These crunchy zucchini chips are a tasty snack that’s easy to make! Just slice the zucchini, season them, and bake until crispy. Perfect for munching!
Whenever I crave something crunchy, I whip up a batch of these chips. They’re guilt-free and so much fun to eat—you’ll forget you’re snacking on veggies! 🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis are essential for this recipe. If you can’t find them, yellow squash is a great alternative. Both have a similar texture and flavor!
Parmesan cheese: This adds a lovely cheesy flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or use a dairy-free cheese substitute of your choice.
Breadcrumbs: I prefer using panko for extra crunch, but regular fine breadcrumbs work well too. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a unique crunch.
Egg: If you’re looking for an egg-free option, use a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
How Do I Get Zucchini Chips Extra Crispy?
Getting those zucchini chips crispy is all about moisture and heat. Start by slicing the zucchini thinly and evenly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Aim for uniformity so they cook evenly!
- After slicing, you can sprinkle a little salt on the slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture.
- Be sure to dry them with a paper towel before coating to further reduce moisture.
- When baking, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; keep them in a single layer for proper airflow and crispiness.
- Lastly, a light spray of cooking oil helps them brown nicely!
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fine breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Time Needed:
This tasty recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to bake, totaling approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy snack that you can whip up anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will keep the zucchini chips from sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, slice them into thin, even rounds about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Keeping the slices uniform will help them cook evenly!
3. Whisk the Egg:
In a shallow bowl, crack the egg and whisk it until it’s well blended. This will be the mixture to help the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini slices.
4. Combine the Coating:
In another bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs (or panko), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
5. Coat the Zucchini Slices:
Take each zucchini slice and dip it into the whisked egg, letting any excess egg drip off. Then, dredge the slice in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the crumbs adhere well.
6. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Lay the coated zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overlapping, so they can crisp up nicely.
7. Spray for Crispiness:
Give the tops of the zucchini slices a light spray with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This step helps them become perfectly crispy!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remember to flip the slices halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness. You’ll know they’re ready when they are golden brown and crispy!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, take the baking sheet out of the oven and let the zucchini chips cool for a few minutes. Then, enjoy these delicious, crunchy snacks as a healthy treat or appetizer!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a wonderful flavor, you can use any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even cheddar for a different twist. Just make sure it’s grated for an even coating!
What If I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
No problem! If you’re out of breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, cornflakes, or even ground almonds/ walnuts for a gluten-free option. Just ensure they are finely crushed for the best results.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the zucchini slices and coat them in breadcrumbs up to a day ahead. Just keep them in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to bake. Bake just before serving for maximum crispiness.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Chips?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind they might lose some crispiness. To revive them, you can re-bake them in a preheated oven for a few minutes!