Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Chips: Your Ultimate Healthy Snack & Appetizer Guide

Discover the delightful crunch and tender interior of Air Fryer Zucchini Chips, a wonderfully easy and incredibly satisfying snack or appetizer. This recipe leverages the magic of the air fryer to create a perfectly crispy, golden-brown breading around tender zucchini slices, offering a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions. It’s truly the ideal way to utilize an abundance of summer zucchini, transforming a simple vegetable into an irresistible treat. Serve these golden bites with a warm, savory marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear!

Why You Need Air Fryer Zucchini Chips in Your Life

As summer produce reaches its peak, many of us find ourselves with an abundance of fresh zucchini from our gardens or local farmers’ markets. While sautéed zucchini is always an option, these Air Fryer Zucchini Chips offer an exciting and incredibly tasty alternative that elevates this humble vegetable to new heights.

My inspiration for this recipe came from a memorable Italian restaurant experience in Pittsburg, where I tasted something similar – large, perfectly fried zucchini slices. While delicious, I realized that smaller, “chip-sized” pieces would be far more practical and appealing, especially for families with children. These crispy zucchini chips are a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables into your family’s diet, and they double as an impressive appetizer for guests.

The beauty of this recipe lies in the contrast: a perfectly golden, crunchy exterior giving way to a soft, tender zucchini interior. It’s a texture sensation that will have everyone reaching for more!

Beyond these savory chips, zucchini is incredibly versatile. Here are some of my other favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Easy Zucchini Tacos
• Zucchini Frittata
• Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet
• Mediterranean Zucchini Pasta Salad
• Zucchini Chickpea Quinoa Salad
• Mediterranean Zucchini Boats

Why These Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Are a Must-Try:

These Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are more than just a recipe; they are a culinary experience that brings together simplicity, flavor, and health benefits. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love making and eating them:

• Effortlessly Simple to Prepare: One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its straightforward nature. The majority of your preparation time will be dedicated to the quick breading process, where you simply dip the zucchini chips into three distinct bowls of egg, flour, and seasoned breadcrumbs. The air fryer handles the rest, requiring minimal supervision and almost no cleanup, making it a perfect weeknight solution or an easy dish for entertaining. It truly is a delightful way to utilize that summer zucchini harvest!

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying bite, a healthy after-school snack for the kids, or an elegant appetizer for your next gathering, these zucchini chips fit the bill. I love to serve them alongside a warm marinara sauce, which adds a comforting and flavorful dip that complements the crispy texture perfectly. They are consistently a hit with both adults and children, proving that healthy can indeed be delicious.

• A Delicious Way to Boost Your Veggie Intake: If you’re constantly seeking creative methods to incorporate more vegetables into your daily diet, look no further. While zucchini is wonderfully nutritious, eating it plain or simply sautéed can sometimes feel a bit uninspired. This recipe transforms zucchini into an exciting, flavorful, and incredibly appealing dish that doesn’t compromise on its inherent goodness. It’s an innovative approach that makes getting your greens (or in this case, greens disguised as golden chips!) genuinely enjoyable.

• Healthier Alternative to Deep Frying: Using an air fryer means you can achieve that sought-after crispy texture with significantly less oil than traditional deep-frying methods. This results in a lighter, less greasy snack that you can feel good about enjoying more often. You get all the crunch and flavor without the excess fat, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

• Versatile Flavor Profile: The basic recipe provides a fantastic canvas, but these chips are incredibly adaptable to various seasonings and dipping sauces. From Italian herbs to spicy kicks, you can easily customize the flavor to suit your palate or match any meal theme. This versatility ensures they never get boring and can be enjoyed in countless ways.

Essential Ingredients for These Crispy Zucchini Chips

Crafting these delicious zucchini chips requires a few simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect crispy texture and savory flavor:

Fresh Zucchini

The star of our dish! Choose firm, medium-sized zucchini for the best texture. They provide a mild, slightly sweet base that perfectly complements the savory breading.

Panko Breadcrumbs

These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are crucial for maximum crispiness. Their larger, flakier texture absorbs less oil and delivers an incredibly light and airy crunch that regular breadcrumbs simply can’t match.

Parmesan Cheese

Finely grated Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful salty, umami depth to the breading. It melts slightly as it cooks, creating an extra layer of savory flavor and helping achieve a golden-brown finish. You can adjust the amount or omit it if preferred.

Egg

Beaten eggs act as the binder, allowing the flour and breadcrumbs to adhere firmly to the zucchini slices. This creates a complete coating that becomes crispy and delicious in the air fryer.

All-Purpose Flour

The first layer in our breading station, flour helps absorb excess moisture from the zucchini and provides a foundational layer for the egg to stick to, ensuring a thick and even coating.

A Blend of Spices: Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Paprika

This aromatic trio elevates the flavor profile. Garlic powder provides a warm, savory kick, Italian seasoning adds a classic blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, and paprika contributes a mild, smoky sweetness and a beautiful red hue to the breading.

How to Make Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Chips: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of irresistibly crispy air fryer zucchini chips that everyone will adore:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 450 degrees F (232°C) for 5 minutes. This crucial step ensures that the air fryer is at the optimal temperature to crisp up your zucchini chips immediately upon entry, preventing sogginess and promoting even cooking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and thoroughly dry your zucchini. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, cut the zucchini into uniformly thick coin-sized circles, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Consistency in thickness is key for even cooking. After slicing, gently pat the zucchini rounds dry with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. This step is vital to prevent soggy chips and achieve maximum crispiness. If you have time, let the zucchini sit for 30 minutes after slicing, then pat dry again for even better results.
3. Set Up Breading Stations: Prepare three separate shallow bowls for your breading process.
   • Bowl 1: Add the beaten eggs.
   • Bowl 2: Combine the panko breadcrumbs and finely grated Parmesan cheese. Stir them together until well mixed.
   • Bowl 3: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.

4. 
   

5. Coat the Zucchini Slices: Using your hands or tongs, take each zucchini round and first dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated and shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg mixture, letting any extra egg drip off. Finally, press the zucchini into the panko and Parmesan mixture, coating it thoroughly on both sides. Place the coated zucchini in a single layer on a clean baking sheet or large plate. Repeat this process until all zucchini slices are coated.

6. 
   

7. Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly spray the coated chips with cooking spray or drizzle them with a small amount of olive oil. This extra bit of fat helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and irresistible crispiness in the air fryer. Then, spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
8. Cook in the Air Fryer: Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Arrange a single layer of zucchini chips in the preheated air fryer. Cook at 400 degrees F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Carefully flip the chips using tongs, then continue to cook for another 5 minutes, or until the breading is gloriously golden brown and wonderfully crispy.

9. 
   

10. Serve Warm: Once cooked, use tongs to carefully remove the zucchini chips from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Repeat the process with any remaining zucchini. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and extra freshness, and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the crispy goodness!

Creative Variations to Elevate Your Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

While the classic Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are undeniably delicious, there are many ways to customize them to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Get creative with these modifications!

• Gluten-Free Option: Easily adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet by substituting regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You can also experiment with almond flour or a mixture of almond flour and finely ground gluten-free crackers for the breading.

• Spice It Up: Don’t shy away from experimenting with different seasonings! Beyond the Italian blend, consider adding a pinch of cayenne red pepper for a spicy kick, smoked paprika for a deeper, earthier flavor, Greek seasoning for a Mediterranean twist, Cajun seasoning for a bold, zesty profile, or even Middle Eastern za’atar for a unique aromatic touch.

• Cheese Swaps: While Parmesan cheese offers a delightful nutty and salty flavor, feel free to switch it up. Pecorino Romano cheese provides a sharper, tangier note, while finely shredded mozzarella cheese can add a mild, melty texture. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can offer a cheesy flavor.

• Dipping Sauce Delights: Marinara sauce is a classic pairing, but these chips are incredibly versatile. Try serving them with a creamy ranch dressing, a savory Tahini Sauce for a Mediterranean flair, or a bright Creamy Dill Sauce. A spicy sriracha mayo or a simple lemon-garlic aioli would also be fantastic!

• Herbaceous Additions: Fresh herbs can significantly boost the flavor. Finely chop fresh basil, dill, oregano, or parsley and mix them directly into your breadcrumb mixture for a vibrant herbal note. You can also use them generously as a garnish after cooking for added freshness and visual appeal.

• Egg Alternatives: If you prefer to avoid eggs, or simply don’t have any on hand, you can use buttermilk or plain yogurt (diluted slightly with water if too thick) as a binder to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the zucchini. A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) can also work as a vegan alternative.

• Flavor Boost with Lemon Zest: For a bright, fresh note, add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest to your breadcrumb mixture. It pairs beautifully with the zucchini and adds an unexpected layer of flavor.

Expert Tips for Making The Best Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful zucchini chips every time is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Selecting the Right Zucchini: The foundation of great zucchini chips starts with choosing the right produce. Opt for younger, firmer zucchinis, as they tend to contain less water, which is crucial for preventing mushy chips. Smaller zucchinis also have a more concentrated flavor and finer texture.

• Uniform Slicing is Key: Precision in slicing ensures even cooking. Use a sharp knife or, ideally, a mandoline slicer to cut the zucchini into consistent 1/4-inch thick rounds. If slices vary too much in thickness, some will burn while others remain undercooked.

• Thoroughly Pat Dry: This cannot be stressed enough! Zucchini contains a lot of water. After slicing, lay the rounds on paper towels and pat them thoroughly dry. For even better results, you can lightly salt them and let them sit for 15-30 minutes, then pat them completely dry again. This process draws out excess moisture, preventing the chips from becoming soggy and helping the breading stick better.

• Always Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, an air fryer needs to be preheated to its target temperature before you add food. Preheating ensures that the zucchini chips begin to crisp up immediately upon contact with the hot air, leading to a superior crunchy texture and preventing them from steaming.

