These Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are a light, crunchy, and flavorful snack or side dish that satisfies your craving for chips—without the grease. Made with fresh zucchini slices coated in seasoned breadcrumbs or parmesan, they’re golden and crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and air-fried to perfection in minutes.
Whether you serve them as a low-carb appetizer, healthy side, or kid-friendly finger food, these zucchini chips are a guilt-free crowd-pleaser. Best of all, they use minimal oil and come together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients Overview: Simple & Crunchy Perfection
These zucchini chips rely on a few wholesome ingredients that crisp beautifully in the air fryer. Here’s what you’ll need:
Zucchini
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Fresh zucchini: Choose small to medium-sized zucchini for fewer seeds and more even slices. Slicing uniformly ensures even crisping.
Breading Ingredients
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Egg: Helps the coating stick to the zucchini slices.
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Breadcrumbs (panko or gluten-free): Creates a light, crispy coating. Panko is best for ultra-crisp results.
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Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and extra crispness when paired with breadcrumbs.
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Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika: Seasonings to enhance the flavor.
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Salt & pepper: Essential for balance.
Optional:
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Chili flakes for a little heat.
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Italian seasoning for a herby twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
1. Prep the Zucchini
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Wash and dry 2 small-to-medium zucchini.
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Slice into ⅛ to ¼-inch rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline for consistent thickness.
Tip: The thinner the slice, the crispier the chip. Don’t go paper-thin, or they may burn.
2. Set Up a Dredging Station
In three shallow bowls or plates:
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Bowl 1: 1 egg, beaten
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Bowl 2: ½ cup panko breadcrumbs + ¼ cup grated Parmesan
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Add ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ¼ tsp salt, and black pepper to taste
Mix dry ingredients well.
3. Bread the Zucchini
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Dip each zucchini slice into the egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
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Press lightly to help the coating stick.
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Set coated slices aside on a plate in a single layer.
Optional: Lightly spray or brush with oil for extra crispness.
4. Air Fry in Batches
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place zucchini slices in the basket in a single layer (no overlapping). Air fry for:
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8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
Repeat with remaining slices.
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
Tips for Crispy Chips
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Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air needs to circulate for even browning.
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Flip halfway: Ensures both sides get golden.
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Spray lightly with oil: Helps promote browning and a crunchier texture.
Flavor Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or red chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
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Ranch-Style: Add dried dill and parsley for a tangy flavor.
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Cheesy Garlic: Use garlic-parmesan blend with extra cheese in the mix.
Substitutions
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers.
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Dairy-free: Skip Parmesan and use nutritional yeast for umami.
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Egg-free: Use plant-based milk or aquafaba as a binder.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
These air fryer zucchini chips are:
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Perfect snacks: Serve with a side of ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli.
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Appetizer-friendly: Great for BBQs, parties, or holiday spreads.
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Healthy sides: Serve with grilled meats, sandwiches, or salads.
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Kid-approved: Crisp, cheesy, and great for lunchboxes.
Pair them with:
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Greek yogurt dipping sauce
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Garlic hummus
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Honey mustard
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Hot sauce or chipotle mayo
Nutritional & Health Notes
These zucchini chips are:
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Lower in fat than deep-fried snacks
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Vegetarian-friendly
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Customizable for gluten-free, dairy-free diets
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High in fiber and low in calories
Per serving (approx. 10 chips with coating):
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Calories: 100–120
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Protein: 4–5g
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Carbs: 8–10g
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Fat: 5–6g
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Fiber: 2g
They’re a great way to satisfy crunchy cravings without reaching for chips or fries.
FAQ: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
1. Why are my zucchini chips soggy?
Soggy chips usually result from too thick slices, overcrowding, or not enough cooking time. Slice thinner, don’t stack, and air fry longer if needed.
2. Can I make these without breadcrumbs?
Yes. Use crushed nuts, almond flour, or just Parmesan cheese for coating. You’ll still get crunch with fewer carbs.
3. Do I need to salt and drain the zucchini first?
For ultra-thin chips, salting and patting dry helps. For thicker slices, it’s optional since the air fryer removes moisture quickly.
4. Can I store leftovers?
These are best eaten fresh, but you can re-crisp leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
5. Can I bake these in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping once. They won’t get as crisp as air fried, but they’ll still be delicious.
6. How do I make them keto-friendly?
Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. Keep Parmesan for texture and flavor.
7. Can I freeze these chips?
Not recommended. Zucchini has high water content and will lose crispness once thawed.