Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe: A Guilt-Free Snack

Crispy, light zucchini chips straight from the air fryer can revolutionize your snacking game.

Thin slices of green goodness turn into a crunchy delight with minimal effort.

Salt and spices bring out incredible flavors that make these chips irresistible.

Nutritious and low-calorie, they offer a guilt-free alternative to traditional potato chips.

Minimal ingredients mean you can whip up this recipe in minutes.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

Wondering how to make these addictive chips?

Give this simple recipe a try and watch them disappear faster than you can plate them.

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips to Enjoy

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips to Enjoy
  • Craft Perfect Veggie Chips: Revolutionize snacking with these incredibly crispy zucchini chips that transform a simple vegetable into an addictive treat.
  • Nutrition Powerhouse: Pack in tons of vitamins and minerals while enjoying a guilt-free, low-calorie alternative to traditional potato chips that satisfies serious snack cravings.
  • Master Healthy Cooking Technique: Learn an innovative air fryer method that creates restaurant-quality chips without excessive oil, making healthy eating both delicious and exciting.
  • Quick Kitchen Skill Builder: Develop precise slicing techniques and air frying skills that boost your culinary confidence with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor payoff.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Main Ingredients:
  • Zucchini: A fresh green vegetable that serves as the primary base for these crispy chips.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A hard Italian cheese that adds a savory and crispy topping to the zucchini chips.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the zucchini and add depth to the chips.
Cooking Preparation Ingredients:
  • Avocado Oil Cooking Spray: A non-stick spray that helps prevent the zucchini from sticking to the air fryer basket and promotes even cooking.

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Step 1: Slice Zucchini Perfectly

Use a mandolin slicer to create ultra-thin, uniform zucchini rounds. Consistent thickness ensures each chip will cook evenly and become wonderfully crispy.

Step 2: Remove Moisture

Sprinkle zucchini slices with salt and let them sit for a few minutes. The salt helps draw out excess water.

Gently pat each slice with paper towels until completely dry. Season with freshly ground black pepper for an extra flavor kick.

Step 3: Prepare Air Fryer Basket

Spray the air fryer basket with a light coating of avocado oil cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps create a golden, crisp exterior.

Step 4: Arrange Zucchini Strategically

Carefully place zucchini rounds in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure no slices are overlapping – this allows hot air to circulate and create maximum crunchiness.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Topping

Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each zucchini slice. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, crispy coating.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Set air fryer to 370°F. Cook in batches for 8-10 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to turn golden brown and the zucchini to reach your desired level of crispiness.

Step 7: Cool and Crisp

Let the zucchini chips rest in the air fryer basket for 2-3 minutes after cooking.

This extra time helps them become even crunchier and develop a satisfying texture.

Pro Tips for Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Pro Tips for Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
  • Use a sharp mandolin slicer for perfectly uniform zucchini rounds that cook evenly and crisp up beautifully.
  • Salt zucchini slices and pat completely dry to remove excess moisture, which prevents soggy chips and ensures maximum crunchiness.
  • Spray air fryer basket lightly with avocado oil to prevent sticking and promote golden-brown edges on your chips.
  • Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer without overlapping to guarantee even air circulation and consistent crispiness throughout.
  • Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese before cooking for an extra layer of flavor and a delightful golden-brown finish.

Variations of Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Variations of Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
  • Low-Sodium Herb Zucchini Chips: Replace salt with dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for a flavor-packed, reduced-sodium option.
  • Spicy Chili Lime Zucchini Chips: Sprinkle chili powder and lime zest over the zucchini slices before air frying to create a tangy, spicy alternative.
  • Vegan Nutritional Yeast Chips: Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, plant-based version that still offers a cheesy flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Almond Parmesan Chips: Use almond flour mixed with Parmesan cheese to create a low-carb, keto-friendly coating for the zucchini slices.

Pairing Suggestions for Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

  • Create a refreshing Greek yogurt-based dip with chopped fresh dill, mint, and a squeeze of lemon juice to complement the crispy, cheesy zucchini chips.
  • Select a light, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness of the Parmesan and provides a palate-cleansing effect.
  • Serve alongside grilled chicken skewers or a light shrimp cocktail to transform these chips into a more substantial appetizer or light meal.
  • Choose a sparkling water with a hint of cucumber or lime to echo the fresh zucchini flavor and add a refreshing contrast to the crispy, cheesy chips.

Storage Guidelines for Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Storage Guidelines for Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
  • Refrigerate: Store cooled zucchini chips in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, maintaining crispness by separating layers with parchment paper.
  • Reheat in Air Fryer: Recrisp chips at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning. Spread chips in a single layer for even heating and maximum crunchiness.
  • Oven Reheating: Restore crispness by placing chips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm at 275°F for 5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent overcooking.
  • Countertop Storage: If consuming within 24 hours, keep chips in a sealed container at room temperature with silica gel packet to absorb excess moisture and maintain texture.

FAQs

  • What type of zucchini works best for making chips?

Medium-sized, firm zucchinis with smooth skin are ideal. Avoid oversized or soft zucchinis as they contain more water and won’t crisp up well.

  • Can I use other seasonings besides Parmesan cheese?

Absolutely! Try garlic powder, ranch seasoning, Italian herbs, or smoked paprika for different flavor profiles. Just ensure seasonings are dry to maintain crispiness.

  • Why is patting zucchini dry so important?

Removing excess moisture prevents soggy chips and helps achieve that desired crispy texture. Salt draws out water, and paper towels absorb the liquid, ensuring better air frying results.

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Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Crispy air fryer zucchini chips bring garden-fresh flavor to snack time. Delicate zucchini slices seasoned with herbs and parmesan create a guilt-free crunch you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large zucchini (uniformly sliced into rounds approximately 0.25 inches thick)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
  • Avocado oil cooking spray
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Slice zucchini into paper-thin rounds using a mandolin slicer, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent cooking and optimal crispness.
  2. Sprinkle salt over zucchini slices and let them rest for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Thoroughly blot with paper towels until completely dry.
  3. Lightly spray air fryer basket with avocado oil to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
  4. Arrange zucchini rounds in a single, non-overlapping layer within the air fryer basket to maximize air circulation.
  5. Generously dust each slice with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, covering the surface evenly.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 370°F and cook zucchini chips in multiple batches for 8-10 minutes, monitoring until cheese turns golden and edges become crispy.
  7. Remove chips and let them rest in the air fryer basket for 2-3 minutes, allowing residual heat to further crisp the edges and enhance texture.

Notes

  • Use a sharp mandolin slicer to create uniformly thin zucchini rounds, guaranteeing consistent crispiness across every chip.
  • Salt the slices to draw out excess moisture, preventing soggy results and ensuring a crunchy texture.
  • Pat zucchini completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to maximize crispness and prevent steaming.
  • Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
  • Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer without overlapping to allow proper air circulation and crisp edges.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like pecorino or nutritional yeast for varied flavor profiles.
  • Monitor cooking closely during the last few minutes to prevent burning, as chips can quickly go from golden to burnt.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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