Air Fryer Zucchini Chips: Achieving Maximum Crunch

Air fryer zucchini chips are a fast, easy, and healthy snack. They are a great way to use up zucchini from the garden. The key to making them crunchy is to cut the zucchini into thin slices, pat them dry, and cook them in a single layer in the air fryer. You can also toss them with a small amount of salt and olive oil before air frying to enhance the crispiness.

Use a mandolin to slice the zucchini

Mandolins are a great way to get your zucchini slices paper-thin and even. If you don't have one, that's fine, but it is highly recommended. Take your time and use a sharp chef's knife to cut the zucchini into thin, even slices.

A mandolin will make the process of slicing the zucchini much faster, and you are more likely to get thin, even slices. It is more difficult to get thin enough slices using a knife. A mandolin will also help you to avoid slicing your fingers!

If you are using a mandolin, be sure to use the guard! It may seem like an unnecessary precaution, but it is there for a reason. Mandolins are extremely sharp, and it is very easy to accidentally slice your fingers or hand if you are not careful. Always use the guard, and always pay attention to what you are doing.

If you are using a knife, be sure to take your time and be careful. A sharp knife is less likely to slip than a dull one, so be sure your knife is sharp before you start slicing. Cut the zucchini into thin, even slices. Again, take your time and be careful!

Don't crowd the air fryer

When making zucchini chips in an air fryer, it's important to not crowd the air fryer basket. This is because air fryers work by constantly circulating hot air around the food. If the air can't reach all sides of the zucchini chips, they won't become crisp and browned. Therefore, it's important to place the chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space around each one. Depending on the size of the air fryer, it may be necessary to cook the chips in batches.

If you crowd the air fryer, your zucchini chips will likely turn out soggy. So, resist the temptation to fit as many chips as possible into the air fryer! It's worth the extra time and effort to cook them in batches, as this will ensure that they turn out crispy and golden brown.

In addition to not crowding the air fryer, there are a few other tips to keep in mind when making zucchini chips. First, be sure to drizzle the chips with olive oil before placing them in the air fryer. This will help them to brown and will add flavour. Second, eat the chips right away, as they will start to soften if they sit too long. Finally, if you want to get creative, try serving the zucchini chips with a flavorful sauce for dipping, such as marinara, pesto, or romesco sauce.

Use a small amount of salt

A small amount of salt is key to making crunchy zucchini chips in an air fryer. The salt draws out moisture from the zucchini, which helps the chips crisp up during frying.

First, cut the zucchini into thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick. Then, transfer the slices to a small bowl and toss with a small amount of salt—about 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt per zucchini. Allow the zucchini to sit for around 5 minutes so that the salt can draw out the moisture. After this, pat the zucchini dry with a paper towel or kitchen cloth.

The amount of salt used is important—too much salt will make the chips overly salty. Less is more!

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making zucchini chips that are crunchy and crispy. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175-177°C) and let it preheat for 5-10 minutes. This will ensure that your zucchini chips get off to a good start in the crisping process.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your zucchini slices. You'll want to slice your zucchini into thin, even slices, about 1/4-inch thick. The key to getting that satisfying crunch is to ensure your zucchini slices are cut to a similar thickness so they cook evenly. After slicing, use a paper towel to pat away any excess moisture on the zucchini slices.

Once your zucchini slices are prepped and your air fryer has preheated, you can move on to the next steps of breading and cooking your zucchini chips.

Toss the zucchini with olive oil

To make zucchini chips in an air fryer, you'll need to toss the zucchini with olive oil. This is an important step as it helps the chips to crisp up and adds flavour. However, it's important not to use too much oil, as this can prevent the chips from crisping up.

To toss the zucchini with olive oil, place the zucchini slices in a medium-sized bowl and add the olive oil. Toss the slices in the bowl until they are all evenly coated. It's important to separate any slices that stick together. You can also add other seasonings at this stage, such as salt and pepper, or garlic powder.

Frequently asked questions