Why these zucchini chips actually stay crispy
If your counter is buried under summer zucchini and you need something to do with it that the whole family will actually eat, these are it.
It’s no secret that I’m a little air fryer obsessed. I’ve made Air Fryer Asparagus, Air Fryer Cauliflower, Air Fryer Broccoli, and Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, but these crispy little Air Fryer Zucchini Chips might be my favorite of the whole bunch.
Here’s the part I love. You don’t have to salt the zucchini, let it sweat, or slice it paper-thin like so many recipes tell you to. The Parmesan breadcrumb crust is what crisps up, so all that fuss just isn’t necessary.
A few simple things make them work. Slice about ¼-inch thick so they hold the coating, press the crumbs on so they really stick, and give them a good spritz right before air frying. That’s the whole secret to the golden crunch.
They make a vegetable feel like a snack, which is exactly why they never last long in my kitchen.
Why you’ll love these zucchini chips
- Snack, side, or app. Perfect after school, on game day, or piled next to a burger.
- Ready in about 20 minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients.
- The Parmesan crust does the crisping, so there’s no salting or sweating the zucchini.
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
Zucchini: Two fresh medium zucchini are the sweet spot. Skip the giant ones, they’re seedy and watery and won’t crisp up as nicely.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style crumbs are the easy shortcut. Use a gluten-free brand like Aleia’s if you need to, or stir some Italian seasoning into plain breadcrumbs. Cajun or taco seasoning is great here too.
Egg wash: An egg whisked with a splash of milk. This is the glue that holds the crust onto the zucchini.
Parmesan: The dry, salty cheese melts a little as it cooks and helps the coating grip and crisp. A dairy-free Parmesan works if you need it.
Non-stick cooking spray: Don’t skip it. The spritz is what turns the crumbs golden. Olive oil or butter based both work.
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.
Slice the zucchini
Cut the zucchini into ¼-inch rounds, discarding the ends. Try to keep them the same thickness so they crisp up evenly.
Dip in egg wash
Whisk the egg and milk together in a shallow bowl. Working one slice at a time, dip each round and let the extra drip off.
Coat in the Parmesan crumbs
In a second bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Press each slice firmly into the mixture so the coating really sticks.
Air fry until golden
Spritz the basket, lay the chips in a single layer, and spritz the tops. Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
The Air Fryer I Use and ❤️
I use a 6-quart air fryer for this recipe and it’s the perfect size for cooking everything in a single layer without overcrowding. Because remember, keeping it in one layer is key to all that crispy goodness!
Storing and reheating zucchini chips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They soften as they sit, so they’re best reheated.
To bring back the crunch, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes. Freezing isn’t recommended here, since zucchini turns watery once it thaws.
Why aren’t my zucchini chips crispy?
My chips came out soft. What happened? Usually it’s a crowded basket. The chips need space in a single layer so the hot air can reach every side. Work in batches if you have to.
Does slice thickness matter? It does. Around ¼-inch is the sweet spot. Too thick and the inside won’t cook through before the crust burns, too thin and they can turn flimsy.
Do I really need the cooking spray? Yes. The spritz right before air frying is what browns the crumbs and gives you the crunch. Dry crumbs just won’t get there.
They softened after sitting out. Is that normal? A little. Like most air fried chips, they’re crispiest fresh out of the basket, so serve them warm. A quick 2 to 3 minutes back in the air fryer at 350°F re-crisps them.
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Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini medium-sized
- 1 large egg large
- 1 tablespoon whole milk or plant-based
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs Italian seasoned*
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese grated
- ¾ teaspoon salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Slice the Zucchini: Cut zucchini into ¼-inch slices, discarding the ends.2 medium zucchini
- Coat the Zucchini Slices: In two separate shallow bowls mix together the following:Bowl 1: Add egg and milk. Whisk until well combined.Bowl 2: Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Toss until combined.Dip one zucchini slice in the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Then coat it with the breadcrumbs, pressing firmly into the zucchini so it sticks. Repeat this process with the remaining zucchini slices.1 large egg, 1 tablespoon whole milk, ½ cup plain breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¾ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cook in the Air Fryer: Place half of the coated zucchini in a single layer in a 6-quart Air Fryer basket. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. Air Fry at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Flip the zucchini halfway through cooking. Repeat with the remaining zucchini slices.Non-stick cooking spray
- Serve air fried zucchini with Marinara Sauce, Ranch Dressing, or Special Sauce. Enjoy!
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Notes
- Serving size is about 6 zucchini chips.
- Gluten-free or low-carb bread crumbs may be used.
- You can also use ½ cup of regular breadcrumbs and add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- Slice ’em thin. If you cut the zucchini too thick the outside will burn before the inside gets tender.
- Save a step. Keep it simple by using Italian-style breadcrumbs.
- Two bowls, two forks. These work great to shake off any excess egg or coating. Make sure to use a separate fork for each bowl.
- Press it in. Apply pressure when breading to get the coating to stick.
- Don’t forget to spritz. This gives the chips the golden color and helps them crisp up.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What to serve with zucchini chips
These are honestly great on their own, but a good dip takes them over the top. A simple marinara is the classic move, and you can stir one together fast with tomato sauce and a little Italian seasoning.
If you’re more of a creamy-dip person, my Special Sauce is always a hit. Homemade Ranch Dressing is perfect too, and a quick Sriracha Mayo brings a little heat.
They also make a fun side. Pile them next to a burger or a sandwich the way you would fries, or set a bowl out with your Air Fryer Zucchini Fries for a party spread.
More ways to use up that zucchini
Still swimming in summer squash? Same. These are the ones my readers keep coming back to.
Very good. Dipped in Marinara, tated like garlic bread.
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Penny! That’s a great comparison. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
So easy and tasty with tzatziki!
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! That sounds delicious! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
Looks good! Going to try this recipe
Can I use regular milk?
Absolutely!
Turned out great. I did add a lil garlic powder just because I like it. Thank you for the recipe.
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Chris! That sounds great. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
Delicious recipe just as you have it written. Soooo much easier and cleaner than pan frying and baking in the oven.
Thanks!
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Kristan! I love how easy the air fryer is. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
Add one teaspoon of garlic powder and one tablespoon of chives to the breading mix and this is a fantastic air fryer zucchini recipe!
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! That sounds delicious. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
Um,you didn’t mention flour in your recipe. First flour then eggwash.also you didn’t mention salt or pepper, but it was in the picture.no mention of mixing parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs. Otherwise sounds great.
Hi! There’s an entire recipe card at the bottom of the post that gives you more detailed instructions. You can also click the “Jump to Recipe” button at the top to easily navigate to it. Hope this helps!
Wow these look good! Super crispy and a great summer air fryer recipe. I’ve made this with zucchini fries before but haven’t tried doing it as a chip.
Oh they’re so good, Anthony! Can’t wait to hear what you think 🙂