slice the Zucchini

Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife, slice the zucchinis into very thin, uniform rounds (about 1/8 inch thick or thinner).

Step 2: Remove Moisture

Lay the zucchini slices on paper towels and lightly sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat them dry with additional paper towels.

Step 3: Season the Slices

In a large bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil until lightly coated. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Parmesan if using. Toss again to coat evenly.

Step 4: Arrange for Baking or Air Frying

  • For Baking: Preheat the oven to 225°F (110°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange zucchini slices in a single layer without overlapping.
  • For Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange slices in a single layer in the basket.

Step 5: Cook to Crispiness

  • Oven: Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden.
  • Air Fryer: Cook for 8–10 minutes, checking often to avoid burning.

🌈 Variations

  • Spicy Zucchini Chips: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
  • Cheesy Chips: Add more Parmesan or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
  • Ranch Flavor: Toss with ranch seasoning before baking or air frying.
  • BBQ Chips: Sprinkle a little BBQ seasoning mix over the slices.

🧑‍🍳 Cooking Notes

  • Watch Closely: Zucchini slices can go from crispy to burnt quickly, especially in the air fryer.
  • Uniform Slices: Thinner, even slices crisp better and cook evenly.
  • Salt Carefully: Zucchini shrinks a lot while cooking—don’t oversalt at the beginning.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as a healthy snack on movie night!
  • Pack them in lunchboxes for a crunchy side.
  • Sprinkle them over salads for extra texture.
  • Serve them with hummus, ranch, or guacamole for dipping.

💡 Helpful Tips

  • Dry Thoroughly: The drier the slices, the crispier the chips.
  • Use a Mandoline: It’s the best way to get thin, even slices quickly.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Chips need space to crisp up properly—always arrange in a single layer.
  • Cool Completely: Chips continue to crisp as they cool!

⏱️ Prep and Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1.5–2 hours (oven) or 8–10 minutes (air fryer)
  • Total Time: About 2 hours (for baking) or 25 minutes (for air fryer version)

📊 Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 90
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbs: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 150mg

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I store zucchini chips?

Yes! Store completely cooled chips in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. They may lose some crispiness and can be re-crisped in the oven.

Q: Why are my zucchini chips soggy?

This usually happens if they weren’t sliced thinly enough, not dried properly, or were overcrowded while baking.

Q: Can I freeze zucchini chips?

Not recommended — they don’t stay crispy after thawing.

✅ Conclusion

Zucchini Chips are proof that healthy snacks can be just as addictive as traditional ones!
Crispy, flavorful, and totally customizable, these chips are perfect for every occasion—from guilt-free snacking to a fun party appetizer.
Whether you choose to bake them slowly to perfection or speed things up with your air fryer, you’ll find yourself making batch after batch.

Say goodbye to boring veggie snacks and hello to delicious, crunchy zucchini chips! 🌟

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