Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These crispy zucchini chips are an excellent alternative to traditional potato chips. They are easy to make, customizable with your favorite spices, and baked to crispy perfection. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a side dish, or a light appetizer, these chips check all the boxes. The addition of optional parmesan elevates the flavor, while the use of olive oil or avocado oil keeps the recipe light yet satisfying. Plus, they’re gluten-free and packed with nutrients from the zucchini, making them a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious snack without the extra calories.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil (or avocado oil for a healthier option)
- ½ teaspoon of sea salt
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika (optional for a little extra flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- Grated parmesan (optional for added flavor and crunch)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and dry the zucchinis. Slice them thinly into rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.
- In a large bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, sea salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), and black pepper until well-coated.
- Lay the zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Avoid overlapping the slices for even cooking.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the chips halfway through, until the chips are golden and crispy.
- If desired, sprinkle grated parmesan over the chips for added flavor and crunch in the last few minutes of baking.
- Remove from the oven and let the zucchini chips cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Zucchini Chips: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Zucchini Chips: Experiment with dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for a more savory flavor profile.
- Cheesy Zucchini Chips: For an even cheesier snack, toss the zucchini slices with nutritional yeast in addition to or instead of parmesan.
- Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Chips: Use a more generous amount of parmesan for an extra crunchy, cheesy texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover zucchini chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose their crispiness, so be sure to enjoy them quickly!
- Reheating: To restore their crispiness, place the zucchini chips on a baking sheet and reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving them, as they may become soggy.
FAQs
How do I make sure my zucchini chips turn out crispy?
To get the crispiest chips, make sure to slice the zucchini thinly, evenly coat it with oil and seasonings, and bake at a high temperature without overcrowding the slices on the baking sheet.
Can I use a different oil for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with avocado oil, coconut oil, or even vegetable oil. Avocado oil is a great option for a healthier alternative with a high smoke point.
Do I need to peel the zucchini before making chips?
No, you do not need to peel the zucchini. The skin helps to hold the chips together and provides additional nutrients.
Can I make these zucchini chips in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make these in an air fryer! Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the zucchini chips for 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they are crispy.
How do I prevent zucchini chips from becoming soggy?
To avoid sogginess, make sure the zucchini slices are as dry as possible before baking. You can also lightly blot the slices with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Can I freeze these zucchini chips?
While freezing the chips is possible, they are best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can cause them to lose their crispiness once reheated.
How long will these zucchini chips last?
Zucchini chips are best eaten within 2-3 days, as they lose their crunchiness over time. However, they can be stored for up to a week if you store them in an airtight container.
Can I use other vegetables to make chips?
Yes, you can make chips from other vegetables like sweet potatoes, eggplant, or even carrots. Each vegetable may require slight adjustments in baking time, depending on its thickness.
What should I serve with zucchini chips?
Zucchini chips pair perfectly with dips like guacamole, hummus, ranch dressing, or even a tangy yogurt dip. They’re also a great side dish to complement your main meals.
How can I make zucchini chips more flavorful?
You can increase the seasoning to your taste, adding herbs, spices, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Experimenting with different seasonings can help create your perfect zucchini chip flavor.
Conclusion
These crispy zucchini chips are a simple yet satisfying snack that is both healthy and delicious. With the flexibility to customize the seasoning and toppings, they can easily fit any flavor profile you crave. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with a favorite dip, these chips are a great addition to your snack repertoire. So, grab some zucchinis and get ready to enjoy a crunchy, guilt-free treat!
PrintCrispy Zucchini Chips
Crispy Zucchini Chips are a healthy, gluten-free snack made with thinly sliced zucchini, seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Perfect for satisfying cravings without the guilt, these chips are customizable with parmesan or your favorite herbs and spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2-4
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 medium zucchinis
1–2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
-
Wash and dry the zucchinis. Slice them thinly into rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.
-
In a bowl, toss zucchini slices with olive oil, sea salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), and black pepper until well-coated.
-
Lay the zucchini slices on a baking sheet in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
-
Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
-
Optional: Sprinkle grated parmesan over the chips in the last few minutes of baking for added flavor.
-
Let the chips cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier variation, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Herb variations like oregano, rosemary, or thyme can be added for a savory twist.
For a cheesy flavor, toss the zucchini with nutritional yeast.
Storage: Keep leftover chips in an airtight container for up to 2 days for best freshness.
Reheat in the oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness.