Make Zucchini Chips With Your Air Fryer

Air fryer zucchini is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make snack. It is also vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly. You can make zucchini chips or fries with simple ingredients like zucchini, olive oil, and salt. The key to crispy zucchini is to cut it into uniform sizes, preheat the air fryer, and not overcrowd the air fryer basket. You can also add different seasonings and spices to enhance the flavor.

Use the right oil

The type of oil you use for your air fryer zucchini chips can make or break the dish. You want to use an oil with a high smoke point that will help the zucchini crisp up without burning. Here are some tips for choosing the right oil and using it properly:

• Choose the right type of oil: Go for oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, or light olive oil. These oils can withstand the high heat of the air fryer without smoking or burning. Avoid using oils with a low smoke point, like unrefined olive oil or flaxseed oil, as they will burn and impart a bitter taste to your zucchini chips.
• Don't use too much oil: A light coating of oil is all you need. Overusing oil can lead to soggy zucchini chips and an oily mess in your air fryer. Lightly brush or spray the zucchini slices with oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
• Mix oil with seasonings: If you're using seasonings or breading, mix them with the oil before coating the zucchini slices. This will help the seasonings stick to the zucchini and give them an even coating.
• Preheat your air fryer: Before adding the zucchini, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350-400°F (175-200°C). This helps ensure that your zucchini chips cook evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Cook in batches: Don't overcrowd your air fryer. Cook the zucchini chips in batches to allow for proper air circulation. This will help them crisp up nicely.
• Flip and shake: Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to flip the zucchini chips or shake the basket occasionally during cooking to ensure even browning and crisping.
• Don't overcook: Keep a close eye on your zucchini chips and remove them from the air fryer when they are golden brown and crispy. Overcooking can lead to burnt or soggy chips.
• Cool on a rack: Once your zucchini chips are done, transfer them to a cooling rack. This allows excess oil to drip off and helps keep them crispy.

Get the right crisp

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to get cooking. Here are some tips to ensure your zucchini comes out crispy and delicious:

Preheat your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350-400°F (175-200°C). Most recipes recommend a temperature within this range. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, let it run for 2-3 minutes to heat up.

Prepare the Zucchini

Slice your zucchini into the desired shape—chips, fries, or bite-sized pieces. For chips, slice the zucchini into thin, uniform rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. For fries, cut the zucchini into thick matchsticks. For bite-sized pieces, cut the zucchini into 3/4-inch chunks.

Regardless of the shape, ensure the zucchini pieces are dry. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to pat them dry. This step is crucial, as removing the moisture will help the zucchini crisp up in the air fryer.

Add Oil and Seasonings

Drizzle or brush olive oil over the zucchini pieces. You can also use avocado oil or a cooking spray oil. Ensure each piece is lightly coated.

Next, season your zucchini. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, or Italian seasoning. You can also add Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour.

Bread the Zucchini (Optional)

If you want an extra crispy texture, you can bread your zucchini. Beat an egg in a small bowl and dip each zucchini piece into it. Then, coat the zucchini with breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or make your own by toasting and processing whole wheat bread. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

Arrange in the Air Fryer

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

Cook and Enjoy

Cook the zucchini for 7-15 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispness. Flip or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the zucchini, as the timing can vary based on your air fryer's settings and the thickness of the zucchini.

Serve your crispy zucchini immediately. They are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to soften over time. Pair them with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or yogurt dill sauce.

Avoid sogginess

To ensure your zucchini crisps up nicely in the air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this will result in soggy zucchini. Cook the zucchini in batches to allow sufficient airflow around the zucchini as it cooks. You can keep the first batch warm in an oven preheated to 200 degrees Fahrenheit while you cook the second batch.

Secondly, it is important to cut the zucchini into uniform sizes so that they cook evenly. Aim for slices that are about 1/4-inch thick, or cut them lengthwise and then crosswise into half-moon shapes that are around 3/4-inch thick.

Thirdly, make sure to preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes before adding the zucchini. This helps the zucchini cook evenly and crisp up nicely.

Finally, toss or shake the zucchini a few times during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crisping.

By following these tips, you can avoid sogginess and enjoy perfectly crispy air-fried zucchini!

Seasoning

A simple seasoning blend of salt, onion powder, and black pepper can add a punch of flavour to your zucchini. You can also add garlic powder, paprika, or harissa seasoning to enhance the taste. For an Italian twist, try using Italian seasoning or dried oregano, along with thyme and garlic powder. If you're feeling adventurous, opt for herbes de Provence, a French blend of herbs that will give your zucchini a unique flavour.

For a spicy kick, include some ground red pepper or cayenne pepper in your seasoning mix. You can also experiment with different types of salt, such as kosher salt or sea salt, to find the one that best brings out the flavours in your zucchini.

Don't be afraid to mix and match spices to create your own unique blend. Just remember, when it comes to seasoning, it's essential to taste as you go and adjust the quantities to your preference.

Happy seasoning!

Cut the zucchini correctly

To make crispy zucchini in an air fryer, it is important to cut the zucchini uniformly so that it cooks evenly. Here are some tips and suggestions for cutting the zucchini correctly:

When making zucchini chips, it is recommended to use small-to-medium zucchini, as larger zucchini can be too seedy and watery, resulting in soggy chips. Cut the zucchini into thin, uniform slices. A mandoline can be used to achieve perfectly thin and even slices. Alternatively, you can cut the zucchini into quarters vertically and then into 1/2-inch thick half moons. This will give you zucchini pieces that are the ideal size for air frying.

If you are making zucchini fries, cut the zucchini into thick matchstick-style pieces. You can also cut the zucchini into fries or cubes if you prefer. For a faster cooking time and a lower-carb option, cutting the zucchini into bite-sized pieces is a good option. This way, you can add more zucchini to the air fryer basket at once, resulting in more crispy zucchini in less time.

When preparing zucchini for air frying, it is important to remove the moisture from the zucchini. Place the zucchini slices in a single layer between paper towels to help draw out the liquid before cooking. This step will help ensure that your zucchini comes out crispy and not soggy.

Frequently asked questions