Name: Yummy & Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 zucchini (medium); 2 tsp olive oil (extra virgin); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground pepper; 1/2 tsp dehydrated minced garlic

If you’re like me, you love a good snack that’s both healthy and delicious. There’s something so satisfying about crispy, salty chips, but let’s be honest – they’re not always the healthiest choice. Enter zucchini chips! Light, crispy, and packed with flavor, this zucchini chips air fryer recipe is the perfect alternative. And they’re ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a quick side dish, or just want a healthy snack for yourself, this recipe will check all the boxes. Plus, with the air fryer, these chips come out crispier than ever and you don’t have to feel guilty about indulging!

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It’s zucchini season here, and they’re everywhere. We have some in our garden, and it’s a well-known fact here in Alberta that you may have a zucchini or two dropped off on your doorstep this month from neighbours who have an overflow!

I like zucchini, but it can get boring. These air fryer chips are anything but! I can truly eat a full medium-sized zucchini by making these… they’re that good! Let me show you how to make them with simple ingredients in no time at all. (And then, you may want to make my zucchini noodles next!)

Ingredients

1 medium zucchini or 1/2 of a large zucchini (zucchinis grow so big in gardens sometimes!)
olive oil – Not too much! We want these to crisp up, and too much oil can keep them from doing that.
sea salt – You can adjust this to your taste, but don’t skip it if you want that perfect salty bite.
ground pepper
dehydrated minced garlic – You can use fresh garlic if you prefer, but the dried kind gives these chips a great punch without being too overwhelming. You can also use garlic powder instead.
Optional: a pre-mixed salt, pepper & garlic spice blend – This can save you some measuring time. I like to use it when I’m feeling lazy!

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Slice your zucchini: Thinly slice one medium zucchini (or half of a large one). If you’re using a mandoline slicer, this part will be a breeze. If you’re like me and prefer using a sharp knife, just be patient and make sure your slices are similar in thickness. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be. Be careful not to slice them too thin though, or they’ll burn in no time!

Season the zucchini slices: In a bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, ground pepper, and garlic. If you want to make things a little easier, use a pre-mixed spice blend like I do. Just make sure the zucchini slices are evenly coated – we want every bite to be flavorful!

Air fry the zucchini: Preheat your air fryer to 325 Degrees F. Lay your zucchini slices in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. It’s okay if they overlap a little bit, but don’t overcrowd them – they need space to crisp up properly. Make these in two batches dependent on the size of your air fryer. Cook them for 10-15 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. I recommend checking them after about 8-10 minutes and keeping a close eye on them after that. Every air fryer is a bit different, and the thickness of your slices will affect cooking time. Pull out any slices that start browning to avoid burning.

Watch and adjust: The thickness of your zucchini slices will affect how long they take to crisp up, so keep an eye on them. Thicker slices might need a bit more time, while super thin slices can get crispy in as little as 10 minutes. I recommend staying close to the air fryer and checking every 2-3 minutes towards the end of the cook time – nobody wants burnt chips! Once they’re crispy and golden brown, carefully remove the zucchini chips from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool, so resist the urge to eat them all right away (although I won’t judge you if you do!). I like to lay mine on a piece of paper towel or parchment paper in a bowl as they cool.

Tips to make my Zucchini Chips Air Fryer Recipe work best:

Remove Excess Moisture: If you’re using a garden-fresh zucchini, you may want to remove the excess moisture by blotting the slices with a paper towel before seasoning.
Don’t overdo the oil: It’s tempting to think more oil will make the chips crispier, but that’s actually the opposite of what we want. Too much oil will prevent the zucchini from crisping up, so stick to the recommended amount.
Flip halfway through: Flipping your zucchini slices halfway through cooking helps them brown evenly. This step is especially important if your slices aren’t uniform in thickness.
Don’t skip the cooling process: It might be hard to wait, but letting the chips cool for a few minutes after air frying will allow them to crisp up even more. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Watch them closely: The line between crispy and burnt is thin, especially when it comes to zucchini chips. Keep a close eye on them, particularly during the last few minutes of cooking.

Variations

The fun thing about this recipe is that it’s totally customizable! You can stick with the classic salt, pepper, and garlic combo, but if you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few other seasoning ideas to try:

Everything Bagel Seasoning: This seasoning blend is all the rage for a reason. Sprinkle it over your zucchini slices before air frying for a crunchy, garlicky, savory chip that’s impossible to resist.
Parmesan & Italian Seasoning: After tossing the zucchini slices in olive oil, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and basil for an Italian-inspired twist. The Parmesan will get golden and crispy in the air fryer – trust me, it’s divine!
Smoky Paprika & Cumin: Add a smoky kick to your chips by tossing the zucchini slices with a bit of paprika and cumin. This variation is perfect if you want a little more depth of flavor.
Lemon Pepper: Swap out the regular pepper for lemon pepper seasoning, and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice once the chips are done. It’s a tangy, zesty twist that’s perfect for summer.
Chili Powder & Lime: Want something with a bit of heat? Try adding chili powder and a squeeze of lime juice for a spicy, citrusy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This zucchini chips air fryer recipe is so versatile! They make a great snack on their own, but here are a few ways you can serve them:

Dip them: Pair your chips with a tasty dipping sauce like ranch dressing, hummus, or a zesty marinara sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
As a side dish: Serve these chips alongside your favorite grilled meats or sandwiches for a light, crunchy and tasty side dish.
On a snack board: Add these zucchini chips to a charcuterie or snack board for a healthy, homemade alternative to traditional chips. I personally like to make a mini snack plate like the one above for a fun & easy lunch.

Equipment

I like to use my favourite XL air fryer to make these yummy zucchini chips.

Storage

You can store these chips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I don’t recommend freezing them.

Recipe Card