Air Fryer Zucchini Chips: A Healthy, Tasty Treat

Zucchini chips are a great way to use up your bumper crop of summer zucchini. They're a delicious alternative to potato chips and can be served as a game-day dip or an after-school snack. They are easy to pop in the oven, but if you want to use your air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, cut the zucchini into thin slices, about 1/8-inch thick. Then, toss the slices with a small amount of salt and olive oil. The salt will help draw out the moisture, and the olive oil will give them a crispy texture. Place the zucchini slices in the air fryer in a single layer, as overcrowding will lead to soggy chips. Set your air fryer to 350 degrees F and cook the chips for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

You can serve these zucchini chips plain or with a dipping sauce such as marinara, pesto, or romesco sauce. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer when they are still crispy and hot.

Choosing the right zucchini

• Size: Look for medium-sized zucchini, as they will have a nice "chip" shape when sliced into rounds. Avoid using particularly large zucchini, as they tend to be too seedy and watery, making it difficult to achieve a crisp texture.
• Freshness: Select zucchini that are firm, bright in colour, and free from soft spots or bruises. Fresh zucchini will have shiny, unblemished skin and feel heavy for their size.
• Texture: The ideal zucchini for air frying should have a smooth, unblemished skin with a vibrant green colour. Avoid zucchini with wrinkled or yellowing skin, as these are signs of ageing or dehydration.
• Type: There are different varieties of zucchini available, such as green, yellow, or striped. For air frying, choose a variety with a firm flesh that holds its shape well during cooking. You can also use yellow squash, which is another great option for air frying.
• Moisture content: Zucchini with a high moisture content can affect the crispness of the chips. Look for zucchini that feel heavy for their size, as this indicates a higher water content. You can also pat the zucchini slices dry before air frying to remove excess moisture.

By following these tips, you'll be able to choose the right zucchini for making delicious and crispy air-fried zucchini chips!

Preparing the zucchini

Slicing the Zucchini:

Start by slicing the zucchini into thin, even slices. You can use a mandoline slicer to get uniform slices, or you can carefully slice them by hand with a sharp chef's knife. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Thinner slices will crisp up more easily, but be careful not to slice them too thin, as they can burn easily.

Drying the Zucchini:

Zucchini has a high water content, so it's important to remove excess moisture before air frying. After slicing, place the zucchini in a bowl and toss them with a small amount of salt, such as kosher salt or seasoned salt. The salt will help draw out the moisture. Let the zucchini sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then, pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial for achieving crispy chips.

Seasoning the Zucchini:

You can season your zucchini chips in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. Here are some options:

• Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Toss with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper.
• Combine with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
• Experiment with other seasonings like Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, ranch dressing mix, or fresh herbs like rosemary or green onion.

Preparing the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. You can also spray the zucchini slices themselves with cooking spray if desired.

Arranging the Zucchini in the Air Fryer:

Place the zucchini slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space around each slice. Do not overcrowd the air fryer, as this will result in soggy chips. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the zucchini in batches.

Choosing the right oil

When making zucchini chips in an air fryer, the oil you choose can have a big impact on the final result. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing the right oil:

Type of Oil

The type of oil you use can affect the flavour and texture of your zucchini chips. Here are some options:

• Extra-virgin olive oil is a popular choice for air frying zucchini chips as it adds a rich, fruity flavour.
• Avocado oil has a mild flavour and a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking.
• Neutral cooking oils, such as canola or vegetable oil, can also be used if you prefer a milder flavour.

Amount of Oil

When it comes to the amount of oil, it's important not to use too much. A light drizzle or coating of oil is usually enough. Using too much oil can prevent the zucchini chips from crisping up properly. Remember, air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, so you don't need to worry about using a lot.

Other Tips

• Choose an oil with a high smoke point to avoid smoking or burning during the cooking process.
• Experiment with different oils to find the one that gives you the best flavour and texture for your zucchini chips.
• If you're looking for a healthier option, avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil are good choices as they are rich in monounsaturated fats.

Seasoning the zucchini

Step 1: Choose Your Seasonings

You can go with a simple combination of salt and black pepper, or explore creative seasoning blends to elevate the flavour of your zucchini chips. Here are some seasoning ideas to get you started:

• Italian: Add Italian seasoning and garlic powder for a taste of Italy.
• Spicy: Kick it up a notch with Cajun seasoning, jerk seasoning, or a light dusting of cayenne pepper.
• Ranch: Toss the chips in a ranch seasoning mix before or after air frying for a creamy, tangy twist.
• Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on the chips for an extra cheesy bite.
• Sea Salt and Fresh Rosemary: Combine sea salt with fresh rosemary for a sophisticated flavour profile.
• Barbecue: Rub your zucchini chips with your favourite barbecue spices for a smokey, savoury treat.
• Onion Powder and Green Onion: Enhance the savoury notes with onion powder and fresh green onion.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Before seasoning, it's important to slice your zucchini into thin, even slices. A mandolin slicer is highly recommended for achieving uniform slices, but you can also use a sharp chef's knife. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch for the best crispness.

Step 3: Toss with Seasoning

Place the zucchini slices in a mixing bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Then, add your chosen seasonings and toss until all the slices are evenly coated. Be careful not to add too much oil, as it can prevent the chips from crisping up properly. A light coating is all you need!

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Arrange the seasoned zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Overcrowding the air fryer will result in soggy chips. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chips in batches. Air fry at a temperature between 350°F and 375°F for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping the chips halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking time.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Once your zucchini chips are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool down. This final step is essential, as it allows the chips to crisp up even further. Serve them as a side dish or enjoy them as a crunchy snack on their own. For an extra indulgent treat, pair them with a dipping sauce like marinara, pesto, or romesco.

Cooking the zucchini

Step 1: Prepare the zucchini

Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to cut the zucchini into thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick. If you want to make the process faster, you can use a mandoline slicer. If you don't have one, take your time and use a chef's knife to cut the zucchini into thin, even slices.

Step 2: Toss with seasoning

Place the zucchini slices in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper to evenly coat the slices. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or Cajun seasoning. Make sure not to add too much oil, as it can prevent the zucchini from crisping up.

Step 3: Place in the air fryer

Place the zucchini slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space around each one. Do not overcrowd the air fryer, as it will lead to soggy chips. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the zucchini in batches.

Step 4: Air fry

Set the air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Air fry the zucchini slices for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on the zucchini, as the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the slices and your air fryer model.

Step 5: Serve

Once the zucchini chips are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool down. They will crisp up even more as they cool. Serve the zucchini chips immediately, as they tend to soften over time. You can serve them as a snack or a side dish, plain or with a dipping sauce such as marinara, pesto, or ranch.

Frequently asked questions