These Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips are a fun and healthy snack! With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a crunchy treat that’s way better than chips.
They’re super easy to make and are perfect for munching on. I love to dip mine in some ranch dressing. Who knew veggies could taste so good? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Make sure to choose fresh, firm zucchinis. If you have yellow squash or cucumbers on hand, they can also work well as substitutes for a different flavor!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor, but you can use any cooking oil you prefer, like avocado or coconut oil, for a different taste.
Seasonings: Garlic powder brings nice flavor, but feel free to skip it if you want a more straightforward taste. For spice lovers, adding smoked paprika or chili powder gives a kick!
Garnish: Dried rosemary adds a lovely touch, but thyme or oregano could be interesting alternatives depending on your taste preference.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Chips Extra Crispy?
The trick to achieving that perfect crisp is in slicing. You want your zucchini chips to be as thin as possible. A mandoline slicer works wonders for uniformity and thinness, ensuring even baking!
- After slicing, it’s essential to coat the zucchini evenly with oil and seasonings. This helps with flavor and crispness.
- Baking low and slow is key! Cooking at 225°F allows the moisture to evaporate without burning the slices.
- Don’t rush! Flipping the zucchini chips halfway through helps them bake evenly, so keep an eye on them as they cook.
- Letting them cool on the baking sheet is crucial — they’ll become even crunchier as they cool down.
Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips – Healthy Snack
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or fresh sprigs for garnish
- Optional: a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder for extra flavor
Time Estimate:
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then 1.5 to 2 hours of baking time. The total process will take around 2 to 2.5 hours, but the wait is totally worth it for this crunchy snack!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 225°F (110°C). This low temperature helps the zucchini chips become crispy without burning. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash and dry the zucchinis thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the zucchinis very thinly—aim for about 1/8 inch thick. You can cut them into rounds or half-moon shapes, whatever you prefer!
3. Season the Slices:
In a large bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). Make sure every slice is well-coated in the mixture for the best flavor!
4. Arrange for Baking:
Lay the zucchini slices out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t overlapping, as this will help them bake evenly and become super crispy.
5. Bake the Chips:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake the zucchini slices for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them after the first hour to make sure they don’t burn. You want them nice and crispy with a slight golden edge!
6. Cool Down:
Once they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and let the chips cool on the baking sheet. They’ll get crunchier as they cool, making for the perfect snack!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
For a fun touch, garnish with rosemary leaves or sprigs before eating. Enjoy your delicious, healthy zucchini chips right away!
Note: These chips are best enjoyed the same day you make them for maximum crispness. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container, but be aware they may lose some of their crunch over the next couple of days.
FAQ for Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
Can I Use Other Vegetables for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can try using other vegetables like sweet potatoes, kale, or carrots. Just adjust the baking time as different vegetables have varying moisture contents and thicknesses, which can affect crisping.
How Can I Make These Chips Spicier?
If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix! You can also experiment with hot sauce for an extra kick before baking.
What Should I Do If My Chips Aren’t Crispy Enough?
If your chips aren’t as crispy as you’d like after baking, you can return them to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn!
How Do I Properly Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. They may lose some crunch, but you can crisp them back up in a warm oven for a few minutes before enjoying again!
