If you’re craving something savory, crunchy, and just a little bit addictive, Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are about to become your new favorite snack! These golden, crispy coins are packed with flavor, beautifully light, and come together in less than 30 minutes—in other words, snack perfection with a healthy twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Satisfaction, No Deep Frying: You get irresistible crunch and golden edges without a drop of excess oil thanks to the air fryer magic.
- Flavor-Packed & Family-Approved: The cheesy parmesan and well-seasoned panko coating bring out the best of mild zucchini, making even veggie skeptics go back for seconds.
- Fast, Fresh, and Fuss-Free: Quick prep and a speedy cook time mean you can whip up these healthy chips for snacktime, movie night, or as a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer in just 20 minutes.
- Super Customizable: Whether you like things a bit spicy, need them gluten-free, or want to dip and dunk, Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are ready for your personal spin.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Air Fryer Zucchini Chips lies in their simplicity—every ingredient has a specific role, building irresistible crunch and savory, cheesy flavor. Here’s what brings these humble slices of zucchini to life!
- 2 large eggs: The eggs give the zucchini slices something to cling to, ensuring every chip gets a hearty coating of breading.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Just enough flour helps the egg mixture stick better and adds structure for crunchier chips.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning—don’t skip it!
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the flavors.
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs are the secret to that gorgeous, shattering crunch.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty parmesan melts into the coating for addictive cheesy flavor.
- 1 large zucchini (sliced ⅓-inch thick): The star of the show! Just thick enough to stay tender but thin enough for perfect crispiness.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. You can tweak the flavors or coatings, or accommodate food allergies—these Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are your blank canvas for snack-time creativity!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or mix smoked paprika into the breadcrumbs for a lively little tingle.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Use your favorite gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers to keep things crunchy for everyone.
- Dairy-Free Option: Skip the parmesan and try nutritional yeast for a cheesy boost without the dairy.
- Herb-Forward: Stir dried Italian herbs, basil, or oregano right into the breadcrumbs for bonus flavor in every bite.
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Step 1: Prep and Slice Your Zucchini
Start by washing your zucchini and trimming off the ends. With a sharp knife (or a mandoline for ultra-even slices), cut the zucchini into ⅓-inch thick rounds. Keeping your slices even is the magic trick to ensuring each chip cooks up crisp and not soggy in the air fryer.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations
In one shallow dish, whisk together eggs, flour, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter. In a second shallow dish, stir together panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan to combine. This is your assembly line for perfect coating!
Step 3: Coat the Zucchini Slices
Dip each zucchini slice first into the egg mixture—make sure both sides are covered—then gently press it into the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture until well-coated. Place prepared slices on a baking sheet or large plate, ready for air frying.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange half the coated zucchini slices in a single layer (don’t crowd them!), lightly spray with oil, and cook for 5-7 minutes. Flip, spray with a bit more oil, and air fry for another 5-7 minutes until golden and delicious. Repeat with the rest, and prepare yourself for some irresistible snacking.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
- Slice Consistency: For best results, keep all your zucchini slices the same thickness—this ensures every Air Fryer Zucchini Chip turns out crispy on the edges and tender in the middle.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Air needs to circulate for maximum crunch! Cook in batches so the chips don’t overlap and steam.
- Oil Spray Is Your Friend: A quick spritz of cooking spray over the breaded chips helps create that deep-fried crunch—without the grease.
- Try Add-Ons in Your Breadcrumbs: Lemon zest, dried herbs, or even a little garlic powder can make your Air Fryer Zucchini Chips uniquely delicious every time.
How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Garnishes
Give your Air Fryer Zucchini Chips a fresh finish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, or a zingy dusting of lemon zest right as they come out hot. A pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving makes each bite pop!
Side Dishes
These crisp chips make a wonderful starter or side for just about anything. Pair them with a simple green salad, a juicy rotisserie chicken, or alongside pasta for a veggie-forward twist—your options are endless!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, stack the Air Fryer Zucchini Chips on a wooden board with little dipping bowls of ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli. Or serve them up in a paper cone—like fries—for an eye-catching and snackable finger food everyone can grab.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (unlikely!), let your zucchini chips cool fully, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’ll lose a little of their crispness, but they’ll still be delicious.
Freezing
While Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are at their best fresh, you can freeze them for later snacking. Arrange cooled chips in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Just know the texture won’t be quite as crunchy once thawed.
Reheating
To bring the crunch back, pop your leftover or thawed zucchini chips into a preheated air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes. Skip the microwave—you want to revive that irresistible crispiness!
FAQs
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Can I slice the zucchini in advance?
Absolutely! To save time, you can slice your zucchini up to a day in advance—just keep the slices in an airtight container in the fridge and blot them dry with a paper towel before breading to make sure the coating sticks.
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What dips go best with Air Fryer Zucchini Chips?
Classic ranch, creamy garlic sauce, marinara, tzatziki, or even a spicy sriracha mayo all make fantastic dipping partners. You can get creative based on your mood or menu!
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How do I keep Air Fryer Zucchini Chips extra crispy?
The keys are slicing the zucchini evenly, not crowding the air fryer basket, and giving both sides of the chips a nice mist of oil. Serving them immediately after air frying guarantees crunch in every bite.
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Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes! Yellow squash works beautifully in this recipe and will taste very similar—the color will be even sunnier, making your chips extra eye-catching.
Final Thoughts
One batch of Air Fryer Zucchini Chips, and I promise you’ll never look at zucchini the same way again! They’re fast, outrageously crisp, and just plain fun to make and eat. Give these a try next time you want a wholesome, crowd-pleasing snack—you may find yourself making double just to keep up with demand. Happy snacking!
Print
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack/Side Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: General
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips, offering a crispy texture and delicious flavor that make them a perfect snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Breadcrumb Coating:
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Zucchini:
- 1 large zucchini (sliced 1/3-inch thick)
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Make Breadcrumb Coating: In another shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
- Coat Zucchini Slices: Dip each zucchini slice in the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumbs and cheese. Place on a baking sheet.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange half the zucchini slices in a single layer, air-fry for 5-7 minutes, flip, and air-fry for another 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Repeat with the remaining slices.
- Serve: Enjoy your crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Chips!
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle with some additional parmesan cheese or your favorite seasoning before serving.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding more salt, pepper, or spices to the breadcrumb mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
