Description
These crispy zucchini chips are thinly sliced, lightly seasoned, and cooked until golden and crunchy. Make them slowly in the oven or quickly in the air fryer for a light, savory snack.
Ingredients
1 large zucchini
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
Paprika, optional
Instructions
- For the oven method, preheat the oven to 200°F.
- Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the zucchini into uniform rounds approximately 1/8 to 1/16 inch thick.
- Place the zucchini slices in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and gently toss until lightly coated.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer without overlapping.
- Season evenly with salt and paprika, if using.
- Bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, watching closely toward the end, until the slices are golden, dry, and crisp.
- Turn off the oven and allow the chips to cool completely on the baking sheets; they will continue to crisp as they cool.
- For the air fryer method, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the zucchini slices for seasoning, lightly spritz or coat them with the olive oil, and season with salt and paprika, if using.
- Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes per batch, flipping halfway through and watching thinner slices closely toward the end.
- Remove the golden, crisp chips from the air fryer and allow them to cool before serving so they become even crispier.
Notes
Slice the zucchini as thinly and uniformly as possible for the crispiest results.
A mandoline makes it easier to create evenly sized slices, but a sharp knife can also be used.
Avoid using too much olive oil or overlapping the zucchini slices, as either can prevent them from becoming crisp.
For a garlic and herb variation, add garlic powder with dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning.
For spicy chips, add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or crushed red pepper.
Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a smoky flavor.
For a Parmesan variation, add a light sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan before cooking.
For simple salt and pepper chips, omit the paprika and add freshly ground black pepper.
Store completely cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days.
If the chips soften, briefly reheat them in the oven or air fryer and allow them to cool again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soft.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes oven, or 8–10 minutes per batch air fryer
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1170 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