• Avoid Overcrowding the Basket: This is a common air fryer mistake! Overfilling the basket restricts air circulation, which is essential for crisping. Cook your zucchini chips in a single layer, in batches if necessary, ensuring there’s space around each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate freely and cook them evenly.

• Use Cooking Spray Liberally (but not excessively): A light mist of cooking spray on the air fryer basket prevents sticking, and a quick spray or brush of oil on the top of the coated zucchini chips before air frying helps them achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and extra crispiness. Don’t drench them, though, as too much oil can make them greasy.

• Season After Cooking for Maximum Flavor: While the breading contains seasoning, a final sprinkle of salt, freshly ground black pepper, or a dash of paprika or Italian seasoning immediately after cooking can significantly enhance the flavor. The heat from the freshly cooked chips helps the seasonings adhere and bloom.

• Batch Cooking for Large Crowds: If you’re feeding a large group, don’t try to cook all the chips at once. Work in batches and keep the cooked chips warm in a low oven (around 200°F / 95°C) on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to maintain their crispness.

• Proper Storage: Leftover zucchini chips can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. While they are best enjoyed fresh, they still make a great snack later.

• Reheating for Optimal Crispness: To revive their crispiness, reheat your zucchini chips in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-4 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid reheating in the microwave, which will make them soggy.

Explore More Delicious Zucchini Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed these Air Fryer Zucchini Chips and have more zucchini to use, you’re in luck! Zucchini is an incredibly versatile vegetable that shines in a variety of dishes. Here are some other fantastic recipes featuring zucchini that you might enjoy:

Zucchini Gratin

Cheesy Zucchini Fritters

Alfredo Zoodles

Spring Minestrone

Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet

Ratatouille Recipe

Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and comment below! Subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on
Facebook,
Instagram, or
Pinterest for the latest.

Tap to rate the recipe

5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

By

Julia Jolliff

Prep:

15
minutes

mins

Cook:

20
minutes

mins

Total:

35
minutes

mins

Servings:

4
servings

Save
Saved
Pin
Print

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are a fantastically easy and healthy snack or appetizer to make using zucchini. The air fryer works wonders, creating a perfectly crispy outer breading while ensuring the zucchini inside remains tender and flavorful. They are a delightful way to enjoy fresh zucchini!

Ingredients

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  medium
  zucchini,
  cut into evenly sized coins

• 
  ▢
  
  
  non-stick spray

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2
  cup
  panko breadcrumbs

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/4
  cup
  Parmesan cheese ,
  finely grated {optional- you could just use more breadcrumbs if you don’t want cheese in this}

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  eggs,
  beaten

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2
  cup
  all purpose flour

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  tsp.
  garlic powder

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  tsp.
  Italian seasoning

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  tsp.
  paprika,
  {optional}

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2
  tsp.
  salt

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/8
  tsp.
  black pepper

• 
  ▢
  
  
  parsley,
  for garnish

• 
  ▢
  
  
  Tomato sauce ,
  for dipping

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer at 450 degrees F for 5 minutes.
• Cut the zucchini into evenly sliced coin sized circles.
• Using a paper towel pat dry the zucchini rounds to pull moisture and ensure that the chips get crispy. It really helps if you have time to let the zucchini rounds sit for 30 minutes and then pat them dry.
• In two separate shallow bowls add the beaten egg and the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese {stir the cheese and breadcrumbs together}.
• In a third bowl combine the flour, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper and stir well.
• Use your hands or tongs to dip each zucchini round in the flour mixture, then egg mixture, then panko mixture. Place in a single layer on baking sheet. Repeat for all of the zucchini and set on a large plate.
• Repeat until all zucchini slices are coated. Spray chips with cooking spray or lightly drizzle with oil.
• Spray the air fryer with cooking spray. Working in batches add the zucchini to the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes, flip and cook for another 5 minutes or until the breading is becoming golden brown and crispy.
• Use tongs to carefully remove the zucchini and set them on the plate.
• Repeat with the remaining zucchini.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with marinara sauce.

Notes

• Using a paper towel pat dry the zucchini rounds to pull moisture and ensure that the chips get crispy. It really helps if you have time to let the zucchini rounds sit for 30 minutes and then pat them dry.
• You can store these in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• When you want to reheat your zucchini chips you can air fryer them for a couple of minutes and they should be heated through.

Nutrition

Calories:
162
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
22
g

,

Protein:
9
g

,

Fat:
5
g

,

Saturated Fat:
2
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g

,

Trans Fat:
0.01
g

,

Cholesterol:
86
mg

,

Sodium:
431
mg

,

Potassium:
256
mg

,

Fiber:
2
g

,

Sugar:
2
g

,

Vitamin A:
894
IU

,

Vitamin C:
9
mg

,

Calcium:
135
mg

,

Iron:
3
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?
Mention
@acedarspoon or tag
#acedarspoon!