These Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Chips are crispy and tasty! Sliced zucchini is baked with garlic and sprinkled with cheesy goodness for a perfect snack.
They’re like potato chips but way healthier! I love munching on these while binge-watching my favorite shows. Every bite is a little crunch of happiness! 🤗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchinis are the stars of this dish. Look for ones that are bright and free of blemishes. If zucchini isn’t available, you can try eggplant or yellow squash for a similar texture.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using grated Parmesan for its strong flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a similar cheesy taste, or you can use vegan Parmesan cheese.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko adds extra crunch. If you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs work too, but the texture won’t be as light and crispy. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also great for a gluten-free version.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic creates the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work as a substitute, but you’ll need about 1/2 teaspoon for each clove.
How Do I Ensure My Zucchini Chips Are Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispiness can be tricky! Here are my tips to make sure your zucchini chips come out crunchy:
- Make sure your zucchini slices are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- Pat the zucchini slices dry with a paper towel before coating to remove excess moisture.
- Spraying the tops with cooking spray helps them brown and crisp up better.
- Bake at a high temperature (425°F) and avoid overcrowding the baking sheets, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
Following these tips should give you beautifully crispy zucchini chips every time!
Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Optional: ranch or garlic aioli for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 20 minutes for baking, giving you a total of about 30 minutes to enjoy these crunchy zucchini chips! That’s just enough time to get your favorite dipping sauce ready too!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare the Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them with cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make cleaning up easier!
2. Whisk the Eggs:
In a shallow bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together until nicely blended. This will be the first step in creating that delicious coating for the zucchini chips.
3. Mix the Coating:
In another shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried or fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. This cheesy mixture is what will give your chips that flavorful crunch!
4. Coat the Zucchini:
Take each zucchini slice and dip it into the whisked eggs, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat it thoroughly with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks well. This will ensure each slice is packed with flavor!
5. Bake the Zucchini Chips:
Arrange the coated zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure they’re not overlapping too much. A light spray of cooking spray on top will help them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
6. Baking Time:
Bake the zucchini chips in the preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through for even crisping. You want them to be golden brown and crispy on the edges.
7. Cooling & Serving:
Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the chips cool slightly. They’re best enjoyed warm! Serve them with ranch dressing or garlic aioli for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, homemade snacks!
These garlic Parmesan zucchini chips are not only crispy and cheesy but also a fantastic guilt-free treat! Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan gives a great flavor, you can use other cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino for a different twist. Just make sure they’re grated for easy coating!
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No problem! You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but they won’t give you the same crunchy texture. For an even healthier option, try using crushed nuts or oats instead.
How to Store Leftover Zucchini Chips?
Store any leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain their crispiness, you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving again!
Can I Add Other Seasonings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste!
