Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 31 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 24 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Zucchini Chips offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. These thinly sliced zucchinis are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, then air-fried to golden perfection. Quick to prepare and delightfully crunchy, they make a perfect appetizer, side dish, or snack served with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini

  • 2 medium zucchinis, firm and fresh

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk (any kind; dairy or unsweetened plant-based)

Breading Mixture

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup regular breadcrumbs (or all panko if preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano and basil)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)

Oils and Optional Garnishes

  • Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray
  • Optional for serving: marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or basil, extra grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Prep the zucchini: Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and pat them completely dry. Trim off both ends and slice them into 1/8–1/4 inch thick rounds. For extra crispness, aim for thinner slices. Lay the slices on a clean kitchen or paper towel and gently press to remove excess moisture. This step is essential for achieving crispy chips.
  2. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and preheat for 3–5 minutes. If your model lacks a preheat feature, simply run it empty at the desired temperature while preparing the coating.
  3. Prepare the breading mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly with a fork to evenly distribute all seasonings and cheese.
  4. Make the egg wash: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth. For a thicker coating, optionally whisk in one tablespoon of flour or cornstarch.
  5. Set up the breading station: Arrange the zucchini slices on one side, the egg wash in the middle, and the breadcrumb mixture on the other side. Keep a clean plate or tray nearby to place the breaded slices onto.
  6. Bread the zucchini slices: Working in small batches, dip each zucchini slice into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Press each side thoroughly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring full coverage. Lay the breaded slices on the clean plate. Stir the crumbs occasionally if they become clumpy.
  7. Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the basket with olive or avocado oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded zucchini chips in a single layer, leaving space between them for proper air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  8. Spray the tops: Lightly coat the tops of the chips with oil spray. This helps them brown evenly and become crisp.
  9. Air fry the zucchini chips: Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 8–12 minutes depending on thickness and your specific air fryer. Flip the chips gently after 5–6 minutes, spraying the tops again with oil. Continue cooking until golden brown with crispy edges.
  10. Season and garnish: Right after cooking, sprinkle the hot chips with a pinch of extra salt and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
  11. Serve: Enjoy the zucchini chips hot and crispy with your choice of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli. For a lighter dip option, mix plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
  12. Extra crispness option: To achieve even crispier chips, return cooked chips to the air fryer in a single layer and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes at 380°F (190°C). Watch carefully to prevent over-browning.

Notes

  • Removing excess moisture from zucchini slices is crucial for crispiness.
  • Use a mix of panko and regular breadcrumbs for a crunchy yet attractive texture.
  • Adjust seasoning levels according to your taste preferences.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chips in batches to ensure even cooking.
  • Thinner slices cook faster and are crispier; thicker slices stay tender inside.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or finely crushed nuts.
  • Leftover chips can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to refresh crispness.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://trendykitchenideas.com/air-fryer-zucchini-chips-recipe-2/