Air Fryer Cucumber Chips: Healthy, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryer cucumber chips are a delicious, healthy snack that can be made in an air fryer. They are a great alternative to traditional potato chips, offering a lighter, crispier texture. The preparation is simple and can be done in a few easy steps. First, wash and dry the cucumbers, then slice them into thin, even slices. Next, toss the cucumber slices with olive oil and add seasonings like salt, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to taste. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the cucumber slices in a single layer and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. Once they are golden brown and crispy, they are ready to be served!

How to make cucumber chips in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs
• Flour
• Olive oil spray
• Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard sauce, lemon juice, turmeric powder, red chilli powder

Method:

• Slice the cucumber into 1/4-inch thick chips.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
• Add flour to another shallow dish.
• Beat the eggs in a medium bowl.
• Dredge each chip first in flour, then egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
• Spray your air fryer basket with oil spray.
• Place the coated chips in a single layer in the basket and spray a light layer of oil on top.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

Tips:

• For extra flavour, experiment with different seasonings such as ranch powder, lemon pepper, or dill.
• Make sure to slice the cucumbers evenly for uniform cooking.
• Keep an eye on the chips during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

The health benefits of cucumber chips

Cucumbers are a great healthy snack, offering a range of health benefits. Here are some of the advantages of eating cucumber chips:

Nutrient-Rich

Cucumbers are low in calories but packed with vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. They also have a high water content, at around 96%, which helps with hydration.

Antioxidant Properties

Cucumbers contain antioxidants, which are molecules that block oxidation, a chemical reaction that forms harmful free radicals. These free radicals are associated with several types of chronic illnesses, including cancer and heart, lung, and autoimmune diseases. The antioxidants in cucumbers may help to reduce the risk of these conditions.

Hydration

Cucumbers are composed of about 96% water, making them an excellent food for promoting hydration. Proper hydration is essential for various bodily functions, including temperature regulation and waste removal. Staying hydrated can also impact physical performance and metabolism.

Weight Loss

Cucumbers are low in calories, with each one-cup serving containing only 16 calories. They can be a great addition to a weight loss plan, providing a filling snack without the extra calories that lead to weight gain. The high water content in cucumbers can also aid in weight loss.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Cucumbers have been found to help regulate blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for people with diabetes. Animal and test-tube studies have shown that cucumbers can reduce blood sugar levels and prevent some diabetes-related complications.

Bone Strength

Cucumbers are a good source of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health. Getting enough vitamin K in your diet reduces the risk of bone fractures and promotes healthy bone mass.

Heart Health

Cucumbers contain high amounts of Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a plant compound that has been linked to fighting certain types of cancer. CuB may help stop cancer cell growth and possibly destroy cancer cells. Additionally, the fiber in cucumbers can help reduce cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease.

Gut Health

The water and fiber content in cucumbers aid digestion and help regulate bowel movements, preventing constipation. Pickling cucumbers can provide additional benefits to gut health, as they contain good bacteria that stop the growth of unhealthy bacteria in the gut.

So, there you have it! Cucumber chips can be a delicious and nutritious snack, offering a range of health benefits. Enjoy them as a crunchy, low-calorie treat.

How to season cucumber chips

There are many ways to season cucumber chips. Here are some ideas:

Salt and Vinegar Cucumber Chips

To make these, slice your cucumbers and soak them in vinegar for 15 minutes. Then, sprinkle them with salt and cook until crispy. You can also add garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavour.

Smokey Cucumber Chips

For this variation, season your cucumber slices with smoked paprika, salt, and garlic powder.

Onion and Garlic Cucumber Chips

For a more savoury option, season your cucumber chips with onion powder and garlic powder.

Lemon and Pepper Cucumber Chips

For a tangy and peppery flavour, season your cucumber chips with lemon juice and ground black pepper.

Dill Pickle Cucumber Chips

For a dill pickle flavour, season your cucumber chips with dill and apple cider vinegar.

Herb Cucumber Chips

For an herby flavour, season your cucumber chips with rosemary and thyme.

How to store cucumber chips

There are a few ways to store cucumber chips, depending on how long you want to keep them for. If you want to store them for a few hours, you can keep them in a dry container with a lid at room temperature. If you want to store them for 1-2 days, you can put them in the refrigerator.

For longer-term storage, you can vacuum seal the cucumber chips and keep them in the pantry. This will help them last for 2-3 days.

It is not recommended to freeze cucumber chips as they will become soggy when thawed.

How to get a smooth texture on cucumber chips

To get a smooth texture on your cucumber chips, you should use olive oil. It can be in liquid form or a spray atomizer. If you have oil spray, just sprinkle it a couple of times. This will give your chips a smooth, crunchy topping and also has the added benefit of antimicrobial properties.

To get the best results, it is important to dry your cucumber slices properly after washing and before marinating. This will allow for the quick absorption of spices.

Frequently asked questions