If you’re like me and love a good snack that’s both healthy and satisfying, these crispy baked zucchini chips recipe are about to become your new obsession! I made these the other day, and wow, they were like little bites of heaven.
Thin, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, they’re a crowd-pleaser whether you’re snacking solo or serving them at a party. Even better, they’re surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to whip them up all the time.
You can also try this easy garlic parmesan chicken and pasta recipe for a comforting meal.
What You’ll Need to Make Zucchini Chips
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this snack, along with a few tips to make it perfect:
- Two medium zucchini (around 1 pound total): Go for firm and small zucchini to avoid excess moisture. Larger ones tend to be watery.
- Olive oil spray: Helps achieve a crisp texture without weighing things down. Avocado oil or melted butter can also work beautifully.
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt (divided): Essential for both drawing out moisture and enhancing flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle Garlicky kick to the chips.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: For just the right amount of spice.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated): Finely grated parmesan works best for evenly coating the chips and contributing to that perfect crunch.
Note: This recipe yields about 4 servings, but they are so delicious, you might want to double the batch!
Creative Variations to Try
There are endless ways to customize your baked zucchini chips. Here are some fun variations to explore:
- Dairy-Free: Replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or omit it entirely for a simpler flavor.
- Herby Goodness: Sprinkle dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme for added aroma and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili powder, cayenne, or paprika for a spiced-up version.
- Vegan Cheese: Use your favorite plant-based grated cheese to keep it vegan while maintaining that cheesy vibe.
For another Mediterranean-inspired snack, you might also love this Mediterranean pizza recipe.
How Long Does It Take to Make?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the timing for these crispy zucchini chips:
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes time to salt and dry the zucchini slices)
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
You only need a few basic tools to create this delicious snack:
- Sharp knife or mandoline: For slicing the zucchini into thin, uniform rounds.
- Colander: To drain the salted zucchini slices and remove their excess water.
- Paper towels: For patting the zucchini slices dry.
- Baking sheet: Ensures even baking of the zucchini chips.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Oven: The secret weapon to crisping these chips to perfection!
How to Make Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
Creating these zucchini chips is as easy as it is satisfying. Follow these simple steps for perfect results:
Step 1 – Prep the Zucchini
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, slice the zucchini into thin (about ⅛-inch thick) rounds. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips.
Step 2 – Remove the Moisture
Place the slices in a colander and generously sprinkle them with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Leave them for 30 minutes to draw out excess water. This step might seem tedious, but trust me, it’s the secret to getting those chips ultra-crispy. Afterward, rinse the slices to remove any extra salt and pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 3 – Arrange and Bake
Spread the zucchini slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Spray them lightly with olive oil, then pop them into the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, keeping an eye on them as they begin to soften.
Step 4 – Add Seasoning and Finish Baking
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the slices with the garlic powder, black pepper, and remaining kosher salt. Finally, top them with grated parmesan. Return the chips to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown and delightfully crispy. Some pieces may finish earlier than others, so be prepared to remove them as needed.
Step 5 – Serve Immediately
Once baked to perfection, remove the chips from the oven, cool slightly, and serve them right away. They’re best enjoyed fresh and warm!
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that can make your zucchini chips even better:
- Slice the zucchini as evenly as possible for consistent cooking. A mandoline can work wonders here!
- Don’t skip the salting and drying step. It makes all the difference when it comes to crispiness.
- Flip the chips halfway through baking if you find they’re browning unevenly.
- If you want extra crispy edges, broil them for the last 1-2 minutes—but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- For a gluten-free twist, ensure your parmesan is certified gluten-free (some may not be).
How to Serve Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
These chips are super versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Pair with dips: Serve with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a creamy Greek yogurt dip for extra flavor.
- Snack Attack: Enjoy these chips all on their own as a light, healthy snack anytime.
- Alongside Entrees: Use them as a crunchy side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or even burgers.
- Party Platter: Pair them with other snacks like carrot sticks or mini cucumber sandwiches for a wow-worthy appetizer tray.
Presentation Tip: Stack the chips neatly on a plate and garnish with some fresh parsley or a light sprinkle of parmesan for a polished, Instagram-ready look!
Nutritional Information
This wholesome snack is as nutritious as it is delicious! Here’s what you’ll get per serving:
- Calories: 106
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 9g
How to Store Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
Storing these chips is simple, although they’re best fresh. Here’s how:
- Restoring Freshness: They can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days but will lose their crispiness. Pop them back into a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to refresh them.
- Freezing: These don’t freeze well because of the zucchini’s high water content, so it’s best to skip this.
- Reheating: Use the broil setting on your oven for 1-2 minutes to regain some crispiness if needed.
You can also enjoy similar dinner recipes for more snack and meal ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are some fantastic reasons to fall in love with these zucchini chips:
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and minimal equipment make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
- Healthy & Guilt-Free: Perfect for satisfying snack cravings without loading up on calories.
- Versatile Flavor: Customizable with countless seasoning options.
- Crispy Goodness: Salting and baking ensure every bite is delightfully crunchy.
- Family-Approved: Even picky eaters love these chips!
FAQs
Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?
Yes! Air frying works wonderfully. Cook the chips in a preheated air fryer at 375°F for 10 minutes, flip, season, and then air fry for another 5-7 minutes.
Why aren’t my chips crispy?
Make sure you’ve salted and patted the zucchini slices dry before baking. Also, check that your oven is fully preheated to the right temperature.
Can I skip the parmesan?
Definitely! You can leave it out or swap it with a dairy-free or vegan alternative like nutritional yeast.