Crunchy Zucchini Chips are a tasty snack that’s both healthy and fun to make! Just slice up some fresh zucchini, toss with a little oil and seasoning, then bake until crispy.
They’re perfect for munching during movie nights or as a crunchy side for lunch. I love making extra so I can sneak them while they’re cooling down—who can resist that crunchy goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Fresh, firm zucchinis are key for the best crunch. If zucchinis aren’t available, you can try using summer squash or even eggplant. Just make sure to slice them thinly!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds great flavor and helps with the crunch. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a good alternative. It’ll give a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Breadcrumbs: I personally love panko breadcrumbs for their extra crunchiness, but regular breadcrumbs work too. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts like almond flour.
Olive Oil: Olive oil gives a nice flavor and helps the chips become crispy. If you want to cut down on calories, you can use a cooking spray, but the oil enhances the taste!
How Can I Make Sure My Zucchini Chips Get Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crunch can be tricky with zucchinis, but I have some tips! The key is to slice them thinly and evenly, around 1/8 inch thick. This ensures they cook properly. Pat the slices dry before coating them to remove excess moisture.
- Preheat your oven well before baking—this helps start the crisping process.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet; give each slice room to breathe so they crisp up nicely.
- Flipping the chips halfway through baking not only ensures even cooking but gives that golden finish!
Enjoy snacking on these crispy delights! They’re perfect for munching guilt-free!
Crunchy Zucchini Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to bake. So in total, you’re looking at about 35-40 minutes to have these delicious crunchy zucchini chips ready to munch on!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First off, let’s get that oven heating! Preheat it to 425°F (220°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat. This will help the chips not stick and make for easier cleanup!
2. Slice Your Zucchini:
Wash your zucchinis well and make sure to dry them with a towel. Slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner they are, the crunchier they will become. Try to keep the slices as even as possible for the best results!
3. Mix the Coating:
In a medium bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley (if using). This mixture will give your zucchini chips that delightful crunch and flavor!
4. Coat the Zucchini Slices:
Drizzle the olive oil over the zucchini slices in another bowl and toss them gently to coat. You want each slice to have a light sheen of oil. This helps the seasoning stick and aids in crisping them up!
5. Dredge in Breadcrumbs:
Now, it’s time to coat those zucchini slices! Take each slice and dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks. Lay them out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overlapping.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Now put your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through for even crispiness. You want them to be golden brown and crispy!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, carefully remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes—this helps them get even crunchier. Serve them as a tasty snack or a side dish whenever you want something delicious and guilt-free!
Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful zucchini chips as a healthy snack or side! They’re irresistible!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! You can try using eggplant, sweet potatoes, or even carrots sliced thinly. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different vegetables may bake faster or slower than zucchini.
How Should I Store Leftover Zucchini Chips?
Store leftover zucchini chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they lose their crunch, you can pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again!
What Can I Use Instead of Parmesan Cheese?
If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a great substitute as it provides a cheesy flavor. Alternatively, you can use any hard cheese you enjoy, like pecorino or asiago.
Can I Make These Chips in an Air Fryer?
Yes! To make these in an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and cook the zucchini chips in a single layer for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Enjoy your quicker, crispy chips!