Summer means an abundance of fresh zucchini, and if you’re like me, you’re always looking for new ways to enjoy it. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic recipes for crispy zucchini that I know you’ll love. Whether you prefer the speed of an air fryer or the steady heat of your oven, I have you covered.
These recipes are simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for a light snack, a healthy side, or even an appetizer. Get ready to make some seriously crunchy zucchini!
Jump to Recipe:
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini: A Quick Snack
Making zucchini in the air fryer is one of my favorite quick methods. You get perfectly tender zucchini with a lovely crispy coating in just minutes.
This recipe is great as a side dish, a light appetizer, or simply when you want a warm, flavorful vegetable snack.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Air Fryer Zucchini
- Even Slicing: Cut your zucchini into pieces of similar size and thickness. This helps everything cook at the same rate and ensures uniform crispiness.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Cook the zucchini in a single layer in your air fryer. If you stack them, they will steam instead of crisp up. Work in batches if needed.
What You Need for Air Fryer Zucchini
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
Wash and dry your zucchini. Slice them into ½-inch thick rounds or sticks. In a medium bowl, toss the zucchini with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly coated.
Step 2: Air Fry for Crispiness
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the seasoned zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the zucchini is tender inside and golden crispy outside.
Step 3: Serve Hot
Carefully remove the crispy zucchini from the air fryer. If using, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese right after cooking so it melts slightly. Serve immediately and enjoy your quick and easy zucchini!
📝 Final Note
For extra crispiness, try not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in small batches ensures better air circulation and a crispier result every time.
Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips Recipe for Healthy Snacking
If you’re a fan of crunchy snacks, you absolutely have to try these baked zucchini chips. They are thin, incredibly crispy, and a wonderful way to enjoy vegetables.
I find these chips are perfect for dipping or just munching on their own. They’re a much lighter option than regular potato chips!
Key Ingredients & Tips for Baked Zucchini Chips
- Slice Them Thin: The thinner you slice your zucchini, the crispier your chips will be. I highly recommend using a mandoline slicer for consistent, paper-thin results.
- Dry Them Well: Zucchini holds a lot of water. After slicing, lay the pieces on paper towels and pat them dry. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving truly crispy chips.
What You Need for Baked Zucchini Chips
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
⏱️ Time: 45-60 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
Step 1: Slice and Dry Zucchini
Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C). Slice zucchini very thinly, about 1/16-inch thick, using a mandoline if you have one. Lay the slices on paper towels and pat them dry to remove as much moisture as possible.
Step 2: Season and Arrange
In a bowl, gently toss the dried zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or red pepper flakes. Arrange the seasoned slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Do not overlap them.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the zucchini chips are golden brown and crispy. Baking time can vary depending on thickness and oven, so keep an eye on them. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet; they will crisp up more as they cool.
📝 Final Note
Store baked zucchini chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they lose some crispiness, you can briefly reheat them in a low oven or air fryer.
