These crispy baked zucchini chips are a fun and healthy snack! They’re made with just a few ingredients and baked until golden, making them crunchy and tasty.
I love munching on these guilt-free chips while watching my favorite shows. They’re so easy to make, I sometimes wonder if they should be a snack or a meal! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Medium zucchinis are the star here. If you can’t find them, yellow squash works well too! Just aim for a size that allows for even slicing.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a great crunch, but if you have regular breadcrumbs, that’s fine too. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Using freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast offers a cheesy taste with a healthy twist.
Eggs: For a vegan option, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to help the breadcrumbs stick.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Chips Extra Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crunch is key! Start by slicing your zucchini into even rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly.
- After slicing, consider salting the zucchini slices and letting them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture, making them crisper when cooked.
- Bake at a high temperature, like 425°F, and don’t forget to flip them halfway through. It’s all about that golden brown look!
- Lightly spraying the tops with cooking spray helps crisp up the coating. You’ll love the crunchy result!
Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips – Healthy Snack Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to bake, making the total time around 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick, healthy snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat That Oven!
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). To make your life easier, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and give it a light spray with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking!
2. Mix the Crunchy Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir it well until everything’s nicely combined—this will give your chips a fabulous flavor!
3. Get the Eggs Ready
In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are smooth and well-blended. This step helps the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini slices.
4. Coat Those Zucchini Slices
Take each zucchini slice and dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra egg drip off. Now, coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture and place it on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure the slices are in a single layer and not overlapping—this helps them cook evenly!
5. Spray for Crispiness
Once all your zucchini slices are coated and arranged on the baking sheet, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. This little step is key for that perfect crunch!
6. Bake Them to Perfection
Pop your baking sheet into the oven and bake for around 15-20 minutes or until the zucchini chips are golden brown and crisp. Flip them halfway through the baking time for even crispiness—let’s make sure every bite is delicious!
7. Cool and Garnish
When they’re done baking, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This helps them crisp up a little more! Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your crispy baked zucchini chips immediately for the best crunch. Enjoy your guilt-free snack while watching a movie or sharing with friends!
FAQ for Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips Recipe
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! You can try making chips with eggplant, carrots, or sweet potatoes using the same coating and baking technique. Just adjust the baking time according to the thickness of the slices.
How Can I Make These Chips Vegan?
You can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or a store-bought egg replacer. The chips will still be delicious and crispy!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose some crispiness, so try to enjoy them fresh for the best texture!
Why Aren’t My Chips Crispy Enough?
If your chips aren’t turning out as crispy as you’d like, make sure to slice the zucchini evenly (about 1/4 inch thick) and ensure that they’re not overlapping on the baking sheet. Lightly spraying them with cooking oil also helps achieve that crunch!
