Air Fryer Zucchini Chips: Worth The Hype?

Air fryer zucchini chips are a great way to use up a bumper crop of zucchini. They are a tasty, healthier alternative to potato chips and can be served as a side dish or snack. The chips are crispy on the outside and juicy in the middle, with a nutty Parmesan flavour. They can be made with or without breadcrumbs and are best served straight from the fryer while they're still hot and crispy.

How to cut zucchini for air fryer chips

To make zucchini chips in the air fryer, you'll want to cut the zucchini into thin, even slices. Here are the steps to follow:

Prepare the Zucchini:

Select small to medium zucchini, as larger ones tend to be too seedy and watery for crispy chips. Wash the zucchini and cut off both ends.

Slice the Zucchini:

Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to cut the zucchini into thin, uniform slices. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. The key is to get consistent slices so that they cook evenly.

Pat Dry:

Zucchini has a high water content, so it's important to remove excess moisture before cooking. Use a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to pat the zucchini slices dry. This will help ensure crispier chips.

Seasoning (Optional):

At this point, you can choose to season the zucchini slices. You can simply sprinkle them with salt and pepper, or try more elaborate seasoning blends. Some popular options include Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Bread the Zucchini (Optional):

If you want a breaded zucchini chip, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls or pie plates. In the first bowl, whisk together some flour and cornstarch. In the second bowl, lightly beat an egg. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and your choice of seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Dredge the zucchini rounds in the flour mixture, dip them in the egg, and then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture. Set the coated zucchini slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet until you're ready to air fry.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (175-200°C). The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer, but this temperature range will help ensure your chips get crispy without burning.

Arrange in the Air Fryer:

Place the zucchini slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space around each one. Avoid overcrowding, as this will lead to soggy chips. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Spray with Oil:

Lightly spray the zucchini slices with olive oil or cooking spray. This step helps with browning and adds a bit of flavor.

Air Fry:

Cook the zucchini chips for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The chips are ready when they are golden brown and crispy. If you're breading the zucchini, you may need to air fry for a little longer, about 10-12 minutes total.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy zucchini chips made in your air fryer. Enjoy them as a snack or a side dish.

How to make zucchini chips crispy

Ingredients

You will need zucchini, of course! It is recommended to use medium-sized zucchini as they will have a nice "chip" shape when sliced into rounds. Large zucchini tend to be too seedy and watery to make crisp chips. You will also need an egg, panko bread crumbs, almond flour, parmesan cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Preparation

First, slice the zucchini into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Then, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Next, whisk the egg in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the panko, almond flour, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Dip the zucchini slices into the egg, and then into the panko mixture. Place the breaded zucchini slices on a plate, and drizzle them with olive oil.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 350-370°F. Place the zucchini slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space around each one. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Cook for 10-13 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden brown.

Tips for Crispy Chips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. This will allow the hot air to circulate around the chips and ensure even cooking.
• Use a mandoline to slice the zucchini. This will help you achieve thin, even slices, which are key to crispy chips.
• Go light on the oil and seasoning. Too much oil can prevent crisping, and the chips will shrink during cooking, so season sparingly.
• Let the chips cool before serving. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.

Serving

Air fryer zucchini chips are delicious on their own or served with a flavorful sauce for dipping. Try marinara, pesto, or romesco sauce. They are best enjoyed fresh, as they will start to soften if they sit for too long.

How to make zucchini chips without breadcrumbs

Ingredients

• 1-2 medium zucchini
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, etc.)

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer or oven to 325-375°F (162-190°C).
• Slice the zucchini into thin, even rounds, about 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick.
• Use a paper towel or a colander to remove excess moisture from the zucchini slices. Salting the slices beforehand can help draw out the water, but be sure to rinse and dry them afterward.
• Place the zucchini slices in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat the slices evenly.
• Add your desired seasonings and toss again to coat.
• For the air fryer: place the zucchini slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space around each one. Cook for 8-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
• For the oven: spread the zucchini slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and crispy.
• Enjoy your zucchini chips as a snack or side dish! They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. To restore crispness, reheat in the air fryer or oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.

How to reheat zucchini chips

To reheat zucchini chips in an air fryer, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 °F for 2-3 minutes per side, until warmed through. They may not be as crispy as when freshly cooked, but they will still taste great.

If you don't have an air fryer, you can reheat zucchini chips in the oven. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Bake at 425 °F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on both sides.

What to serve with zucchini chips

Zucchini chips are a tasty, crunchy, and healthy snack. They can be served as a side dish or appetizer, and are great on their own or with a dip.

If you're looking for some ideas on what to serve with zucchini chips, here are some suggestions:

• Dips: Zucchini chips go well with a variety of dips. You can try whipped cottage cheese dip, dill dip, magic taco dip, or even a simple dip like sour cream. For a healthier option, you can also dip them in hummus or tzatziki.
• Sauces: If you want to add some extra flavor to your zucchini chips, you can serve them with different sauces. Some options include marinara sauce, pesto, romesco sauce, ranch dressing, or tahini sauce.
• Main Dishes: Zucchini chips can be a great side dish to a main course. They pair well with dishes that can be baked in the oven at the same time, such as chicken leg quarters or a roasted rack of lamb. They also go well with veggie burgers or sandwiches, like an easy black bean burger, portobello mushroom burger, or BBQ jackfruit sandwich.
• Other Sides: You can also serve zucchini chips with other side dishes to create a more substantial meal. Some options include roasted vegetables, orzo, or a simple garden salad.
• Other Snacks: If you're serving zucchini chips as a snack, you can pair them with other healthy snacks or finger foods. Some ideas include carrot sticks, beet chips, soft pretzels, or roasted chickpeas.

So, there you have it! Zucchini chips are a versatile snack or side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.

Frequently asked questions