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My garden overflowed with zucchini last summer and that's when I discovered this game changing snack. These air fryer zucchini chips turned my abundance of veggies into the most addictive crispy bites. Now my family reaches for these instead of store bought chips and I couldn't be happier.
A Snack That Surprises
The magic of these chips lies in their perfect crunch. My kids who usually turn their noses up at vegetables grab these by the handful. The air fryer transforms humble zucchini into something extraordinary that vanishes from the serving bowl before dinner even starts.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Zucchini: 2 medium zucchini sliced thin and uniform
- Coating: 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs ½ cup fresh grated parmesan
- Basics: Olive oil spray salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Garlic powder Italian seasoning paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Zucchini
- Slice zucchini into thin rounds about ⅛ inch thick. Lay them on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Let sit 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Make Coating
- Mix breadcrumbs parmesan and your chosen seasonings in a shallow bowl.
- Coat the Slices
- Pat zucchini dry spray with olive oil then dip in coating mixture pressing gently to adhere.
- Air Fry to Perfection
- Place in air fryer basket at 375°F for 8-10 minutes flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
- Serve Fresh
- Let cool slightly then enjoy while warm and crispy.
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My Kitchen Secrets
After countless batches I learned the key to perfect chips is drying them really well after salting. I always use freshly grated parmesan because it sticks better and tastes amazing. Working in small batches keeps them from steaming instead of crisping trust me on this one.
Perfect Partners
My family loves dipping these crispy bites in everything. We set out bowls of marinara homemade ranch and garlic aioli. They're fantastic alongside grilled chicken or burgers and have become our movie night snack replacing greasy potato chips. Even my picky nephew asks for them.
Keep Them Fresh
If you have any leftovers they'll stay good in an airtight container in the fridge. A quick spin in the air fryer at 350°F brings back their irresistible crunch. Though honestly leftovers are rare in my house these disappear fast.
Make Them Your Own
Sometimes I mix it up with different seasonings. A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a lovely warmth while fresh herbs from my garden make them taste extra special. My daughter loves when I add extra parmesan and my son prefers his with Italian seasoning.
A Snack Worth Sharing
These zucchini chips have become my go to for everything from afternoon snacks to party appetizers. They're that perfect mix of healthy and addictive that makes everyone happy. Plus they're a brilliant way to use up summer zucchini when my garden goes into overdrive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why salt the zucchini first?
Salting draws out excess moisture from the zucchini. This helps the chips become crispier during cooking and prevents them from getting soggy.
- → How thin should I slice the zucchini?
Aim for uniform, thin slices about 1/8 inch thick. Even thickness ensures all chips cook at the same rate and become equally crispy.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They might lose some crispiness but can be reheated in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to crisp up again.
- → Why use cornstarch in the coating?
Cornstarch helps absorb any remaining moisture and creates a crispier exterior. It also helps the seasoning stick better to the zucchini slices.
- → Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?
Yes, you can omit the Parmesan for a dairy-free version. The chips will still be flavorful from the other seasonings in the coating mixture.
Conclusion
Air fryer zucchini chips are a delightful, nutritious snack that transforms fresh zucchini into crispy, flavorful chips. Using simple seasonings and a few key techniques, you can create a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips that are both satisfying and easy to make.