Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips are a tasty snack that’s easy to make. Sliced zucchini gets coated with a little oil and seasoning, then baked until crunchy. Yummy and healthy!
If you’re like me, you’ll find it hard to stop munching on these! I love serving them with dip for a fun twist. They’re great for movie night or just when I need a crunchy bite! 🥒🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of this dish! Choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well too for a similar flavor and texture.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps with crisping. For a different profile, consider using avocado oil or even coconut oil.
Garlic Powder: It gives a nice flavor kick. If you prefer fresh herbs, garlic salt could also work as a substitute. Just reduce other salt in the recipe.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a lovely smoky touch, but feel free to skip it if you want a simpler taste. Regular paprika or cayenne can be used as alternatives for a different heat level.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Chips Extra Crispy?
The key to crunchy zucchini chips lies in how you prepare the slices. Here are my top tips:
- Slice thinly: Use a mandoline if possible for uniform thinness. Thick slices won’t crisp up as well.
- Pat dry: After slicing, pat the zucchini rounds with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Single layer: Spread the slices out on the baking sheet without overlapping them. This ensures even cooking.
- Low and slow: Baking at a low temperature for a longer time helps them dry out. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Flipping: Remember to flip them halfway through the baking time for even crisping.
These steps will help you score perfectly crunchy zucchini chips every time!
How to Make Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chips:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary or dried herbs (optional)
- Sea salt flakes for finishing (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10-15 minutes to prep, plus 1.5 to 2 hours to bake in the oven. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy snack with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash and thoroughly dry the zucchinis. Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to slice the zucchinis into very thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick or thinner. The thinner the slices, the crispier they’ll be!
3. Coat the Slices:
Place the zucchini slices in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss them gently to ensure each slice is evenly coated. This will help them become crispy when baked.
4. Season the Chips:
Sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper over the zucchini slices. Toss gently again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheets:
Lay the seasoned zucchini slices out on the lined baking sheets in a single layer. Make sure the slices don’t overlap for even cooking.
6. Bake Until Crispy:
Put the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Flip the chips halfway through the baking time to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them towards the end; you want them golden-brown and crispy!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once the chips are baked to perfection and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets. This helps them crisp up even more! If you’d like, garnish with fresh rosemary or a sprinkle of dried herbs and an extra pinch of sea salt flakes for added flavor.
8. Serve or Store:
Enjoy your crispy baked zucchini chips immediately for the best texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Perfect for snacking or serving with your favorite dip!
Enjoy Your Crunchy Snack!
These deliciously crispy baked zucchini chips are not only healthy but also super easy to make. They make for a fantastic snack anytime. Enjoy!
FAQ for Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
Can I Use Other Vegetables Besides Zucchini?
Absolutely! You can use vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or even kale. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and moisture content of the vegetable used. Sweet potatoes, for example, may take a bit longer to bake.
How Do I Prevent My Zucchini Chips from Getting Soggy?
To keep your zucchini chips crispy, make sure to slice them thinly and evenly, about 1/8 inch thick or thinner. Pat them dry with paper towels after slicing to remove excess moisture, and avoid overlapping the slices on the baking sheet.
Can I Adjust the Seasonings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the spices to suit your taste. You can experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or chili powder for added flavor. Just keep the olive oil and salt to help enhance the taste of the zucchini.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them crispy, avoid refrigerating them, as moisture may make them soggy. If they lose their crunch, you can re-crisp them in a preheated oven for a few minutes!
