I turn fresh zucchini into crispy air-fried chips with minimal oil and simple seasonings. Each slice is light, golden, and perfectly crunchy—a guilt-free snack I crave.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how effortlessly this delivers that satisfying chip crunch without frying or heavy calories. The air fryer makes it fast—perfect for game days or afternoon munchies. Plus, the zucchini flavor comes through beautifully with just a hint of seasoning.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
directions
- Slice zucchini: Cut into about 3 mm (1/8″) rounds—thin enough to crisp, thick enough to hold shape.
- Draw out moisture: Toss slices with salt and let sit 5 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Season: Drizzle with oil; sprinkle garlic powder and Parmesan if using, then toss to coat evenly.
- Preheat air fryer: Set to 325 °F (or 165 °C) for even crisping with less risk of burning.
- Cook in batches: Arrange slices in a single layer. Air fry 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool & serve: Let chips crisp up on a rack, then enjoy immediately for best texture.
Servings and timing
- Serves: 2–4 as a snack
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: ~18–20 minutes (depending on batch size)
- Total time: ~30 minutes
Variations
- No‑cheese version: Skip Parmesan and use garlic powder or herbes de Provence.
- Spicy kick: Add cayenne or smoked paprika before air-frying.
- Ranch‑style: Toss with a pinch of ranch seasoning after cooking.
- Vegan option: Skip Parmesan or use a vegan substitute.
storage/reheating
- Store: Keep cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature, but they’re best eaten within 1–2 days.
- Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
Can I slice zucchini thicker or thinner?
I find 3 mm (1/8″) is ideal—too thick and they stay soggy, too thin and they burn quickly.
Do I really need to salt and dry them?
Yes, drawing out moisture helps them crisp instead of steaming. Patting dry ensures a crunchy outcome.
What if my air fryer is small?
I cook in batches; making multiple even layers makes more chips without overcrowding.
Can I bread them with breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Coat lightly in breadcrumbs or panko before air-frying for extra crunch.
What dips pair best?
I love dill-yogurt, marinara, ranch, or even spicy sriracha mayo.
Conclusion
I love how these zucchini chips combine simplicity and crunch into a low-calorie treat that actually tastes indulgent. With easy prep, quick cooking, and endless seasoning tweaks, they’ve become my go-to healthy snack that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Print
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips (Low‑Calorie Snack)
- Total Time: ~20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Thinly sliced zucchini seasoned to perfection, then crisped in the air fryer for a guilt-free, crunchy snack that’s low in calories and big on flavor.
Ingredients
2 medium zucchinis, washed and dried
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for extra flavor
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Thinly slice zucchinis (about ⅛ inch thick) and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a large bowl, gently toss zucchini slices with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches).
Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Watch closely in the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Remove chips and sprinkle immediately with Parmesan or nutritional yeast if using.
Repeat with remaining slices. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Category: Appetizer
