Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe is one of those snacks that sneaks up on you with its crispiness and flavor. If you think zucchini is just for steaming or tossing in pasta, wait till you try these chips. They’re crunchy, light, and perfect for munching without the guilt.
Why You Should Try Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe
Zucchini chips in an air fryer? Yes, please! These chips come together quickly and use way less oil than traditional frying. If you’re anything like me, you want snacks that don’t leave you feeling like you’ve eaten a brick. Plus, air frying keeps the zucchini tender inside while giving you that irresistible crunch outside. It’s like the best of both worlds.
Ever thought zucchini could be your new go-to snack? These chips are proof that veggies can be just as satisfying as potato chips, but way better for you.
Variations I’ve Tried
I’ve played around with this recipe quite a bit, and here are some versions that stood out:
- Parmesan Zucchini Chips: Adding parmesan cheese before air frying gives a nutty, savory twist.
- Spicy Zucchini Chips: Sprinkle some cayenne or chili powder for a little kick.
- Herb-Infused Chips: Toss zucchini slices with dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary for a fresh flavor.
- Garlic Lovers’ Chips: A dash of garlic powder makes these chips addictive.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the zucchini into thin rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline.
- In a bowl, beat the egg.
- In another bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each zucchini slice into the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Remove from air fryer and serve immediately.
Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
These chips are great on their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:
- Pair with hummus or guacamole for a healthy snack.
- Use as a crunchy topping on salads.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light side.
- Stack them up as a snack platter with other air fryer veggies.
Helpful Tips for Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe
A few tricks that make all the difference:
- Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Don’t slice too thick or they won’t get crispy.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket; air needs to circulate for even cooking.
- Experiment with seasoning but don’t overload—less is more.
- If your air fryer runs hot, reduce the time slightly to prevent burning.
I once left the chips in too long, and they turned into little zucchini crisps that were more charcoal than snack. Lesson learned!
Leftovers and Storage
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which rarely happens), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crispy for a day or two but lose their crunch after that.
Avoid refrigerating the chips because moisture ruins their texture. If they soften, a quick reheat in the air fryer for a couple of minutes helps bring back some crispiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some pitfalls I’ve stumbled into:
- Using wet zucchini slices this leads to soggy chips.
- Slicing unevenly, which causes some chips to burn while others stay undercooked.
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket, reducing airflow and crispiness.
- Skipping the flip halfway through cooking.
- Adding too much oil or seasoning, which can weigh down the chips.
Nutrition Infos (per serving)
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Sugar: 3 g
These numbers make it easy to justify snacking on a bowl of zucchini chips guilt-free. Plus, you get some vitamins and minerals along with that crunch!