These crispy baked zucchini chips are a fun and healthy snack! They’re crunchy, light, and super easy to make. Plus, they are a great way to enjoy your veggies without feeling guilty.
Sometimes I can’t stop munching on them! I love dipping them in salsa or hummus for an extra flavor kick. You won’t believe how quick and simple they are to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Fresh, medium zucchinis are key to crispy chips. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with yellow squash. I love using smaller zucchinis because they tend to be sweeter!
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps create that crispy texture. You can use avocado oil for a higher smoke point or even coconut oil if you want a hint of sweetness.
Garlic Powder: For a savory flavor, garlic powder is perfect. If you prefer fresh garlic, feel free to mince a clove and add it to the oil. Just note it may brown faster.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a smokey flavor; it’s optional but highly recommended. If you’re out, regular paprika or even cayenne pepper can add a unique twist!
Fresh Rosemary: It adds a fresh touch at the end. If you don’t have rosemary, dried herbs like thyme or oregano work well, too!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Zucchini Chips?
The secret to crispy chips lies in careful slicing and baking. The thinner you slice the zucchini, the crunchier they become. Here’s how to master it:
- Use a mandoline slicer for even thickness — aim for about 1/8 inch.
- Don’t skip the oil! It helps with browning and crunch.
- Baking at a low temperature ensures they dry out slowly; avoid higher temps that may cook them too quickly.
- Flipping halfway is essential to avoid sogginess and promote even crisping.
- Let them cool completely on the baking sheet for extra crunch!
Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips – Healthy Snack
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh rosemary leaves (for garnish, optional)
- Sea salt flakes (for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then 1 to 1.5 hours to bake. So, make sure to set aside about 1 hour and 15 minutes to whip up these delightful snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 225°F (110°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps keep the chips from sticking and makes cleanup easier!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Take the zucchinis and give them a good wash. Dry them off and slice them very thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be!
3. Coat the Zucchini Slices:
In a large bowl, place the sliced zucchini. Drizzle the olive oil over the slices and gently toss them to make sure each one is nicely coated. This oil will help them crisp up during baking.
4. Season the Chips:
Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper over the zucchini slices. Toss them a bit more to evenly distribute all those yummy seasonings. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Arrange and Bake:
Lay the seasoned zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they don’t overlap; this is key for getting them crispy. Pop the baking sheet into the oven!
6. Flip for Crispiness:
Bake the zucchini chips for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Flip the chips halfway through to ensure they crisp evenly. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time; they can go from crispy to burnt quickly!
7. Garnish and Cool:
Once they are crisp and slightly browned, remove the baking sheet from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with a little sea salt and garnish with fresh rosemary leaves. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet; they will become even crisper!
8. Enjoy Your Chips:
Your yummy, crunchy zucchini chips are now ready to eat! Enjoy them immediately, or store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
This easy recipe provides a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional snacks. Each bite is a satisfying crunch that makes snacking fun! Enjoy your crispy baked zucchini chips!
FAQ for Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! You can use other vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or beetroot. Just make sure to slice them thinly and adjust the baking time as needed, as different vegetables may require more or less time to become crispy.
How Can I Make These Chips Spicier?
If you enjoy a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to your seasoning mix. You can also toss the zucchini slices in some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chips?
Store any leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To re-crisp them, you can pop them back in the oven at 225°F (110°C) for about 10 minutes.
Can I Make These Chips in an Air Fryer?
Yes! If you’re using an air fryer, cook the zucchini chips at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. This results in a deliciously crispy texture!
