Air Fryer Zucchini Chips: A Healthy, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook zucchini chips. The contained, more concentrated heat from the air fryer in combination with a flavorful breadcrumb coating creates a delicious, golden brown, tender zucchini. The coating that’s created from a combination of a little olive oil, cornstarch, and traditional breadcrumbs becomes delicately crisp in the air fryer. The key to getting crispy zucchini chips is to ensure that the air fryer is not overcrowded, allowing the hot air to circulate and cook the chips evenly. The cooking time will depend on the air fryer model and the thickness of the zucchini slices, but generally, they will need to be cooked in batches and flipped halfway through.

How to cut zucchini for air fryer chips

Zucchini chips are a great snack to make in an air fryer. To cut the zucchini for these chips, you'll need to trim the ends off the zucchini first. Then, cut the zucchini into thin, even slices. The ideal thickness of the slices is around 3/16-inch or 1/4-inch thick. You can use a knife, but a mandoline will make this process faster and easier, ensuring even slices.

After cutting the zucchini, mix together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. This typically includes panko, flour, Parmesan, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic. In a separate bowl, beat an egg.

Now, you'll bread each zucchini slice. Dip the zucchini slice into the egg, letting the excess drip off, and then into the dry mixture. Make sure each slice is well-coated. Place the breaded zucchini slices on a plate or wire rack and repeat this process until all slices are breaded.

Finally, drizzle or spray the zucchini slices with olive oil. This step is crucial, as it helps the zucchini chips brown and adds flavour. You can also add a light sprinkle of salt to the zucchini before placing them in the air fryer.

The best oils for zucchini chips

Zucchini chips are a great, healthy snack that can be made in an air fryer. The best oil to use for zucchini chips is extra-virgin olive oil. This oil will make your chips extra crispy and flavourful. Olive oil is also a healthy option, as it contains monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health. Additionally, olive oil has a relatively high smoke point, which is the temperature at which an oil will start to burn and produce smoke, making it a good choice for high-heat cooking methods such as air frying.

You can also use an olive oil spray to apply a thin, even layer of oil to your zucchini chips. This can be a more convenient option than drizzling the oil, and it helps to ensure that you don't use too much oil, which can prevent your chips from crisping up properly.

If you don't have olive oil, or simply want to try something different, avocado oil is a good alternative. Avocado oil has a similar smoke point to olive oil and is also high in monounsaturated fats, making it a healthy and flavourful option for air frying zucchini chips.

Other neutral cooking oils can also be used, depending on your preferences and what you have available. However, keep in mind that some oils, such as flaxseed oil, have a very low smoke point and are not suitable for high-heat cooking methods like air frying.

How long to cook zucchini chips in an air fryer

Zucchini chips are a fast, easy, healthy, and crunchy snack that can be made in an air fryer. The cooking time for zucchini chips in an air fryer can vary depending on several factors, including the thickness of the slices, the specific air fryer model, and personal preferences for crispiness.

Firstly, it is important to cut the zucchini into even slices, preferably around 1/8 to 3/16-inch thick. Thicker slices may take longer to cook and might not crisp up as well. It is also recommended to pat the slices dry and sprinkle with salt to draw out excess moisture, which can help prevent sogginess.

Once the zucchini slices are prepared, they should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space around each slice to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of the air fryer, cooking in batches may be necessary.

The cooking time for zucchini chips in an air fryer can range from 8 to 15 minutes at temperatures between 325°F to 380°F. It is important to keep an eye on the chips and adjust the cooking time as needed, as air fryers can vary in terms of heat distribution and intensity.

For golden and crispy zucchini chips, it is recommended to cook them for approximately 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. However, some recipes suggest cooking for 12 minutes or even 15 minutes for crispier results. It is worth noting that overcooking can lead to sogginess, so it is important to keep an eye on the chips and adjust the timing accordingly.

Additionally, the type of breading or coating used can also impact the cooking time. For example, if using a breadcrumb coating, it is essential to ensure that the zucchini slices are fully coated to achieve the desired crispiness.

In summary, the cooking time for zucchini chips in an air fryer can vary depending on several factors, including slice thickness, air fryer model, and personal preferences for crispiness. It is important to keep an eye on the chips and adjust the timing as needed to avoid overcooking or sogginess. With the right techniques and timing, air fryer zucchini chips can be a delicious and healthy snack.

Seasoning and flavour combinations

When it comes to seasoning and flavour combinations for zucchini chips in the air fryer, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that zucchini has a lot of moisture, so salting the slices before cooking can help draw out some of the excess liquid and prevent sogginess.

A basic combination of salt and pepper is a classic choice to make all the flavours pop. You can use sea salt or kosher salt, depending on your preference.

For a more savoury option, garlic powder or granulated garlic adds a punch of flavour. You can also include onion powder to enhance the savoury notes. If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring some heat to your zucchini chips.

If you're looking for a cheesy flavour profile, Parmesan cheese is an excellent addition. It pairs well with garlic and becomes toasty and crispy when air-fried. You can also add other types of cheese, such as Asiago or shredded Italian cheeses, to create a unique blend.

For a crispy texture and a subtle nutty flavour, breadcrumbs are a popular choice. Traditional breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs can be used, depending on your desired level of crispness. Cornstarch is another ingredient that can be combined with the breadcrumbs to achieve a delicate crispness.

Finally, extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil can be drizzled over the zucchini chips before air frying. This adds richness and flavour while also promoting browning and crispness.

• Parmesan, garlic salt, and pepper
• Italian seasoning, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs
• Adobo seasoning, breadcrumbs, and a dipping sauce of sriracha ranch
• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning

Dips and sauces to serve with zucchini chips

Zucchini chips cooked in an air fryer are a delicious snack, but they can be elevated with the right dips and sauces. Here are some ideas to serve with your zucchini chips:

Firstly, a classic option is marinara sauce. This tomato-based sauce is a perfect pairing, adding a tangy and slightly sweet flavour to the chips. It is a popular choice, as the freshness of the tomato pairs well with the zucchini.

Another option is a creamy parmesan dipping sauce. This sauce is an indulgent, creamy choice that complements the zucchini chips. The sauce is made with sour cream and mayonnaise, with added parmesan for a savoury kick. It is a great option if you are looking for something a little different to the traditional marinara.

If you are looking for something with a bit of a kick, a sriracha ranch sauce could be a good choice. This sauce has a creamy base with a spicy twist, adding a nice contrast to the crispy zucchini. Similarly, a garlic aioli dip is a great choice, adding a strong garlic flavour to your chips.

For something a little different, you could try a zucchini dip. This dip is made by blending zucchini with garlic, oregano, sugar, soy sauce, and mayonnaise, creating a creamy and spiced dip with a unique flavour.

Finally, a simple option is to serve the zucchini chips with ranch dressing. This is a well-loved, classic dip that will add a savoury flavour to your chips without overwhelming the natural taste of the zucchini.

So, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to dips and sauces for zucchini chips. Whether you are looking for something creamy, spicy, or simple, there is a dip or sauce to suit your taste.

Frequently asked questions