These Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are a quick, crispy, and healthy snack or side dish. Perfectly seasoned and air-fried to golden perfection, they pair wonderfully with your favorite dips or as an appetizer.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: 2-4
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini (or 2 smaller ones, about 12 ounces in total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour for a non-gluten-free option)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice Zucchini:
- Slice the zucchini into thin circles, about 1/8-inch thick. Thinner slices result in crispier chips but may require batch cooking if the air fryer is small.
- Prepare Zucchini Coating:
- In a large bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil.
- In a separate bowl, mix chickpea flour, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Coat Zucchini Slices:
- Dip each zucchini slice into the flour mixture, coating both sides. Shake off any excess.
- Cook Zucchini:
- Place the coated zucchini slices into the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
- Cook for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Check for doneness and crispiness.
- Flip slices and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Batch Cooking:
- If cooking in batches, repeat the coating and cooking process for the remaining zucchini slices.
- Once all batches are cooked, return all slices to the air fryer and heat for 2 minutes to ensure even warmth.
- Serve:
- Serve the zucchini chips warm as a side dish or with your favorite dip as an appetizer.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of creamy cucumber yogurt dip or tzatziki.
- Pair with marinara sauce for a tangy twist.
- Enjoy as a crispy side to grilled chicken or fish.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and herbs for extra flavor.
- Serve alongside a fresh garden salad for a light, balanced meal.
Cooking Tips
- Use uniform zucchini slices for even cooking.
- Shake off excess coating to avoid clumping.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference—add smoked paprika or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- For extra crispiness, spray a light mist of cooking oil on the coated slices before air frying.
Nutritional Benefits
- Zucchini: Low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Chickpea Flour: A gluten-free alternative rich in protein and fiber.
- Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats and enhances flavor.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free: Use chickpea flour to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Vegan: Contains no animal products.
- Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour instead of chickpea flour for fewer carbs.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~120
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: ~200 mg
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for crispiness.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may become soggy upon reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy with minimal ingredients.
- Healthier alternative to traditional fried chips.
- Customizable seasoning for a variety of flavors.
- Crispy, flavorful, and satisfying for snacks or sides.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are a deliciously crispy and guilt-free treat that’s simple to prepare. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these chips are sure to become a favorite for their flavor, texture, and versatility. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dip