Name: Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Chips Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with flavor and crunch, you’ve got to try these Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Chips. They’re an absolute game changer when it comes to turning humble zucchini into an irresistible treat. With their golden, crispy coating packed with Parmesan and Italian herbs, these chips offer a perfect balance of savory goodness and satisfying texture that will have you reaching for more. Easy to whip up and healthier than traditional fried snacks, these zucchini chips are destined to become your new favorite go-to snack or appetizer.

Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Chips Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully simple yet each plays a vital role in creating the crispy, flavorful magic of these Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Chips. From the fresh zucchini that brings moisture and mild sweetness, to the Parmesan that adds a salty depth, every item contributes to the perfect mouthwatering bite.

2 medium zucchini (About 1 pound): Choose firm zucchini for the best crisp.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory richness that crisps beautifully.
1 cup breadcrumbs (Preferably whole wheat): Provides structure and extra crunchiness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes subtly.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the flavor profile.
Salt to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Pepper to taste: Adds just a touch of heat and depth.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the chips brown perfectly and adds a hint of richness.

How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Chips

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Slices

Start by washing your zucchini thoroughly to remove any dirt. Trim off the ends, then slice the zucchini into even, thin rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Thin slices are key to achieving the ultimate crispiness, so try to keep them uniform.

Step 2: Mix the Coating Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine your grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix to make sure your coating is evenly seasoned and ready to cling to each zucchini slice.

Step 3: Coat the Zucchini with Olive Oil

Drizzle olive oil over the sliced zucchini and toss them gently so every side is coated. This not only helps the breading stick but also ensures your chips get that beautiful golden color when air fried.

Step 4: Bread the Zucchini Slices

Dip each oiled zucchini round into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly on both sides to coat them evenly. This step guarantees those chips will have a crunchy, cheesy crust that makes them so addictive.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat. Preheating is important because it ensures your zucchini chips start cooking immediately, locking in crunch and color.

Step 6: Arrange and Air Fry

Place the breaded zucchini slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overlapping. If needed, cook in batches to give each chip enough space to get crispy all over. Air fry them for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides.

Step 7: Drain and Cool

Once your Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Chips look perfectly golden and crisp, transfer them onto a paper towel to soak up any excess oil. This quick step keeps your chips crisp and not greasy.

How to Serve Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Chips

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or freshly chopped parsley over the chips just before serving. A light dusting of paprika or cracked black pepper can also elevate the presentation and flavor, making them look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

These zucchini chips pair wonderfully with cool, creamy dips like ranch, tzatziki, or garlic aioli. They also make a fantastic side to grilled chicken, burgers, or a fresh salad, adding a crispy texture contrast to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the chips like mini towers or serving them in a decorative bowl alongside colorful dipping sauces for a party snack everyone will adore. You can even use them as a topping for soups or casseroles to add crunch and cheesy flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, place the Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Chips in an airtight container lined with paper towels to keep them from becoming soggy. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the best texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the chips in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy them, reheat directly from frozen to help maintain their crispness.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is using your air fryer again at 350°F (175°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. This refreshes the crunch and revives that crispy parmesan goodness better than a microwave ever could.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! While Parmesan is ideal for its crisping ability and flavor, Pecorino Romano or Asiago also work well for a similar cheesy punch.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

Peeling your zucchini is optional. The skin adds a nice color contrast and extra nutrients, and it crisps up nicely, so leaving it on is often preferred.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these chips in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway. The air fryer just speeds up the process and amps up the crunch.

How thin should I slice the zucchini?

About 1/4 inch thick slices work perfectly – too thick and they won’t crisp well, too thin and they might burn quickly. Using a mandoline slicer helps get even slices.

Are these chips healthy?

They are a much lighter alternative to deep-fried snacks, using less oil and incorporating nutrient-rich zucchini. The whole wheat breadcrumbs add fiber, making them a guilt-free craving crusher!

Final Thoughts

Making Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Chips at home is such a rewarding experience because you get to enjoy a delicious, crunchy snack that’s packed with flavor and much healthier than typical fried treats. Once you try this recipe, it’s hard to go back to ordinary zucchini. So grab your zucchini, fire up the air fryer, and get ready to fall in love with this simple yet sensational dish!

Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Chips Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Chips are a delicious and healthy snack or side dish. Thinly sliced zucchini coated with a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and herbs, then air fried to a perfect golden crisp. A guilt-free way to enjoy a crunchy treat with minimal oil and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini Chips

2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Prepare Zucchini: Wash the zucchinis thoroughly, trim off both ends, and slice them into thin rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick for even cooking and crispiness.
Make Coating Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, whole wheat breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute all the seasonings.
Coat Zucchini Slices: In a separate bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil to ensure they are lightly but evenly coated, which helps the coating stick and promotes browning.
Bread the Chips: Dip each zucchini slice into the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, pressing gently to coat both sides thoroughly for maximum flavor and crunch.
Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat fully before cooking to ensure a crispy texture.
Arrange for Cooking: Place the breaded zucchini slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping slices to allow hot air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air Fry: Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping the zucchini chips halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping on both sides.
Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the chips to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil and maintain their crispiness.
Serve: Enjoy these crispy Parmesan zucchini chips warm, either plain or with your favorite dipping sauce for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of whole wheat.
Adjust seasoning to personal preference by adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy twist.
Ensure slices are uniform thickness for even cooking.
Store leftover chips in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack, Side Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American