If you’re looking for a snack that’s crispy, flavorful, and just plain fun to make, you’ve got to try this Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe. These chips are the perfect way to transform humble zucchini into a crave-worthy treat that’s light on oil but big on crunch and taste. Whether you’re craving a healthy munch or need a fabulous side dish, this recipe delivers crispy, golden chips flavored with garlic and olive oil, all done effortlessly in your air fryer. Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll want to make them a regular in your snack rotation!

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Preparing this Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe couldn’t be simpler because it uses just a handful of ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the fresh zucchini for that natural sweetness and moisture to the garlic powder adding savory depth, each component contributes to a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

1 large zucchini, sliced thinly (about 1/8″ thick): Thin slices ensure maximum crispness and quick cooking in the air fryer.
Kosher salt: Helps to draw out excess moisture from zucchini, making the chips crispier.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Coats the zucchini slices, enhancing flavor and encouraging browning.
1/2 – 1 teaspoon garlic powder, adjust to taste preference: Adds a delightful savory kick without overpowering the natural zucchini flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Zucchini

Start by slicing your zucchini as thinly as possible, around 1/8 of an inch, for that perfect chip texture. Lay the slices out on a paper towel and sprinkle kosher salt generously on each piece. Let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial because it draws out moisture, preventing sogginess and setting you up for crisp perfection.

Step 2: Dry Zucchini

After the resting period, pat each zucchini slice dry with paper towels or a clean cloth. Removing as much moisture as possible here is key so the chips crisp really well in the air fryer. Then transfer the dried slices into a large bowl, getting ready to move on to seasoning.

Step 3: Season Zucchini

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the zucchini slices, followed by sprinkling garlic powder to your liking. Toss everything thoroughly until each slice is evenly coated. This simple seasoning step infuses the chips with rich garlic flavor and a hint of fruitiness from the olive oil, which helps with browning during air frying.

Step 4: Air Fry

Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket or on the trays, making sure they don’t overlap. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Around 10 minutes in, peek at the chips and carefully remove any that have turned golden and crispy to prevent burning. The goal here is evenly crisped chips with just the right crunch.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once all the zucchini chips are golden and crispy, transfer them to a wire cooling rack to rest for a few minutes. This additional cooling time helps them retain crunchiness instead of becoming soggy. Then they’re ready for you to enjoy warm, fresh, and incredibly addictive!

How to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe

Garnishes

Feel free to sprinkle a bit of freshly grated Parmesan, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or even a dash of smoked paprika on top for an extra flavor burst. A light sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving adds an unexpected zing that brightens the whole snack.

Side Dishes

The great thing about this Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe is how well they pair with dips and mains alike. Serve them alongside creamy hummus, tzatziki, or a spicy sriracha mayo for dunking. They’re also fantastic as a crunchy contrast to grilled chicken or a hearty sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these chips into a fun appetizer by arranging them in a colorful bowl alongside fresh cut veggies and an irresistible dip trio. Or layer them in a sandwich for added texture instead of traditional potato chips. The options to get creative and impress your guests are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any chips left (which might be tough), store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their crispness. Avoid refrigeration as it tends to make the chips soggy.

Freezing

While these zucchini chips are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them by placing cooled chips in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. However, expect some loss in crispness after thawing, so reheating in the air fryer is recommended.

Reheating

To bring leftover zucchini chips back to life, pop them in your air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This quick reheat crisps them up nicely without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it makes them limp and chewy.

FAQs

Can I use regular salt instead of kosher salt?

Yes, you can substitute regular salt, but kosher salt has larger flakes that help draw out moisture more effectively, so you might want to use a bit less and adjust to taste.

Do I need to peel the zucchini before making chips?

There’s no need to peel the zucchini as the skin adds both color and texture. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients!

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these chips in the oven at 425°F on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, but keep an eye on them as they may take longer and might not be quite as crispy.

Can I add other seasonings?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with paprika, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, or even a little grated Parmesan for a personalized twist on this Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe.

How thin should I slice the zucchini?

Try to slice the zucchini about 1/8 inch thick. Thinner slices crisp up better and cook more evenly in the air fryer.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe is a fantastic, easy way to enjoy a healthy homemade snack that tastes anything but ordinary. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of air fryer magic, you get irresistibly crispy chips bursting with flavor. I can’t wait for you to give this a try and see how zucchini can be transformed into your new favorite crunchy treat.

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are a healthy and delicious snack made by thinly slicing zucchini, seasoning with garlic powder and olive oil, then air frying to perfection. These low-calorie chips are perfect for a guilt-free treat or a light appetizer, offering a satisfying crunch and savory taste without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale

Produce

1 large zucchini, sliced thinly (about 1/8” thick)

Seasonings

Kosher salt, to taste
1/2 – 1 teaspoon garlic powder, adjust to taste preference

Oils

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Prepare Zucchini: Begin by slicing the zucchini into thin slices about 1/8 inch thick for optimal crispiness during air frying.
Lay Zucchini Slices: Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer over a paper towel. Generously sprinkle kosher salt on each slice and let them rest for 5-10 minutes to draw out moisture.
Dry Zucchini: After the resting period, pat each zucchini slice dry with a paper towel or cloth to remove excess water, which helps the chips crisp better.
Season Zucchini: Place the dried zucchini slices in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and garlic powder, then toss thoroughly to ensure each slice is evenly coated with seasoning and oil.
Air Fry: Arrange the seasoned zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on trays. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 15-20 minutes. Around the 10-minute mark, check the chips and remove any that are crispy or turning golden brown on the edges to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve: Continue air frying remaining slices until all chips reach a crispy, golden-brown texture. Transfer the chips to a wire rack and allow them to cool for a few minutes to help them retain their crispness before serving.

Notes

For best results, slice zucchini evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
Adjust garlic powder to your taste preference for more or less garlic flavor.
Using a wire rack to cool the chips helps keep them crispy instead of soggy.
Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers may lose crispiness.
You can experiment with other seasonings like paprika or Italian herbs for flavor variation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American