Ingredients and preparation
To create delicious and crispy air fryer zucchini chips, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 medium zucchinis – Choose firm, fresh zucchinis for the best texture.
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will also do the trick.
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a savory, umami flavor to the chips.
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder – For a subtle hint of garlic that complements the zucchini.
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika – Adds a touch of smokiness and color.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Season according to your preference.
- 1 large egg – Acts as a binder to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the zucchini slices.
- Cooking spray – To lightly coat the air fryer basket and ensure the chips don’t stick.
Preparation:
- Step 1: Start by washing the zucchinis thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Step 2: Slice the zucchinis into thin, even rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking.
- Step 3: In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg until well beaten.
- Step 4: In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Step 5: Dip each zucchini slice into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, press the slice into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Place the coated slices on a plate or tray, ready for air frying.
Cooking instructions
Once your zucchini slices are fully coated and ready, it’s time to start cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the zucchini chips cook evenly and become crispy.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy chips, so if necessary, cook the chips in batches.
Cook the zucchini chips for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This helps both sides achieve that perfect golden-brown color and crispiness. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as cooking times can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your slices and the specific model of your air fryer.
Once the chips are golden and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. If you’re cooking in batches, repeat the process with the remaining zucchini slices.
Serve the zucchini chips immediately while they’re still warm and crispy. They make a fantastic snack on their own or can be paired with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for perfect zucchini chips
To achieve the best results when making air fryer zucchini chips, there are a few key tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the right zucchini: Opt for smaller, firm zucchinis as they tend to have fewer seeds and a denser texture, which helps them crisp up better in the air fryer. Larger zucchinis can be more watery, which may result in soggier chips.
- Consistent slicing: Ensure that your zucchini slices are uniform in thickness, ideally around 1/8-inch thick. This consistency is crucial for even cooking. If the slices are too thick, they may not crisp up properly, and if they’re too thin, they could burn.
- Don’t skip the preheating: Preheating the air fryer is essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture. It allows the zucchini chips to start cooking immediately when placed in the basket, which helps them crisp up faster and more evenly.
- Use Panko breadcrumbs: If you’re looking for extra crunch, Panko breadcrumbs are the way to go. Their larger, coarser texture creates a more satisfying crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Season generously: Zucchini has a mild flavor, so don’t be afraid to season your breadcrumb mixture well. The combination of Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika adds depth and richness to the chips. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, but remember that a well-seasoned coating is key to flavorful chips.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: It’s important to arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the chips from becoming crispy. If you have a lot of slices, cook them in batches for the best results.
- Flip halfway through: Flipping the zucchini chips halfway through the cooking time ensures that both sides get evenly crispy. This step is especially important if your air fryer doesn’t have a rotating basket.
- Monitor closely: Air fryers can vary in their cooking times, so keep a close eye on your zucchini chips, especially during the last few minutes. They can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly, so it’s better to check them a minute or two before the suggested cooking time is up.
- Serve immediately: Zucchini chips are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer while they’re still warm and crispy. If they sit for too long, they may lose some of their crispiness. Serve them as a snack or appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra treat.