Ingredients
For the Zucchini Chips:
- 2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound total)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For Serving (Optional):
- Ranch dressing
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Zucchini
Wash zucchini and pat completely dry with paper towels. Trim off ends. Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, cut zucchini into ⅛ to ¼-inch thick rounds. Try to keep slices uniform for even cooking. Place sliced zucchini on paper towels and pat dry again – removing moisture is crucial for crispy chips!
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls or plates in a row. Bowl 1: Place flour. Bowl 2: Place beaten eggs. Bowl 3: Mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Coat Zucchini Slices
Working with one zucchini slice at a time, coat in this order: First, dredge in flour, shaking off excess. Second, dip in beaten egg, letting excess drip off. Third, press into breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides well and pressing gently so coating adheres. Place coated slices on a plate or baking sheet. Repeat with remaining zucchini slices.
Step 4: Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Step 5: Arrange in Air Fryer
Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each slice (don’t overlap or they’ll steam instead of crisp). Depending on your air fryer size, you’ll likely need to cook in 2-3 batches. Lightly spray the tops of the zucchini slices with cooking spray.
Step 6: Air Fry
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking (at the 6-7 minute mark). Chips are done when golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully in the last few minutes to prevent burning. Different air fryer models vary, so adjust time as needed.
Step 7: Remove and Serve
Carefully remove chips from air fryer (they’re hot!). Place on a serving plate or wire rack. The chips will continue to crisp slightly as they cool. Sprinkle with additional salt if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy while warm and crispy!
Notes
- Dry zucchini thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Pat zucchini slices completely dry before coating.
- Slice evenly: Uniform thickness ensures even cooking. A mandoline helps!
- Don’t overcrowd: Single layer with space between slices = crispy chips. Overlapping = soggy chips.
- Spray is essential: Coating chips with cooking spray helps them brown and crisp.
- Flip halfway: Flipping ensures even browning and crisping on both sides.
- Serve immediately: These are best fresh from the air fryer. They soften as they sit.
- Adjust time for your air fryer: Models vary. Start checking at 10 minutes.
- Season to taste: Adjust salt, add more spices, or try different seasoning blends.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ¼ of recipe (varies by zucchini size)
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 95mg