Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips are a tasty snack that’s easy to make! Simply slice zucchini, coat it with a little oil, sprinkle some seasoning, and bake until they’re crunchy!
They’re a great way to enjoy veggies without feeling guilty. I love munching on these while watching my favorite show. Who knew healthy could be this fun? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium zucchinis are key for this recipe. If zucchinis aren’t available, try yellow squash instead. They have a similar texture and flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a wonderful flavor. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a saltier kick or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Panko breadcrumbs: These are preferred for extra crunch. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but you might want to add a little more seasoning, as they can be less flavorful.
Eggs: They help the coating stick. For a vegan option, use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), which works well for binding.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Chips Extra Crispy?
Getting the perfect crunch is essential! Here are some tips:
- Slice the zucchini evenly, about 1/8-inch thick, so they cook uniformly.
- Pat the zoodles dry with a paper towel before breading to remove excess moisture.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give each slice space for proper airflow.
- Lightly spraying the tops with oil helps achieve that crispy finish. Flip them halfway through baking for even crispiness.
Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chips:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 15-20 minutes for baking, making the total time about 30-35 minutes. It’s quick, simple, and gives you a delicious, crunchy snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). While it’s warming up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and give them a light spray with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier!
2. Slice the Zucchini:
Wash and dry the zucchinis well, then slice them into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Try to keep the slices uniform so they bake evenly. If you have a mandoline slicer, it’s a great tool for this!
3. Prepare Your Dipping Stations:
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re well combined. In another bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavorful coating.
4. Coat Those Zucchini Slices:
Take each zucchini slice and first dip it into the egg wash, shaking off any extra. Next, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it’s well coated. Repeat this with all the slices!
5. Arrange and Spray:
Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets. Make sure they’re not touching each other to allow air circulation. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for that perfect crisp!
6. Bake to Crispy Perfection:
Bake the zucchini chips in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure a nice, even golden color and crunch!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once they are golden brown and crispy, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a lovely touch!
Enjoy your crispy baked zucchini chips as a healthy, tasty snack or a side dish! Perfect for any occasion!
FAQ for Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a great flavor, you can substitute it with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or even sharp cheddar. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No problem! You can use regular breadcrumbs instead. However, for the best crunch, consider toasting them lightly in a pan before using them in the recipe.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Chips?
Store leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose their crispiness, so for recrisping, pop them back in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes!
Can I Make These Zucchini Chips in an Air Fryer?
Yes! To make them in an air fryer, follow the same coating steps and then arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through!
