Air Fryer Zucchini Chips: A Healthy, Crispy Treat

Air fryer zucchini chips are a delicious and healthy snack. They are easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients. The zucchini is sliced into thin pieces and then seasoned and cooked in the air fryer until crispy. The result is a crunchy, golden brown snack that is perfect for dipping. You can also cut the zucchini into fries or slices to make crispy zucchini chips.

How to make zucchini chips in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Zucchini
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Parmesan cheese
• Panko bread crumbs
• Almond flour
• Egg
• Garlic powder

Optional ingredients:

• Ranch dressing
• Marinara sauce
• Nutritional yeast
• Cayenne
• Italian seasoning
• Adobo seasoning
• Ranch seasoning

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 325-400°F.
• Cut the zucchini into thin, even slices, about 1/8-1/4 inch thick.
• Pat the zucchini slices with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• In a bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper (or other seasonings of your choice) until all slices are coated.
• Place the zucchini slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space around each one. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
• Cook until golden brown, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your zucchini slices, but it should take around 8-12 minutes.
• Remove the zucchini chips from the air fryer and let them cool. They will crisp up as they cool.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will result in soggy chips.
• Use a mandoline slicer to get thin, even slices.
• Go light on the oil and seasoning, as too much oil can prevent crisping.
• The zucchini chips will shrink during cooking, so use less seasoning than you normally would to avoid making them too salty.
• Check on the zucchini chips regularly during cooking, as they can burn easily.
• Weigh down the chips with a rack or mesh mat if they are blowing around in your air fryer.

Seasoning and ingredient options

There are a variety of seasoning and ingredient options to choose from when making zucchini chips in an air fryer. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Italian seasoning: Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder to give your zucchini chips a flavour of Italy.
• Spicy: If you like your food hot, add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, jerk seasoning, or a light dusting of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Ranch: Toss the zucchini chips in a teaspoon of ranch seasoning mix before or after air frying for a creamy, herby flavour.
• Parmesan: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the zucchini chips to take them to the next level. You'll need about 1/4 cup.
• Sea salt and black pepper: Keep it simple with a classic seasoning of sea salt and black pepper.
• Garlic powder and seasoned salt: A combination of garlic powder and seasoned salt will give your zucchini chips a savoury flavour.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the zucchini slices before air frying gives them a tangy bite.
• Ranch dressing: Give your zucchini chips a creamy flavour by using ranch dressing mix as a seasoning.
• Sea salt and rosemary: For a more sophisticated flavour, combine sea salt with fresh rosemary.
• Barbecue rub: Add a smoky flavour to your zucchini chips by using your favourite barbecue rub.
• Onion powder and green onion: Combine onion powder with freshly chopped green onion for a savoury flavour with a bit of a kick.
• Adobo: Use Adobo seasoning instead of salt and pepper for a unique flavour profile.
• Italian breadcrumbs: Instead of plain breadcrumbs, try using Italian breadcrumbs for an extra flavour boost.
• Garlic salt: Sprinkle garlic salt over the zucchini chips for a savoury, salty flavour.
• Italian seasoning: Add some Italian seasoning to the breadcrumbs for a more complex flavour.

How to store zucchini chips

Zucchini chips are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or air fryer. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

If your chips have lost their crisp, you can pop them back into the air fryer for a minute or two to get them crunchy again. Just be sure to use the lowest temperature setting so they don't burn.

For longer-term storage, you can try dehydrating your zucchini chips. This will give them a shelf life of up to a year. However, they are best enjoyed within a few months, as they tend to lose their flavour and texture over time.

How to reheat zucchini chips

To reheat zucchini chips, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each chip. Reheat the chips in the air fryer for one minute, or until heated through.

Zucchini chips tend to lose their crispiness when stored, so reheating them in the air fryer is a great way to restore their crunchy texture.

How to cut zucchini for air frying

• Wash the zucchini thoroughly and dry it with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Removing the moisture will help the zucchini cook evenly and prevent it from steaming instead of roasting.
• Cut off the ends of the zucchini.
• Cut the zucchini in half crosswise, so you have two shorter cylinders.
• Take one cylinder and slice it lengthwise down the middle to get two long halves.
• Cut each of those halves in half again lengthwise, so you end up with four long spears.
• Repeat this process with the second cylinder so that you have eight even zucchini spears in total.
• If you prefer zucchini chips, cut the zucchini into thin slices about 1/8 inch thick. For zucchini fries, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters.
• Place the zucchini on a cutting board, flat side down, and cut crosswise into 3/4-inch thick half-moons.

Now your zucchini is ready to be seasoned and placed in the air fryer!

Frequently asked questions