These crispy baked zucchini chips are a fun and healthy snack! They are easy to make with just a few ingredients, and they turn out wonderfully crunchy every time.
I love serving them with a tasty dip or just munching on them as they are. Trust me, they disappear fast, so you might want to make a double batch! 🥒✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Try to choose firm, fresh zucchinis. If zucchini is hard to find, yellow squash makes a great substitute. They both offer a similar texture.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can mimic that cheesy taste.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives that extra crunch! If you don’t have panko, feel free to use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture might be a bit denser.
Garlic Powder: I find garlic powder really enhances the flavor. If you prefer fresh, minced garlic works too. Just keep an eye on it as it can burn faster.
How Do You Get Zucchini Chips Extra Crispy?
Getting your zucchini chips crispy is all about moisture control. Start by slicing the zucchinis evenly, aiming for about 1/8 inch thick. This helps with even cooking. Here’s how to ensure they’re crispy:
- Preheat your oven properly! A hot oven helps in crisping up the chips quickly.
- After coating with breadcrumbs, place them in a single layer on the baking sheets. Overcrowding will trap moisture.
- Flip halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness on both sides.
- Let them cool a bit on the baking sheet—they get crunchier as they sit for a moment!
How to Make Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15-20 minutes for baking. So, in total, you are looking at about 30-35 minutes to enjoy crispy baked zucchini chips!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is what will help your chips get that perfect crunch! Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly greased foil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Next, slice your zucchinis into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. It’s important to keep the slices uniform so they all bake evenly. The thinner, the crispier!
3. Mix the Coating:
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your zucchini chips their delicious flavor and crunch.
4. Beat the Eggs:
In another bowl, beat the eggs until they’re well mixed. This will help the breadcrumb mix stick to the zucchini slices.
5. Coat the Zucchini Slices:
Now, take each zucchini slice and dip it into the beaten eggs first, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, pass it through the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure it sticks. Place the coated slices in a single layer on the lined baking sheets.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to flip the chips halfway through baking so they get nice and golden on both sides!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re golden and crispy, take them out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. This cooling time helps them become even crunchier!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely touch. Serve your crispy baked zucchini chips as a snack or with your favorite dip and enjoy!
FAQ for Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
Can I Use Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Besides zucchini, you can use other vegetables like eggplant, sweet potatoes, or even carrots. Just adjust the baking time slightly according to the vegetable’s thickness and moisture content.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can substitute regular breadcrumbs for panko, but keep in mind that the texture might be a bit less crunchy. You could also crush up some crackers or use ground oats for a gluten-free option.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Chips?
Store leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. However, they might lose some crispiness. To revive them, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Can I Make These Zucchini Chips in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry the coated zucchini slices for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This gives you a wonderfully crisp result with less oil!
