Description
These Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are a delightful and healthy snack featuring thinly sliced zucchinis coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, then air-fried to golden crisp perfection. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they make a perfect guilt-free appetizer or side dish served with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara or garlic aioli.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini
- 2 medium zucchinis, firm and fresh
Breading
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup regular breadcrumbs (or all panko if preferred)
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 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)
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk (any kind; dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
Oils and Garnish
- Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray for cooking
- Optional for serving: marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or basil, extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Prep the zucchini: Wash the zucchinis and pat them completely dry. Cut off both ends and slice into 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick rounds. Thinner slices will be crispier, while thicker slices remain more tender. Lay the slices on a clean towel or paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture to help with crisping.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. If your air fryer lacks a preheat option, run it empty at the same temperature while you prepare the coatings.
- Prepare the breading mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to distribute all seasonings evenly.
- Prepare the egg wash: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth and slightly frothy. For a thicker coating, you may whisk in one tablespoon of flour or cornstarch.
- 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, with a clean plate or tray nearby for the coated slices.
- Bread the zucchini slices: Working a few slices at a time, dip each zucchini round into the egg wash, gently shaking off excess. Then press each slice into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides thoroughly. Lightly press crumbs to help them adhere. Place the breaded slices in a single layer on the clean plate or tray. Stir crumbs if clumpy and add extra panko if necessary.
- Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive or avocado oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded zucchini chips in a single layer, leaving space for air circulation. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Spray the tops: Lightly spray the tops of the zucchini chips with oil; this promotes browning and crispiness.
- Air fry the zucchini chips: Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 8 to 12 minutes. After 5 to 6 minutes, open the basket, flip each chip gently, and spray lightly again with oil. Continue cooking until golden brown and crisp on the edges. Timing varies with slice thickness.
- Season and garnish: Immediately after cooking, sprinkle the hot chips with a pinch of extra sea salt and additional grated Parmesan if desired. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve: Serve the zucchini chips hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli. For a lighter dip, try plain Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
- For extra crispness (optional): If you want extra crispy chips, place already cooked chips back into the air fryer in a single layer and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes at 380°F (190°C), watching closely to prevent over-browning.
Notes
- Use firm, fresh zucchinis for the best texture.
- Slice thickness affects crispiness; thinner slices get crisper, thicker remain tender.
- Removing moisture from zucchini before breading helps achieve a crispier chip.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Flipping halfway through cooking promotes even browning.
- Customize seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture to your taste.
- Serve immediately for best texture; chips will soften if left out too long.
