Air Fryer Zucchini Chips: A Healthy, Easy Treat

Air fryer zucchini chips are a fast, easy, healthy, and crunchy snack. They are a great way to use up your garden zucchini! They are best when freshly cooked and are a perfect side dish or snack.

How to make zucchini chips in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• Zucchini
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Panko bread crumbs (optional)
• Almond flour (optional)
• Egg (optional)
• Cooking spray

Method:

• Wash the zucchini and dry it with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Cut the zucchini into thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick.
• If you want to add a breading, beat an egg in a small bowl and combine panko bread crumbs, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
• Dip each zucchini slice into the egg and then into the breading mixture.
• Place the breaded zucchini slices on a plate and drizzle with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Preheat the air fryer to between 325-400°F.
• Place the zucchini slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
• Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
• Remove from the air fryer and let cool. The zucchini chips will crisp up more as they cool.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Use a mandoline slicer to get thin, even slices.
• Go light on the oil and seasoning to prevent the chips from becoming soggy.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
• For extra flavour, try adding different seasonings like Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or ranch dressing mix.

What ingredients are needed

Making zucchini chips in an air fryer requires just a few simple ingredients. The core ingredients are zucchini, oil, salt, and pepper. However, you can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavor of the zucchini chips. Here is a list of ingredients you can use:

• Zucchini: Any size will work, or you can even use yellow squash.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor, but you can also use avocado oil or any neutral cooking oil of your choice.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: These basic ingredients can be enhanced with various seasonings.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Gives the zucchini a delicious crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor. You can use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast as a substitute.
• Almond Flour: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the panko coating.
• Egg: Binds the crispy coating to the zucchini slices. You can use a vegan substitute, such as plant milk mixed with ground flaxseed.
• Garlic Powder: Provides flavor and can be combined with other seasonings.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds an Italian twist to your zucchini chips.
• Cayenne or Cajun Seasoning: Gives your zucchini chips a spicy kick.
• Ranch Seasoning: Adds a creamy, tangy flavor.
• Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices and seasonings to find your favorite combinations.

How to cut zucchini for air fryer

To make zucchini chips in an air fryer, start by cutting off the ends of the zucchini. Then, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, and slice each half into 3/4-inch pieces. Place the zucchini slices in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or paprika.

Next, preheat your air fryer to between 325 to 400°F. Place the zucchini slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5 minutes, then toss or shake the basket and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the zucchini are browned and slightly softened.

If you want to make breaded zucchini chips, set up a breading station with beaten eggs in one bowl and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings in another bowl. Dip each zucchini slice in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture before placing in the air fryer.

How long to cook zucchini chips in the air fryer

There are a few different methods for making zucchini chips in an air fryer, and the cooking time varies depending on the method and the desired crispiness.

Basic Method

This method involves slicing zucchini into thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick, and patting away any excess moisture. The zucchini slices are then seasoned with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper, and placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer. They are cooked until golden brown, which usually takes around 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. It is important to not crowd the air fryer and to cook in batches if necessary. The chips will continue to crisp up as they cool.

Breaded Method

This method involves a few more steps and ingredients but still has a similar cooking time. First, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Then, combine panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese on a plate. Dip zucchini slices into a beaten egg, then into the panko mixture, pressing to coat. Place the slices on a wire rack and lightly spray with cooking spray. Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Flip the slices and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Repeat with any remaining zucchini slices.

Breaded and Seasoned Method

This method is similar to the previous one but includes additional seasonings in the breading. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Slice zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds and pat dry. In a small bowl, whisk an egg. In a separate bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Dip the zucchini slices into the egg, then into the breading mixture. Drizzle the slices with olive oil and place in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook for 11-13 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown.

What to serve with zucchini chips

Zucchini chips are a great snack, side dish, or appetizer. They can be served with a variety of dips and sauces, such as:

• Unsweetened ketchup
• Ranch dip
• Blue cheese dressing
• Greek yogurt dip
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Sour cream dip
• Cream cheese dip
• Tahini sauce
• Keto cheese sauce
• Whipped cottage cheese dip
• Dill dip
• Magic taco dip
• Romesco sauce
• Pesto
• Vegan pesto
• Tzatziki
• Cashew cream
• Marinara
• Crab dip
• Spinach dip
• Sausage rotel dip
• Cold crab dip
• Hot dips
• Cold dips

Zucchini chips can also be served with a larger meal, such as a veggie burger or sandwich. They go well with:

• Easy black bean burger
• Portobello mushroom burger
• BBQ jackfruit sandwiches
• Linguine with lemon and tomatoes
• Spaghetti aglio e olio
• Creamy pasta pomodoro
• Best vegetarian lasagna
• Crispy roasted chickpeas
• Air fryer cauliflower
• Baked sweet potato fries
• Homemade soft pretzels

Frequently asked questions