Air Fryer Zucchini Chips Recipe

Active Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

40 mins

Servings:

These delicious air fryer zucchini chips are cheesy, salty, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. With panko for an extra crisp crust, and not one, but two Italian cheeses in the mix, they hit all the flavor and texture points needed to satisfy your snacking craving. We guarantee you can't eat just one.

If you have an air fryer, you need to make these chips tonight, and if you have been looking for a reason to purchase an air fryer, here it is. Air-frying means crispy, can't-believe-it-isn't-fried food, without the mess or guilt that comes with deep frying in oil.

When served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, these zucchini chips make the perfect appetizer for small gatherings, such as weekend brunches or porch parties. They also make for a fun side dish when served with pasta salads or sandwiches.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Zucchini: Choose zucchini that are similar in size and shape for more evenly-sized chips.
Kosher salt: Seasons and pulls out excess moisture from the zucchini before coating.
All-purpose flour: To lightly coat the zucchini and give the egg something to adhere to.
Black pepper: Seasons the flour coating along with salt.
Eggs: The glue the binds the flour coating to the panko breading.
Water: To lighten the egg mixture for a thinner coating.
Panko: Japanese-style breadcrumbs make for deliciously crunchy chips.
Parmesan cheese: Nutty, sharp, cheesy flavor.
Pecorino Romano cheese: A slightly tangy, earthy flavor that pairs well with the zucchini and Parmesan.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Mixed with the breadcrumb mixture to help promote even browning.
Canola oil cooking spray: To keep chips from sticking to the air fryer basket.

How To Make Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

These chips are ready in minutes, and much healthier than your standard fried chips. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Prepare zucchini slices: Place zucchini slices in an even layer on paper towels; sprinkle with salt and let stand 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Step 2. Prepare egg wash and coating: Mix flour, pepper, and remaining salt in one bowl; eggs and water in another bowl, and panko, cheeses, and oil in another.
Step 3. Coat zucchini chips: Dredge zucchini slices in seasoned flour, then egg mixture, then the panko breading. Place onto a baking sheet.
Step 4. Cook zucchini chips: Preheat air fryer to 390°F for 10 minutes. Coat basket with cooking spray; cook chips in batches, 3 1/2 to 4 minutes per side.

Preventing Soggy Zucchini Chips

The best way to keep any zucchini dish from becoming soggy or watery is to reduce the excess moisture before cooking. Zucchini is 95 percent water, and that liquid will be released as the zucchini cooks. Salting zucchini before using it, whether you're making chips, fritters, or lasagna, gives your dish the best chance at success.

Another tip? When using an air fryer, make sure to cook items in a single layer. Air fryers work by circulating hot air—if your items are stacked, the air can't properly circulate! Leave space between each chip for this reason. It may take longer to cook them in batches, but the results will be so worth it.

How To Store Zucchini Chips

These zucchini chips are best made and served hot. To reheat leftovers, pop back in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Zucchini chips are delicious on their own, but a dipping sauce is always welcome. Try:

Serve with sandwiches, swap out the fries for a healthier side with burgers, or just about anytime you're feeling snacky.

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini, cut crosswise 1/4-in.-thick slices
1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 Tbsp. water
2 cups panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs)
2 1/2 oz. Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (about 1 cup)
2 1/2 oz. pecorino Romano cheese, finely shredded (about 1 cup)
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Canola oil cooking spray

Directions

Prepare zucchini slices:

Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer on a plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Let stand 15 minutes, and blot dry.
Prepare egg wash and coating:

Whisk together flour, black pepper, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a shallow dish. Whisk together eggs and water in a separate shallow dish. Stir together panko, Parmesan, pecorino, and oil in a third shallow dish.
Coat zucchini chips:

Working in batches, dredge zucchini slices in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip in egg mixture, allowing excess drip, and dredge in panko mixture, pressing to adhere. Place slices on a rimmed baking sheet.
Cook zucchini chips:

Preheat a 6.3-quart air fryer to 390°F for 10 minutes. Coat air fryer basket with cooking spray. Working in batches, add zucchini slices to basket, and cook until golden brown and crisp, 3 1/2 to 4 minutes per side. Serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the type of cheese in zucchini chips?

Parmesan is a classic when it comes to creating a deliciously salty, crisp panko breading. If you don't have Pecorino on hand, substitute by using a bit more Parmesan in the mix. If you need to skip the cheese completely, you can.
Can I add different seasonings to zucchini chips?

Your chips, your way! Experiment by adding garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne, or any spices you love to the flour mixture.
What other types of snacks can I cook in the air fryer?

Pickle chips are a classic that are easily made in an air fryer, but you should also give pumpkin seeds, a bloomin' onion, and sweet potato fries a try.